Maryland coverlet by William H. Gernand for J. Shafer, 1862, tied beiderwand
Entry/Object ID
2014.1.016
Description
This figured & fancy coverlet was woven by William Henry Gernand for J. Shafer in 1862. The two cornerblocks read "W. H. Gernand, damask coverlet manufacturer, Westminster Carroll County MD 1862." The lower left cornerblock is also inscribed "J. Shafer" (backwards) above the signature.
The coverlet was woven in two panels, which are joined by a center seam. It has a centerfield pattern of sunflower medallions and double ferns with smaller star motifs; the pattern repeats horizontally 3.5 times. It has a border of vines with long leaves and birds on the sides and bottom. The coverlet has horizontal color stripes of red, dark blue, and light green wool on undyed cotton ground with self-fringe on the sides and a frayed bottom edge. The tied Beiderwand weave structure uses blue cotton tie-down threads in a 2:1 warp ratio. The coverlet is threadbare and has been extensively mended.
