The Winterthur Library

The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Title: Swatch Book Collection

Dates: ca.1700-ca.1925

Call No.: Col. 50

Acc. No.: [various – see detailed description]

Quantity: 6 linear feet

Location: 39 A-C

SCOPE AND CONTENT

This artificial and still open collection includes both bound and unbound items containing textile fabric samples.

The collection contains swatch books representing a multiplicity of historical backgrounds and purposes. For instance, some books were created as salesmen's sample books; others as a record of the dyeing process. Still others were assembled by young women as a record of their own needlework or of local textiles.

As more relevant items are acquired, the swatch book collection continues to expand. However, it does not include textile fabric swatches that already belong to another identifiable collection. Nor does the collection contain bound volumes with some swatches that are incidental to the primary reason for the creation of said volume. Additional materials may be located by searching the catalog using the terms Textile fabrics – Sample books or Textile fabrics – Specimens. Ads and trade cards related to the textile trade are filed in Collections 214 and 9. (One trade card, 61x6, includes some lace samples.)

ORGANIZATION

The swatch books are shelved in accession number order, except that the oversized materials are shelved below the others. The finding aid lists the items in accession number order.

Each volume is also individually cataloged in the on-line catalog.

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

Most of the materials are in English.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

Collection is open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply.

PROVENANCE

Gifts and purchases from various sources.

ACCESS POINTS (for collection as a whole, not for the individual accessions, each of which also has its own entry in the on-line catalog)

Topics:

Textile fabrics – Sample books.

Yarn – Sample books.

Needlework – Sample books.

Ribbons.

Weavers.

Textile workers.

Dyers.

Swatch books.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 39 A-C

58 x 34

Weaving instruction manual, in French, ca. 1829.

This manual consists of diagrams and written instructions for setting up looms in order to weave a wide variety of patterns upon many different textiles. Many sets of instructions are accompanied by sample swatches of the finished textile. Certain headings include "Principes de fabrique d'etoffes de Soie," "Disposition d'un Taffetas raye Satin sur un peigne de 22 portees," "Maniere de travailler un taffetas pour la main," and "Maniere de compter le prix d'une etoffe."

62 x 31.1-.4

Timmich, Georg Friedrich. Farbe Buch.

Dyeing book, 1754-1758.

Georg Friedrich Timmich was a dyer in a German-speaking area during the mid-eighteenth century.

The volume (62x31.1) and the accompanying loose sheets (62 x 31.2-.4) compose Georg Timmich's collection of dye recipes for yarn and textile fabrics. Many of the recipes are accompanied by a swatch dyed to show the results. Toward the back of the volume, entries are made in a different handwriting of a more recent, probably 19th-century, style and spelling. The first page contains an ornate calligraphic verse "Alles mit Gott, So hat es keine Noth. Soli Deo Gloria" and the date 1754. Text in old German script.

62 x 32

Codecasa, Benedict. Muster Karte Von Iermesut, Scalli, Cettari, Cutni und Scamalagia nach Ostindischer Art.

Viennese swatch book.

Benedict Codecasa was an authorized silk manufacturer in Vienna.

This volume consists of twelve panels of 22 numbered swatches of colored woven silk and cotton. On the first and fourteenth panels are copies of a trade label in German summarizing Codecasa's business and giving his address. Identified by Florence Montgomery (Textiles in America, 1650-1870) as "a late eighteenth-century sample book of 272 swatches of striped silk and cotton materials patterned after Indian goods." Labels on the cover and slipcase indicate that this was the second in a series of sample books.

65 x 662.1-.7

Yarn sample books, 1847-1854(?)

This group consists of seven small paper bound volumes containing recipes for dyeing yarn, most of which are accompanied by a yarn sample in the finished color. Four of the volumes have printed covers indicating that they were manufactured in Boston or Waltham, Massachusetts, as savings account passbooks in 1847, 1853, and 1854. Presumably, the dye recipes come from that area and time period as well. The writing appears to have been done by at least two different people. One of the following names or sets of initials appears at the end of a few recipes or on the inside front cover: H. Coan; Wm. Adams; J. Lehany; W.B.; L.C.

65 x 693

Japanese textile sample book, 1840-1900.

This volume begins with one page of Japanese calligraphy, which has been translated as reading, "Collection of samples of thick- striped cloths which is called 'Ome-jima';" or "Collection of samples of thick-striped 'Ome-jima.'" This first page is followed by fifteen pages of approximately 350 wool fabric samples.

65 x 695.1

Norwich worsted pattern book, ca. 1785-1831.

This leather-bound book consists of approximately 500 swatches of various textile fabrics, including fine examples of "camelots," "sattins," "tabourets," "fleurets," "callemandres," "camelottines," "harlequins," and "grandines." Some facing pages contain manuscript notes in French, which provide specific names for the corresponding fabrics. A faint manuscript inscription on the front free endpaper indicates a British origin, reading, "September 8, 1831. The Coronation of his Majesty King Willm. 4th took place with that of his Consort Queen Adelaide." Florence Montgomery, in Textiles in America, 1650-1870, identifies these swatches as Norwich worsteds and supplies a date of 1785.

