Antique 1897 Victorian Signature Quilt – Indiana Church Group – 84" x 86"

This is an extraordinary 1897 signature/presentation/subscription quilt done in a Thousand Triangles pattern and dated August 1897. It is associated with the Eastern Indiana Christian Conference (Christian Connection / Disciples of Christ) and has hundreds of embroidered signatures. These quilts were often created as fundraising or commemorative works in the late 19th century, with individuals contributing to have their names included. The quilt is hand-tied, not quilted.

The Thousand Pyramids are put together with rich silks, satins, and taffetas, with the outline of each triangle carefully embroidered, in addition to the embroidered signatures. The use of luxurious fabrics and elaborate embroidery reflects both Victorian decorative sensibilities and the importance of the individuals/community represented.

The signatures include influential regional religious leaders of the era, including:
* Rev. C.V. Strickland – noted hymn writer and musical director (Marion/Huntington, Indiana)
* Rev. D.B. Atkinson – educator and future college president
* Rev. G.A. Melson
* Members of the Timberman and Plank families

The back is amber/vermillion cotton that has been turned to the front and machine-stitched to form the binding. The cotton batting is lightweight.

CONDITION: The quilt is in very good antique condition with:
* Areas of fabric wear and fragility, including several shattered silks and a frayed binding
* Thinning/thread loss in some of the embroidered signatures
Despite this, the quilt remains structurally intact and sturdy.

Details:
* Pattern: Thousand Pyramids (Brackman #1184)
* Materials: Silk, satin, and taffeta
* Size: 84" x 86"
* Construction: Hand-pieced and hand-embroidered
* Stitching: Decorative feather, briar, and embroidery stitches throughout
* Style: Transitional form bridging Crazy Quilt aesthetics and more structured geometric layouts
For collectors of:
* Antique quilts
* Indiana or Midwest history
* Religious ephemera
* Victorian textiles

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