Q8601 Blue and Red Prince’s Feather
c.1870
74 x 76
Pennsylvania
$4,800

Wow! What an amazingly graphic quilt created in a dynamic four block Prince’s Feather pattern. The four block configuration is indicative of this era. The quiltmaker used the striking color combination of Turkey red on a blue floral background to further add to the feeling of movement created by the Prince’s Feather pattern. In unused condition, entirely hand appliqued and hand quilted with diagonal lines spaced one inch apart across the surface of the quilt. An undulating Turkey red border echoes the plumes in the quilt, and each of the four corners contains a 6 inch diameter circular “gear”. We could speculate that this very unusual variation of the plumes’ edge could also be a nod to the family’s occupation of manufacturing. The entire double border measures 8 ½ inches wide, including the 1 ½ inch inner border of Turkey red. The ¼ inch binding has been turned from the front to the back, and the backing is a wholecloth geometric calico, dating circa 1870 or earlier.

Professionally hand washed by Betsey.