1784 Overshot Coverlet
- Description
- The weaver and original owner of this very complex, well worn, single-woven, linen, cotton and wool, overshot coverlet, dated 1784, are unknown. The letters “E M” and the date are woven into the coverlet on the lower right hand side, using a hand technique. We do not know if
- “E M” stands for name of the owner or the weaver. In the 18th century it was not unusual for textiles to be marked with the initials of the owner, but it was usually done with embroidery. The initials identified the coverlet as the woman's property. Women could own and inherit "moveable" property.
- The overall patterns used in this coverlet are “Rose” and “Tables,” and there are two shades of indigo blue used in a band effect. The coverlet was woven in two sections, and then sewn together. The original size of the sections and the coverlet as a whole are unknown, as there are no original edges present. This coverlet was found in Massachusetts. In the18th century, a young woman might commission the weaving of a coverlet or receive one as a gift, and put it in her dowry (hope chest) saving it for use after marriage.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- coverlet, overshot
- date made
- 1784
- maker
- unknown
- Physical Description
- cotton, linen and wool (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 76 in x 66 1/2 in; 193.04 cm x 168.91 cm
- place made
- United States: New Hampshire
- ID Number
- 1979.0723.1
- accession number
- 1979.0723
- catalog number
- 1979.0723.1
- subject
- Domestic Furnishings
- Textiles
- Coverlets
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Textiles
- Coverlets
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
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