What the heck is a "chest expander"?

[Dilbertian]

My dad used to have thing of metal coils connected to two wooden handles, which he would stretch to exercise his upper body, but I hardly think that's what is meant when new girl Aldred is given a 'chest expander' in Angela Brazil's A Fourth Form Friendship, published in 1912!

I think it means exactly what you described. They were pretty keen on physical fitness in those times - think of those muscular Art Deco women, jumping around doing callisthenics or whatever they used to call it.

Good question! Is it something to do with clothing?

'I must, I must, increase my bust' was common when I was young as a chant along side exercises.

That’s definitely the gadget. Throwing one’s arms backwards whilst chanting “I must, I must, I must increase my bust” was par for the course for young ladies.

Why they needed to increase their bust is anyones guess….

I think it means exactly what you described. They were pretty keen on physical fitness in those times

Yes, several of Angela Brazil's characters of that era go off to Physical Training colleges, to train as games/pe mistresses.

It would be for posture and breathing (expanding the lungs) as well as increasing chest/bust size.

You're right!

@Dilbertian

You're right!

Yay! Lovely to have our horizons (and chests) expanded