Antique Foundation Pieced Fan Quilt Top – Dated 1897 and 1898 -- 43” x 50”

This is an extraordinary antique foundation pieced fan quilt top dated 1897 and 1898 and it is a beautifully constructed small quilt top composed of repeating quarter-fan blocks, each foundation pieced and embellished with lovely hand embroidery.

The quilt incorporates an impressive variety of luxury fabrics including silks, velvets, ribbed weaves, jacquards, and fine cottons. Several blocks include period embroidered motifs (floral sprays, cherries, birds) and printed advertising silks, including examples such as “Canfield Hatter & Furrier – Omaha, Neb.” and “Penetang – No. 1 Brand.” These advertising ribbons and trade silks were popular collectibles in the 1880s–1890s.

Each curved fan is outlined with decorative feather stitch embroidery, adding movement and definition to the design. The foundation piecing is precise and consistent, typical of the era when dress silks and garment remnants were repurposed into decorative quilt tops.

This is a quilt top only — it has not been quilted and contains no batting or backing.

The quilt is in excellent antique condition with minor thinning but overall structurally sound and beautiful.

Details:
• Date: 1897 and 1898 (stitched into the quilt)
• Pattern: Foundation Pieced Quarter Fans
• Size: 43” x 50”
• Materials: Silks, velvets, jacquards, cottons, embroidered and advertising ribbon silks
• Construction: Hand pieced and hand embroidered