Bidspirit auction | 1842 American Jacquard Double Weave

1842 American Jacquard Double Weave Coverlet signed Hannah L. Whitney - This is a large, two-piece Jacquard coverlet constructed from two woven panels joined by a central vertical seam. The textile is a double-woven construction, likely composed of wool and cotton, featuring a reversible design in navy blue and terracotta red. The central field is decorated with a repeating pattern of stylized floral medallions and rose sprays. The borders feature a double-bird and thistle motif framed by scrolling floral vine guards. The corner blocks contain woven inscriptions in serif block lettering. A corner block (visible in photo 2 and 13) features a woven name reading HANNAH L. WHITNEY. In an adjacent block, the textile is dated with woven text reading AD 1842.SI42. Portions of the text appear mirrored or inverted due to the reversible weaving process. Width: 76.5 inches Length: 88.5 inches. The coverlet shows significant signs of age and structural damage. There are multiple large holes and losses, most notably a large irregular loss in the corner block containing the signature (photo 2 and 13). There is a significant vertical split or tear extending several inches from the lower edge (photo 6 and 7). Frayed edges and loose threads are visible along the perimeter (photo 8 and 10). Several small holes and areas of thread loss are scattered throughout the floral field (photo 4 and 5). Some light discoloration and staining consistent with the age of the textile are present.