Antique 1870s Indigo Checkerboard Quilt with beautiful backing fabric (43" x 81")

This unusual and very old (1870s) Checkerboard Quilt is narrow and long and was likely originally made for a child's bed, a nurse's cot or a narrow rope bed. It is hand-pieced in a simple checkerboard layout combining rich indigo calico blocks with softly faded cotton shirtings, stripes and plaids. It is hand-quilted in a straight grid pattern.

The backing is the highlight of this quilt and is a wonderful red-on-white printed cotton featuring scrolling paisley-style motifs in an early print that adds significant charm and appeal. Rather than batting, the quilt was constructed with an indigo and white striped shirting fabric between the top and backing of the quilt. See photos.

The quilt is in worn antique condition, with antique toning and shattered/shredded shirtings fabrics as can be seen in the photos. Unlike the indigo print, these shirtings were likely starched prior to being incorporated into the quilt, which leads to more rapid deterioration of the fabric. The quilt is not perfect, but still beautiful as authentic farmhouse decor with genuine 1870s textiles.

The quilt icomes from a smoke-free and pet-free home. It measures 43 inches by 81 inches. Shown on a queen-size bed.