Antique Pre-Civil War Quilt Signed Dated 1849 and 1885

This is an incredibly old and beautiful quilt. The top was started in 1849 by a woman, and finished herself before passing away sometime at the start of the Civil War.

The center block has handwriting on it in exquisite cursive giving the woman's name, the 1849 date, her hometown, and even a nostalgic but aspirational sentiment. Then it was given to her daughter or granddaughter in 1885 as can be seen in embroidery on the top. Everything is by hand - tiny, neat stitching in both piecing and quilting.

It is very moving to hold this quilt, look at the handwriting, and think of the woman who started this, and what her life might have been like living in the eastern seaboard 174 years ago. For perspective, my home state of Washington was admitted to the union in 1889.

I really don't want to sell this, but all net proceeds are going towards a humanitarian mission to Lviv, Ukraine.

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