Antique 1890s Postage Stamp Around the World Quilt: 1/2-inch squares - hand-quilted; 58"x68"

This exceptional postage stamp antique “Around the World” quilt dates to the late 19th century (circa 1890s) and showcases one of the most admired achievements in American quiltmaking: extraordinarily small, hand-pieced concentric squares arranged in a perfectly balanced color progression. The individual pieces are actually smaller than a postage stamp - just 1/2-inch square, a scale that required immense patience, skill, and time—making miniature-pieced examples like this increasingly scarce and highly collectible.

The quilt is entirely hand-pieced and hand-quilted, constructed from a beautiful mix of period cottons including early indigo blues, turkey reds, shirtings, dots, and small florals typical of the 1880s-1890s. The colors remain remarkably harmonious, with the classic “Trip Around the World” visual movement drawing the eye from center to edge. The tiny hand-quilting is in diagonals.

The back is off-white muslin while the binding is very narrow black cotton that has been hand-stitched to both sides. The cotton batting is lightweight.

The quilt is in very good antique condition with some minor thinning/fabric loss as shown in the photos. Light wear and minor edge wear consistent with age. No major losses or structural issues.

Details
• Pattern: Around the World / Trip Around the World
• Date: Circa 1890s
• Construction: Hand-pieced & hand-quilted
• Size: 58” x 68”
• Materials: Antique cottons (no synthetics)
• Backing: Plain woven cotton
• Quilting: Hand-quilted diagonal lines
• Binding: Narrow, hand-finished

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