BALTIMORE ALBUM QUILT
Crib Quilt
Unknown Quilt Maker(s)
Signed
55 x 55 inches
1840 - 1890
Cottons
This crib quilt held a bit of a mystery for us ~ so we studied it ~
and soon solved (we think) the puzzle.
Eight of the nine applique blocks are originals.
They were made during the classic period of Baltimore Album Quilts: 1840 -1850.
The ninth block (lower right corner), and the border and binding
are of a later era, circa 1890.
What we surmise happened here is this:
Around the turn of the century, someone (a daughter?) took the eight finished and original applique blocks and decided to make a quilt of them.
She needed just one more block for a nine square quilt.
She must have decided to simply copy one of the existing blocks, "Crossed Laurels."
She chose fabrics as close to
She used another early looking fabric for her borders and binding.
She did a great job!
Check out these blocks -- they are wonderful.
In the center is a "monument" block, an original.
This block, or variations of it, appear in many Baltimore Albums.
This monument here is usually called "Major Ringgold's Monument;"
it celebrated a popular Military hero (Samuel Ringgold)
of the Mexican American War (1846 - 1848).
The Mexican American War figures in another interesting way here.
The middle right block is a cactus, an odd choice for a woman in Baltimore.
Well, according to quilt historian, Patricia Cummings,
cacti became popular as a result of the Mexican American War.
Soldiers brought home cacti, Pat tells us,
and so the plants show up in the homes of Baltimore women ...
and on their Album quilts.
The red "Lyre" block in the center left is signed in ink, if a bit hard to read.
It may read "M. A. Muncey" ~ something close to that.
The name may indicate the maker, but may also celebrate or commemorate
someone loved or respected.
Center Top is a block covered with symbols of fraternal organizations ~
Masons and Odd Fellows, to be sure. Beautifully designed and appliqued.
The Heart, Butterflies and Birds block in the center bottom row, is wonderful.
The birds and butterflies are both reverse appliqued;
they have hand embroidery (wool yarn) around their outlines.
The beautiful heart wreath of appliqued cherries is also outline embroidered.
The quilt is exceptionally well made, in the tradition of the great Baltimore quilts.
The hand applique is fine and skillfully executed.
Dense hand quilting covers the surface.
It is Excellent Condition with only very minor flaws.
The quilt is separately bound and has been professionally washed.
What a Quilt ~ What a Find!
Price: $8,500
For more information CLICK HERE
(Please click on the photo to see it at full resolution)
Labels: BALTIMORE ALBUM CRIB $7850sale listed 10/4 3/21 7850