Antique Blue & Red Wool Coverlet

 

Red White and Blue Rough Coverlet

It's in 3 panels -- another indication that it was home made.

I've been thinking about how the weaver would have made the blue and red sections.  Do you think that was clasped weft at the color change?   It makes this one look more like a quilt with a border all the way around.  The middle panel is easy enough to figure out -- same white warp, and change the color of the pattern weft for borders and mid sections.  But how did the do the color change on the side panels?

It's unusual to see the colors blocked out in this way. That's why I bought it: So I could study it. ;-)

 

The seaming of the panels is a bit rough, but that's understandable since the panels are heavy and course.  The fibers are packed tightly together and heavy. 

It's much heavier than I thought it would be -- That's one indication that it's old, I think.  The colors are still bright and bold which means it's been well taken care of through the years.

I've been pouring through my coverlet and weaving pattern books, but I have not quite been able to figure out what this pattern is.  Here are some possibilities:

What is the pattern?  I'm calling this one Table and Stars.  It's a very simple geometric pattern.

[Yes, that's the Raspberry Coverlet in the background.]

It was another nice coverlet on eBay--and reasonably priced.  I made this person an offer and she took it. ;-)

Overshot Coverlet - Hand Loomed – Antique 19th C – 77” x 66”

Purchase Price on eBay: $75

eBay item number:185878310879

Item specifics

Condition: Pre-owned

Seller Notes: “Overall Good condition. No notable wear or losses. Please see the photos.”

Brand: Handmade

Type: Coverlet

Size: 77” x 66” (8’ x 5’ 6”)

Color: Red & Blue

Style: Antique

Material: Cotton, Wool

Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899

Production Technique: Hand Woven

Item description from the Seller:

Measures:     77” x 66”   (8’ x 5’ 6”) 

Three panels joined.  No fringe,

Colors are blue & red.

The design is rather simple – yet attractive.  Weaving is somewhat rustic… somewhat crudely overcast joining the 3-panels.  Perhaps a rural or homecraft product. 

Not signed – but almost certainly American….

Condition: Overall Good condition. No notable wear or losses.

A rescue from an estate in metro Detroit Michigan…   

Here are the photos from the listing - just for documentation purposes: