On Thursday I payed a visit to my Chiropractor and then drove on to a small town near by and pulled up at the traffic lights and glanced right and couldn't believe my eyes. I sat transfixed until someone tooted me and I had to make my right turn.
I immediately parked the car and walked back to find this Quilt in the Antique dealers window.
You can see I took a couple of photos through the window but the temptation was to great I had to go in.
The two guys that were in the shop deal in Campaign Furniture and told me it was a soldiers quilt made from scraps of wool uniforms- They say it is from The Crimea war. I couldn't get close as they had a huge blanket hanging in front of it so you could only see it through the glass.
My initial thought when I was sitting at those traffic lights that is was a Welsh Wool quilt. But they assured me not. I should have asked what provenience they have for it . As to its date they say 1850's.
So if Mary Jenkins reads this post maybe you could give me your thoughts?
If I could have afforded it I would have bought it but 3.750.00 pounds was certainly to rich for my pocket.
They kindly gave me the catalogue with a photo of it and the description reads.
Quilts such as this one were made by soldiers out of scraps of uniform and other material that came to hand, which explains why red is often the dominant colour. Soldiers were encouraged in such work in the belief that if their spare time was taken with a hobby they would be less likely to drink or gamble.
So carry on stitching it might just save us ALL from a life of drinking and gambling. LOL
Sue
what a beautiful quilt I would love to just make it too!
ReplyDeletered , black and grey what a beautiful color combo in mho.
and the four corner blocks is that a tan/cream color? or gold?
it glows in the catalog I certainly understand why you wanted to buy the quilt its a beauty.
Kathie
I knew we all quilted for a reason...keeps us out of pubs and casinos! Like our money doesn't fly away fast enough in quilt shops...but at least we bring a little bag home with us from there! Thank you for a delight post...and a wonderful insight into antique quilts and the soldiers that made them.
ReplyDeleteWell spotted Sue and this looks such an interesting quilt. It will be interesting to see if more information comes to light. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, Have just picked up your post. I agree with you, my first re-action is that looks like a Welsh quilt not a soldier's quilt. The price is high for a Welsh wool block quilt but not for a soldier's quilt which may explain their claim. I have been peering at it and it looks like it's quilted - soldier or tailor's quilts weren't quilted and although wonderfully graphic, it isn't meticulous enough for a miliary quilt. I am going to forward your post to Jen Jones and see what she thinks! Will let you know!
ReplyDeleteWow, how interesting. I love this quilt, too! I hope that they take it out of the window so that it won't fade!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting quilt!! What a surprise to see as you're driving along. It's also interesting to read Mary Jenkins's comment.
ReplyDeleteLove your remark about drinking and gambling - I'll have to tell my husband that one :0)
What a fantastic quilt and interesting discovery!!
ReplyDeletegreat graphic quilt.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Illinois, I used to pass an antique shop that almost always had a display in a corner window, it's a miracle I never crashed my car when they changed the display ;)
Too funny, Sue! And a wonderful quilt. I love it when they have a history to them. My quilt history group just had a report on soldiers quilting, and I find that fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quilt. Makes think of those sore soldiers sitting around the fire...they would never have bet on this! Lol
ReplyDeleteLovely blog. Xo
Typed sore, meant sober... But either way. Still chuckling. Lol
ReplyDelete