[look under Index tab for index to this volume]

65 x 695.2

Norwich worsted pattern book, ca. 1794.

91 pages contain some 2,000 numbered swatches of variously colored and patterned worsteds, described as "sattins" and as "satinets." A few titles in German appear, but the numeration is written in an English hand. The original top board contains a torn paper label that reads "Copy of a Pattn. Book Sent to C O & ..." The original back board has "ICH" stamped upon it in gold. Both boards are preserved separately from the pattern book.

[look under Index tab for index to this volume]

65 x 695.3

Norwich worsted pattern book, 1794-1797.

Consists of 685 small, numbered swatches of variously colored worsteds, including callimancoes, camlettes, taboratts, and fine lastings or everlastings. Contains a list of prices and one of such addressees as D. Callaghan, chez Louis Preiswerk a Bale (April 19th, 1794); Mr. Collins (June 30th, 1794); Messrs. Wm. Fox and Sons, Cheapside, London (1795); and Nethropp & Harris, Copenhagen (17 Feb, 1797). A small note reads as follows: "Engrained colors in proportion to the goodrip. These goods can be made of any length or breadth in proportion to the foregoing prices. April 19th 1794, J. TOS."

[look under Index tab for index to this volume]

65 x 695.4

Norwich worsted pattern book, 1788.

Cover title: "Counter, 1788"

94 pages consist of some 4,240 small swatches of variously colored and patterned worsteds. Notes between groups of swatches indicate that this volume was originally a record of fabrics ordered by different customers during the course of one year. Examples of such notes read "order DF sent 18 Jany. 1788" and order HVV sent 15 Novr. 1788."

[look under Index tab for index to this volume]

65 x 695.5

Norwich worsted pattern book, ca. 1790-1810.

This book includes some 850 small, numbered swatches of variously colored and patterned worsteds. The inside cover bears the inscription "Booth and Theobald, Norwich." Florence Montgomery, in Textiles in America, 1650-1870, claims that "the arrangement and numbering of swatches corresponds exactly to a book inscribed 'Charles Tuthill' which is in Castle Museum, Norwich"(p. 403).

[look under Index tab for index to this volume]

65 x 695.6

Norwich worsted pattern book, ca. 1785.

89 pages present some 1,500 small, numbered swatches of various worsteds. Two pages include notes on the specific kinds of textile, such as "camelots" and "clouded calles (callemandres?)."

[look under Index tab for index to this volume]

65 x 696

Ribbon sample book, ca. 1826-1864.

This volume contains 345 of originally 354 samples of woven ribbons, each measuring 6.5 x 15.5 cm. Notes on the first page read "French. Recd. from Mr. Dresser, 10 Sept. 1864, E.D.." Below that: "James Dudden Dresser." And to the sides: "From the firm Dresser in Coventry" and "(Coventry)." The paper to which the ribbons are attached is watermarked "J. Green & Son, 1826," which firm may have been in Maidstone, Kent, England. A small inscription on the second page reads "Henry Dresser."

65 x 697 (flat on shelf)

Printed challis sample book, ca. 1830 (perhaps from Alsace, ca.1845-1850).

This book consists of 304 "tissus d'habillement," colorful swatches of challis, a soft wool or wool-cotton cloth, in varying sizes up to 25 x 18 cm. The swatches are included in no apparent order. The inside front cover contains a printed label from a French papermaker/blank book binder in Paris.

See under Index tab for additional comments about this volume.

65 x 698

Manchester pattern book, 1783.

This book consists of 432 samples, divided into 16 panels of 27 numbered swatches. The textiles include various kinds of Manchester, England printed cotton velvets, dimities, quiltings, cords, diapers, etc. The panels unfold in such a way as to allow the subdued colors of all 432 samples to be viewed simultaneously. On the reverse side of an inner panel is the inscription "Thomas Smith, Manchester, 23 August 1783."

65 x 699

Manchester pattern book, ca. 1755-1815.

This volume originally consisted of 12 panels of 12 numbered swatches each (three are presently missing). The textiles represent a variety of Manchester, England cottons. The panels unfold out from the center so that the subdued olive-browns of all 141 swatches can be viewed together. Inscriptions indicate that this swatch book came from Nathaniel and Joshua Gould in Manchester.

65 x 700

Manchester pattern book, ca. 1775-1815.

This volume contains 30 panels of numbered swatches, most with 14 swatches per panel. The textiles are various kinds of Manchester, England cotton dimities. The panels unfold so that all 412 swatches can be viewed simultaneously.

66 x 141

Rowan, Archibald Hamilton.

Sample book of designs for printed cotton, ca. 1795-1799.

