Collecting Quilts

In 1996, when I began researching for my book, “Collecting Quilts,” I quickly realized that research is a must. Would you recognize a Kapa, Crazy quilt, or a Trapunto quilt if you came across one at a rummage or estate sale? What about an Amish quilt? These are but a few of the many names that describe the techniques used in quilt-making. With prices for some of the more unusual antique and vintage quilts ranging over $1,000, it is worth the time spent to research the many books and museum collections on the subject. Consider the once-humble “Crazy quilt.” For many years examples never made it to major auction houses. Not so today if the designs and materials contain historical or unusual motifs.

Historically, one of the earliest forms of quilting that began in 14th-century Italy found its way to America by the 18th century. This technique was used here from 1800 through the Civil War. Two layers of cloth were stitched together with a design. A signature of a family member made them more important. Popular motifs were flowers and vines; when used with batting stuffing in the largest design, areas it had a “quilted” look. Popular motifs were flowers and vines.

Collecting fads may come and go,­ but items decorated with historic American subjects still attract a new generation of current collectors. While scrolling the Internet I discovered there is also a new generation of folk artists using the American flag as a motif. One reason for collector interest is the diversity of categories ranging from Native American beadwork and whiskey flasks to carvings, furniture and textiles. The subjects include the stars and stripes, the Great Seal, bald eagle and historic American founding fathers and military leaders.

Historically, the eagle appeared in ancient Greece and Rome on coins, medals and gems, often with a palm branch in its talons and on the standards of Roman legions. Fast forward to 1777, when it appeared on a New York token of lead or brass. American history on cloth began that same year of the revolution, possibly with a silk kerchief depicting George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental army.

While many examples of all historic categories are in museums, they often are available through dealers, auctions and estate sales. The problem is, most cost thousands of dollars. The good news is that quality reproductions of many pieces are considered serious collectibles. Prices are affordable. Also, many categories, such as whiskey flasks, small pieces of 18^th- and early 19^th-century wood furniture are not currently popular.

CLUES – The celebration of the American revolution in the 1920s and 1930s resulted in many reproductions. Determining authentic early pieces requires research of materials and artisan techniques. For example, early cabinets and desks were made to stand against the wall. The backs were unfinished. Reproductions have finished backs.

Many unusual objects dating to the American Revolution may sit in family attics and basements, awaiting discovery. Would you recognize an example of scherenschnitte? This paper cutting art form came to America from Germany during the American Revolution. Examples depicted the American eagle and other symbols of liberty. A dealer price could be more than $2,000.

Old stoneware jugs and crocks with patriotic symbols depicted in blue paint became popular collectibles in the 1960s. This resulted in reproductions. These days, 19^th-century examples are sold at specialized auctions like Crocker Farms for $1,000 or more. However, there are still discoveries being made on renovated farmlands. The same goes for glass whiskey bottles and flasks with engraved portraits of American presidents, the flag and shields. Reproductions were made in the early 20^th century and are seriously collected.

Early 19^th century American cabinet makers were quick to capitalize on growing, post-revolution patriotic fervor. Magnificent highboys were topped with gilt and wood carved figural eagles and flags as well as carved busts of George Washington. Other cabinet pieces were inlaid with varied veneer wood inlays of eagles and American shields. 

Frakturs show family history in pictures

These days when we get a printed birth or marriage certificate, we put the document in a drawer or bank document box. It was a far different matter back in the early 18th century. There was no bureau of vital statistics. The result was the appearance of documents called “Frakturs” by the German Americans who immigrated to America at the time. They settled around Berks County, NY, and Lancaster PA (and later, to York County, NY). Their colorfully illustrated documents were framed and hung on the wall.

Frakturs are now considered an art form. When examples recently came to a Pooks and Pooks June auction, price results ranged from $2,000 to $7,000. They were from the collection of Donald and Patricia Herr. Many are in museum collections in America and around the world as folk art.

Historically, the first Fraktur typefaces originated in Germany in the early 16th century. The word “fraktur” refers to the broken appearance of the Gothic or Old English style of printing. The correct pronunciation is “frock-tour.” The first examples were horizontal and later became vertical.

In America, the immigrants continued the German tradition of making Frakturs. Highly ornamental, hand-drawn and colored, they were done by the educated members of the community, which included schoolmasters, clergymen or itinerant artists. The schoolmaster had to do legal papers of births, baptisms and marriages.

Their illustrations came from a variety of sources such as textile pattern books from European countries. Also popular were illustrations of stylized birds and animals. Other subjects were adapted from heraldic drawings, including unicorns and mermaids. Many had elaborate borders with scroll work or bird wings. An unusual border depicting Adam and Eve was used on birth certificates by George Frederich Speyer (1714-1801).

Frakturs required skill just to make paper and create the proper illuminated inks, tints and dyes. Examples were not always signed. A signature by a known artist raises the value. Two important Pennsylvania Fraktur artists who signed were Henrich Lehn and David Herr. Their colorfully illustrated Frakturs can fetch $7,000 or more at auction.

Many Fraktur artists were itinerant. They often prepared their documents before traveling and created the artwork, leaving blank spaces to be filled in by the buyers. The results were framed and displayed. 

Commemorative items for Collectors

The recent celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee has created many commemorative items for collectors. There are t-shirts, coffee mugs and cushion covers, to mention only a few.

Famous people from presidents to inventors and celebrities have been immortalized as collectible objects — George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Martin Luther King Jr. among them.

Historical events from battles to Charles Lindbergh’s solo, nonstop transatlantic flight to actors and musical groups have been and are being made by limited editions companies such as The Bradford Exchange. While early examples are mostly in museums, many still come up at auctions. Who knows how many are awaiting your discovery?

Historically, commemorative and jubilee souvenir items go back several hundreds of years. European and American history used plates, figurines and a variety of ceramics and glass to display political and cultural events and causes.

The earliest British Jubilee commemorative item is a Delftware plate made late in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in 1600. In 1680, a commemorative mug was made during the reign of Charles II.

Developments in manufacturing techniques allowing images and designs to be transferred to pottery in the early 19th century were created in 1760.  A Worcester pitcher was made commemorating the death of King George II. One side showed his likeness, the other one of his naval battles. A current price offering one is $9,000.       

Chicago’s World’s Fair in 1933 and New York’s World’s Fair in 1964 created many types of souvenirs still available and inexpensive. The Union Pacific exhibit handed out aluminum coins to promote the use of metal in their new trains.

Commemorative items often had a dark side. In Great Britain there was a serious Abolitionist movement beginning in 1783 to end slavery in the United Kingdom and the world. In 1833, an act of Parliament in most British Colonies was passed, freeing more than 800,000 enslaved Africans in the Caribbean, South Africa and Canada.