coverlet; Figured and Fancy, double cloth; c. 1850; poss. West Virginia

An unknown weaver created this blue and white, Figured and Fancy, double cloth coverlet circa 1850. The coverlet was purchased in West Virginia but could have been woven in Ohio and traded down the Ohio River. Weavers tended to establish their operations near navigable waterways for both transportation of goods, use of water power, and proximity to carding mills operating on water power. The centerfield design is an elaborate carpet medallion patter composed of highly stylized floral medallions, peacock feathers, and coral-like designs usually associated with Scots-Irish weavers. The blue and white double cloth structure is also indicative of a Scots-Irish weaver. The three-sided border features floral designs with eagles in the style of Pennsylvania weaver, Henry Oberly. There are cornerblocks in the two lower corners which hold the clue to identifying the weaver. The trademark appears to be a sunflower with dots in the four corners. There is self-fringe along three sides. The coverlet is constructed of two panels which were woven as one length, cut, and seamed to create the finished width. The coverlet measures 92 inches by 84 inches. There were known coverlet manufactories in Northern West Virginia, particularly in the Wheeling and Jefferson County areas.

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