Antique Ocean Waves Quilt c.1885-1905 -- Exceptional Condition - Hand-Quilted - Museum Quality - 76"x76"

This exceptional antique Ocean Waves quilt, dating to circa 1885–1905, is a rare and beautifully preserved example of late 19th-century American quiltmaking. The quilt is entirely hand-pieced and hand-quilted, showcasing extraordinary workmanship in one of the most complex traditional quilt patterns.

The quilt is composed of late Victorian to early Edwardian cotton prints, including indigo and cadet blues, madder and copper-toned reds, woven-look checks, and tiny shirting-style prints on light grounds consistent with fabrics in 1880–1910.

The quilting is especially noteworthy. The borders are finished with a beautifully executed braided rope quilting motif, a traditional decorative pattern more commonly found in 19th-century quilts and rarely seen in later examples. The interior quilting is evenly spaced and finely stitched, demonstrating a high level of skill and time investment.

The back is a late 19th century woven cotton, a small-scale homespun-style black and white check commonly used for quilt backs and shirtings during the Victorian era. The binding is a red cotton print that has been hand-stitched to both sides. The cotton batting is lightweight.

Remarkably, this quilt has survived in unused, unwashed, near-mint condition. The colors remain vibrant, the fabrics are strong, and there is no fading, staining, or structural weakness. Quilts of this age are seldom found in such pristine condition and this one was likely made for a trousseau, best room, or kept carefully stored rather than used.

Details
• Pattern: Ocean Waves
• Date: circa 1885–1905
• Construction: Hand-pieced and hand-quilted
• Fabrics: Late 19th-century cotton prints (indigo blues, madder reds, shirtings, woven-look checks)
• Quilting: Decorative braided rope quilting along the border with consistent interior quilting
• Colors: Red, white, and blue with a deep green period border
• Condition: Unused, unwashed, exceptional antique condition
• Size: 76"x76"

This quilt comes from a smoke-free, pet-free home and is pictured on a queen-size bed.