Pennsylvania coverlet by Martin Breneman for Susannah Smith, 1855, tied beiderwand

Name/Title

Pennsylvania coverlet by Martin Breneman for Susannah Smith, 1855, tied beiderwand

Entry/Object ID

CDP 26.2.003

Description

Figured and fancy tied beiderwand coverlet with borders on 3 sides and self-fringe on 3 sides. Two panels joined by a center seam. Blue, red, and green wool with undyed cotton. Sunburst medallion centerfield pattern with four flowers and tulips; "GRAPEVINE" border on sides and bottom. Woven by Martin B. Breneman for Susannah Smith in 1855 in Washington Township, York County, PA.

Context

This coverlet was photographed at the McCarl Gallery on 2/20/2026 for the Coverlet Documentation Project. All rights reserved.

Collection

Coverlet Documentation Project

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Breneman, Martin B.

Role

Weaver

Date made

1855

Place

Township

Washington Township

Town

York

County

York County

State/Province

Pennsylvania

Country

United States of America

Notes

2:1 tied beiderwand

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Cornerblock inscription

Location

LL, LR

Transcription

MARTIN . B / BRENEMAN / WASHINGTO / TOWNSHIP / YORK COUNT / PA+ 1855 + / SUSANNAH / SMITH

Material/Technique

Woven

Type

Cornerblock inscription

Location

Left, right, bottom borders

Transcription

GRAPEVINE

Material/Technique

Woven

Color

Red, Blue, Green, Natural