Woven Doublecloth Coverlet

Date1836 (dated)

MediumCotton and wool

DimensionsOL: 78" OW: 71 1/2"

Credit LineBequest of Margaret H. (Mrs. Robert S.) Davies

Object number1975.609.9

DescriptionThis coverlet is a blue and white double woven coverlet, which is made from two pieces of woven fabric that have been stitched together to form a center seam. The center ground consists of rows of diamonds and round floral motifs, which consist of lilies (pattern name "Lilies of France"). This is surrounded on three sides by a border of trees and eagles. The lower two corners contain a corner block with "C/ SAYLES/ N Y/ 1836" woven into it. The coverlet has fringe on the bottom edge, which was woven with the piece. The two long sides of the coverlet are selvedge edges and the top edge has a rolled hem.
The weaver is unidentified.
Label TextSide and foot borders of eagles were combined with the interior pattern called "Lilies of France" by a variety of weavers working over a broad geographic area. Philip Hilliard of Northampton County, Pennsylvania; J. M. Davidson of Medina County, Ohio; J. Stiff of Sussex County, New Jersey, and Pike County, Pennsylvania; and Garrett William Van Doren (ca. 1811-?) of Somerset County, New Jersey, are some of the better-known weavers who produced examples of this popular combination. Of these, the eagle motif used by Philip Hilliard very nearly matches that used by the unidentified weaver of the New York state coverlet shown here.
InscribedWoven into the lower corner blocks is "C/ SAYLES/ NY/ 1836."
MarkingsWoven into the lower corner blocks is "C/ SAYLES/ NY/ 1836."
ProvenanceFrom the estate of Margaret H. Davies; ownership prior to the donor's is unknown.

The weaver of the coverlet is unidentified.