Images(2)

Textile Stamp

Dateca. 1850

OriginAmerica

MediumLead and fruitwood

Dimensions2" x 3" (5 x 8 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Object number1971-2044

DescriptionThis is a textile and quilt stamp made of lead with a fruitwood handle. The lead surface is engraved with the name "Jacob Bower" in a banner, which is surrounded by fowers and leaves.
Label TextIt was common by the late 1840s for the creators of quilt blocks to personalize their work with signatures, dates, place names, and other inscriptions. Stencils and stamps designed specifically for marking textiles made it easier for quilt makers to individualize blocks. This stamp was probably used by female members of the Bower family to autograph and add inked embellishment to quilts and other family texitles.
Markings"Jacob Bower"
ProvenanceNo provenance other than anonymous donor is known.