Very Rare 1855 Presentation Quilt - Pre-Civil War Folk Art -- 72"x96"

This is a Pre-Civil War, 1855, folk art quilt made in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York and signed and dated in multiple locations (see photos). It is a Presentation/Friendship Album Quilt that likely served as a presentation gift for a prominent community member or a departing minister and is signed its makers who are members of prominent Greenpoint-Brooklyn families in the 1850s, including:
• Mary L. Simonson (Greenpoint): Member of a foundational ship-owning family in Greenpoint; major supporters of the Methodist church.
• Anna W. Updike: Signed as contributor of 4 blocks in "April 1855".
• Mary Ann Updike: Signed in red ink on a companion block.
• Phebe S. Higbie & Catharine Higbie: Members of a prominent local family; Phebe dated her block 1855.
• Sister Hannah S.: from the Methodist "Sisterhood" or Ladies’ Aid Society.

The quilt, made of cottons and chintz, includes an American flag (with 13 stars, 13 stripes), along with motifs of horses, Antebellum couples, sewing notions, a cathedral, deer and even a lobster. It is also inscribed with poetic verses:
• "Beauty needs not the foreign aid of ornament but is when unadorned adorned the most." (From James Thomson’s "The Seasons", 1730).
And Multi-lingual Mottos:
• French: "Dieu vous a captivée pour toujours Union" (God has captivated you forever in Union).
• Latin: "Mutua Benevolentia—molles et bellissima" (Mutual Goodwill—gentle and most beautiful).
• The Friendship Verse: "Keep this as a link to keep of friendship's holy / Remember me".

Condition: The quilt is in good condition for a 170-year-old quilt, but as shown in the photos there is fabric loss along the border, in the sashing and in some of the red cotton-print blocks. The chintz fabrics are in very good condition and have minimal, if any, fabric loss. There is also some age-toning on the front and back, along with fading (see photos).

Details:
• Era: Pre-Civil War (Dated 1855 in multiple locations)
• Pattern: Folk Art Album/Presentation Quilt
• Technique: Exquisite hand-applique and intricate hand-quilting. The stitching is dense and skillful.
• Materials: Authentic mid-19th century "Turkey Red" and over-dyed green cottons, set against a creamy muslin background.
• Size: 76"x96"