Antique Jacob’s Ladder Quilt c.1910–1920s | Hand Quilted | Early 20th Century Cotton Quilt; 72"x84"

This beautiful antique Jacob’s Ladder quilt dates to the early 20th century (circa 1910–1920s). It is entirely hand pieced and hand quilted using classic cotton shirtings and period fabrics. The palette features soft blues, celadon greens, cheddar yellow, warm browns, and pale pinks, all set against traditional white ground fabrics and framed by a charming small-scale floral sashing.

The hand quilting is not only finely done in diagonals and outlines of the patchwork, but along the four-sided green border it is in an inventive swirl/wave pattern that follows the entire border. The back is the same green cotton while instead of binding both sides have been turned inward and sewn together. The cotton batting is lightweight and unsized.

The quilt is in generally excellent condition, but three blocks at one end of the quilt are a silk/cotton mix and the silks have shattered (see photos). Such shattering is due to the addition of metal salts to silks and silk blends in the manufacturing process until the late 1920s, a practice that led to faster deterioration of the fabric. The wear is localized, stable, and consistent with the quilt’s age.

Details:
• Pattern: Jacob’s Ladder
• Date: c.1910–1920s
• Size: 72” x 84”
• Construction: Hand pieced & hand quilted
• Materials: Antique cottons, three blocks contain silk blends
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with localized fabric loss in three blocks containing silk blends

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