The vest-stretcher. Photo: Eirik Aspelund Linder
Industrial pioneer Christian Frederiksen (1865-1929) at Melbu was a handsome gentleman; Always well-dressed, in stiff collars, top hat, gloves and with a modern swivel mustache. In the collection at Melbo Manor we have several of his clothes. Including this slightly bemusing object.
We call it a vest-stretcher
It works like a waist belt, which is fastened in the back. On the front, it has buttons and two snips, like on a vest. If you should be unlucky enough to put on your finery, and discover that your belly may have grown a little since last time, the vest stretcher would probably be good to have. You fastened it around your waist, and when you put on the waist coat, no one would know that your vest was still hanging upstairs in our cubbard, and you could move comfortably in finer circles without worrying about critical glances and comments from members of the rest of society.