Four Color Antique Federal Eagle Hand Loomed Jacquard-Woven Coverlet Civil War Era

This is a 19th century red, white, blue and sage green antique, hand loomed, jacquard-woven coverlet probably from about 1830-1864, most likely 1861-63.  I am guessing those dates because this particular color of sage green was popular in the 30’s and 40’s and the combination of red, white, blue and green was popular from 1830-1860’s.  Since there are 34 stars around each eagle, it is very possible that the coverlet was woven between January 1861 and July 4, 1863, the time during which there were 34 stars on the American flag.

I purchased the coverlet in New Hampshire, and I believe that before that it came from an estate in Boston, but there is a good chance it was made in Pennsylvania, Ohio or New York, the main areas for jacquard style weaving in the 19th century.  But as it seems like the eagle motif was particularly popular in Pennsylvania weavings there is a slightly greater chance that it was woven there. 

There are four large Federal style American eagles, one in each corner of the coverlet.  The eagles are very nicely detailed and well executed.  They are each shown clutching a shield, arrows and surrounded by 34 stars, oak leaves and acorns.  There is a center medallion made up of flowers and a border of leafy type scrolls and flowers with imaginative flowers with buds or acorns at the corners.  There is also a very interesting variety of background and filler designs that compliment each other well and add variety and depth to the composition including triangles, diamonds, chevrons, zig zags and basketweave.  Over all it is a very pleasing and balance design.

The coverlet is made of one whole cloth, so it was hand woven on a large loom.    It appears and feels to be wool, but I have not done any tests.  The colors are still quite vivid.  There is some loss to the fringes on the three sides, especially on one side.  The fourth side, the top, appears to be the selvage and has been hemmed.  There are a few small area where the upper layer of colored pattern has been worn away, but the under layer of thick, off-white yarn is still intact, so the fabric is still whole there.  Besides that the cloth is still quite strong and sturdy.  It has great body, and is not weak at all.  There are scattered light brownish yellow spots on some areas near the edges.  I have not made any attempt to clean them, leaving that for the new owner.  Most of them show more on one side than the other.  They are fairly light and do not detract too much from the presentation of the coverlet.

This would make a beautiful display piece, but I think it could also be used if you were careful with it.

Coverlet approximately 5 lb.

72-73" square.