Rare crinoline/wire hoop skirt made by W.S. & E.H. Thomson (England) company, from the 1870s. On the back the number of this type crinoline is 375. Steel hoops and fabric in the lower third. The crinoline is in good condition, although the fabric parts are a bit stained. Rare to find.
The variety of different crinoline styles on the market was huge. Spring steel was the most popular material for the frame because it was flexible. In Sheffield, manufacturers produced enough crinoline wire each week to make over half a million crinolines. Although crinolines were light, women often found them cumbersome and restrictive.