Antique 1880s Log Cabin Crib-Size Quilt – 19th Century – 25.5” x 38”

This small Log Cabin Quilt, circa 1880-1900, is made from a large catalog of late 19th century fabrics including:
• "Shirting" prints (small geometric motifs on white or cream grounds) and "utility" prints.
• "Turkey Red" Centers: The use of bright red squares for the "hearth" (center) was a standard convention of the period. The specific shade of red and the wear patterns on some of those squares are consistent with late 19th-century dyeing processes.
• Chrome Yellow & Indigo Centers: "Chrome Yellow" (a mineral dye that often turns slightly mustard over time) and "Indigo discharge" prints (blue with white dots or small patterns).
• Brown/Madder Prints: There are several chocolate brown and "Purpleside" prints featuring sprigs and swirls that were very common in the post-Civil War era through the 1890s.

The quilt has been foundation-pieced onto muslin then backed with an interesting red and black "cheater-cloth" cotton that includes motifs of 18th Century zoological engravings of a Rhinoceros, a parrot and a lion, characteristic of the Victorian interest in exotic animals, along with a complex arrangement of stars, diamonds, and plaid-patterned "patches" printed on a single bolt of fabric, likely made by a manufacturer like Cocheco or Merrimack.

Because it is foundation-pieced, it has not been quilted - instead the front has been basted to the back and the binding is a red and black floral that has been machine-and-hand-stitched to both sides. There is no batting - just the muslin foundation between the front and back.

At 25 1/2" x 38", this was likely intended as a cradle quilt and the fine scale of the logs - all between 1/4" and 1/2" wide - suggests a maker with significant skill.

CONDITION: This more than 130-year-old quilt is in very good antique condition, with age-related fading and some fabric loss and thinning, most notably in the red and chrome yellow centers (see photos) but also in at least one "log" which has an old repair (see photos). One corner of the back also has a small (1/2 inch) repair that appears to be at least 80 years old. It remains structurally sound and intact.

Details:
• Size: 25 1/2” x 38”, with logs between 1/4" and 1/2" wide
• Pattern: Log Cabin
• Date: Circa 1880-1900
• Construction: Hand-foundation-pieced
• Batting: No batting, just the muslin foundation
• Colors: Red, yellow, aqua, brown, cream, black

The quilt comes from a smoke-free, pet-free home.