Antique Mariner’s Compass Quilt c. 1845–1860 – Stunning Chrome Orange Sashing – 69” x 86”

This mid-19th century Mariner’s Compass Quilt is made of hundreds of sharp, hard-to-piece triangle points which is why this pattern is known for its complexity and the exceptional precision it requires to execute cleanly—and this maker clearly had both skill and patience.

The quilt has a grid of 20 compass blocks, each composed of finely pieced radiating points set into soft green squares and framed by vibrant chrome yellow sashing. Nineteen of the blocks are tan, white, chrome orange and light blue, while the 20th is red, white, cheddar and dark blue. Early compass quilts were often made with one contrasting compass like this, apparently to signify a "true north" or guiding star.

The hand-quilting is fine, precise and very tiny and is in outlines of the patchwork as well as in double diagonals along the sashing. The back is a plain off-white homespun cotton while the binding is green cotton that has been hand-stitched to both sides. The cotton batting is lightweight.

CONDITION: The quilt is in very good antique condition and is sturdy and beautiful, but does have condition issues, including:
* Scattered minor fabric wear and splitting, especially in some parts of the chrome orange sashing (see photos)
* Fading of the fabrics, which in the chrome orange is uneven due to the nature of the unstable dyes used on textiles more than 150 years ago. See photos.
* Binding has faded and has split at its edge, though fraying is minimal. See photos.

Details:
* Size: 69” x 86”
* Circa 1845–1860
* Classic mid-19th century Mariner’s Compass pattern at the height of its popularity
* Hand pieced and hand quilted
* Early cotton fabrics including:
* Chrome orange (“cheddar”) sashing
* Soft sage/blue-green grounds
* Cream and tan compass points (likely early madder and vegetable dyes)
* One multicolor compass with early fugitive pink and Prussian blue tones
* Fine, dense hand quilting throughout
* Provenance: The quilt comes from Connecticut

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