Knitted Under-Stays, 1875

Meant to be worn beneath the corset for extra warmth. No finished size, gauge, or needle sizes given and no explanation of how it should be closed in the back. Possibly it was sewn up the back like a tube top and the buttonhole stitching is around the top and bottom edges. The only similar patterns to this I've found thus far have been crocheted out of cotton cord, laced up the back, and were meant to be used as lightweight stays for ladies and children.