Name/Title
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #25Entry/Object ID
2024.1.25Description
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #25
Transcription Notes:
Overshot Coverlet c. 1850-60
Ref. Keep Me Warm One Night, Burnhams #287
Unidentified Scottish weaver
Found in Lanark Co. – Franktown area.
“Freemason Coat of Arms” pattern variation
Few Ontario overshot coverlets has the aesthetic appeal and provenance of this colourful
example. The colour weft banding in red and blue is very effective with the combination
of both in the square tables where both colours are used in equal balance.
The pattern draft is a variation of “Freemason’s Coat of Arms”. The use of three rows (3
x 3) of the ‘stars’ with small diamonds formed at the intersection creates a pleasing
balanced form. This form appears in other coverlets and quilts where the name “Nine
Roses” or “Nine Stars” has been used to identify the pattern – popular in Eastern Ont. –
Leeds & Lanark especially.
The coverlet was purchased in Leeds County but had been sold to the dealer by Peggy
Riches of Ottawa, who had purchased it near Franktown, Ontario at a clearing auction
at [illegible] homestead Sat. Aug 21, 1976. (R.R. #3 Ashton, Ont, K0A-1B0). A follow-up
letter was sent to Peggy Riches, 1 Warbonnet Drive, Ottawa, with some info about the
coverlet. I photographed the [illegible] farmhouse (site of the auction) for the file c. 2015.
Condition: Excellent – no evidence of use or minor wear.
Source: Mainly Antiques, Elgin, Ontario, c. 2015. Purchased with the letter and info that
Mrs. Peggy Riches had recently gone into a seniors home and passed on the coverlet
available for a new owner. @400
Dimensions: 85 ½” (217 cm) l. x 71” (190 cm) w.
Expertly woven and joined – natural cotton warp.
[Letter Front]
Mrs. Peggy Riches
1 Warbonnet Drive
Ottawa, Ont
[Letter Contents]
R.R. 3 Ashton
K0A 1B0
Sept 30/76
Dear Mrs. Riches,
I promised to let you know about the antique coverlet you bought at Davis’ auction sale
in August.
Miss Davis states it is well over 100 years old [illegible] made on a hand loom and
[illegible] as an “overshot quilt” & is in [illegible] antiques [illegible]. [illegible] is helpful &
sorry I have been so long [illegible] you.
Sincerely,
[illegible]
[Photo 4]
Davis Homestead
East of Franktown, Lanark Co.
Photo c. 2015Collection
Dennis Mills CollectionCataloged By
Rob ChildsMade/Created
Artist
unidentified scottish weaverTime Period
1850-1860Place
* Untyped Place
Found in Lanark County. – Franktown area between Carleton Place and Smiths Falls, OntarioLocation
CanadaWoven Textile Details
Notes
“Freemason Coat of Arms” pattern variationLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
CoverletNomenclature Primary Object Term
BedcoverNomenclature Class
BeddingNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsLocation
Location
Shelf
Rolled StorageRoom
Rolled Storage RoomBuilding
M.V.T.M.Moved By
Piper PattersonDate
February 19, 2026Location
Room
N.R.H. GalleryBuilding
M.V.T.M.Category
ExhibitMoved By
Sadie BadourDate
October 19, 2025Location
* Untyped Location
Temporary Artifact Storage RoomDate
November 27, 2024Create Date
November 27, 2024Update Date
May 13, 2026