Archibald Hamilton Rowan, a member of the Society of United Irishmen, was exiled from Ireland before coming to America and settling on the Brandywine River near Wilmington, De. After peddling birch beer and garden produce in the streets of Wilmington, Rowan purchased a calico-printing firm from the Jordan family in late 1796 or early 1797. Rowan continued the business until May 29, 1799. Unable to compete with British merchants, he sold his inventory to James Lea and offered the manufactory for sale. Ultimately, he returned to Ireland.

This book consists of over 140 numbered block impressions on paper, many brightened by watercolors, that provide examples of eighteenth-century calico-printed textiles. Many of the designs bear a resemblance to contemporary English work. Six of the patterns have dark plum backgrounds, similar to an English dark-ground style for ladies' dresses. Three- or four-inch borders of a rich, dense style harmonize with more widely spaced flowers in other patterns, suggesting their intended use as furnishing chintzes. Patterns with sprigs were used for dress-goods. Small, stylized figures appearing in fields of several patterns are typical of contemporary shawl chintzes. Other designs include geometrical and stylized striped lining materials. Although a note on the front wrapper indicates that these are wallpaper designs, Rowan's career suggests otherwise. The papers on which the patterns are printed bear the watermark of the Gilpin paper mills, also located along the Brandywine River.

A map that shows the location of Rowan's mill is available in the collection.

Publications: Montgomery, Florence. Printed Textiles. New York: Viking Press, 1970.

Kiefer, Kathleen, “Archibald Hamilton Rowan’s Pattern Book: A Preliminary Technical and Stylistic Analysis,” (student paper), 1994. (filed with this finding aid)

69 x 78 (flat on shelf)

Print sample book, 1795.

A sample book containing colored woodblock prints. Although all but one of the samples are printed on paper, Florence Montgomery believed the patterns were for textiles, not for wallpaper. The one sample which is not on paper is indeed printed on fabric; furthermore, some of the patterns do give the illusion of including lace or broderie anglaise. Although most of the patterns were designed to be borders, a few could be overall designs. The smaller patterns may have been intended to be borders for handkerchiefs or neckerchiefs. The patterns are numbered but are not in consecutive order. The country of origin is not known, but the samples are possibly from France.

The samples are mounted on dark paper. If there were a back cover, it is now missing. Some of the samples are loose, but none are completely detached. The string binding the pages together may be new. (Trex 3255)

69 x 210 (flat on shelf)

Gibard, G. Cours de Fabrique par Theorie.

French textbook with illustrations and fabric swatches, 1829.

This volume includes approximately 185 pages of handwritten text, dealing primarily with the fabrication of silk cloths. It consists of diagrams and written instructions for setting up looms in order to weave a wide variety of textile fabrics. Weaving instructions correspond to 59 actual fabric swatches. Most swatches are discussed, in increasing complexity, in terms of "remettage," "ourdissage,"(warping) "lissage,"(glossing) and "armure"(loom patterns). Text in French.

69 x 211 (flat on shelf)

Textile sample book, 1858-1859.

This book contains a brief title page reading only "Colloring Book." This is followed by approximately 200 sample swatches of printed cotton textile fabrics. The swatches are pasted onto the versos, while the rectos contain pieces, dates and color names, apparently recording the printing of the various patterns. Colors include black, red, brown, lilac, drab, chocolate. The names repeated throughout the volume indicate a New England origin, probably Rhode Island, Massachusetts (possibly even Essex County), or Maine. The personal names recorded are A. Maitland, A. Sutherland, Tim Driscoll, and Henry Ham(p)son.

69 x 216

Swatch book, ca. 1800-1825.

This book contains about 350 remarkable samples of a wide variety of textile fabrics. Written remarks next to each swatch seem to indicate the producer and the available supply of fabric, perhaps establishing the book as an inventory or order book for a dry goods store. What are assumed to be producers appear as "W. & C.," "S. & N.A.," or "R.R. & Co.," etc.

Florence Montgomery, in Textiles in America, 1650-1870, identifies the following types of fabric in this volume: printed cottons, woven linens, silk ribbons, net, baize, wool, velvet, gauze, vestings, nankeen, florentine, moreen, broadcloth, coating, cassimere, sinchaw, chambray, cambric, and leno.

70 x 76 (flat on shelf)

Bartsch, I.G.

Sample book of silk weaving.

This book consists of 100 swatches of woven silk, lithographed plates depicting looms, weaving patterns, diagrams, etc. Many of the illustrations show how the fabric was woven. Weaver's drafts in the volume are both lithographed and in pen-and-pencil. Some drafts contain handwritten notations about the quantity of thread needed. Several of the patterns are numbered and correspond with swatches located in the front of the volume. Floral and geometric patterns predominate, although a few crests were woven into the fabric. All lithographs bear the name I.G. Bartsch and Al. Leykum, lithographer. Captions and handwritten notations in German.

70 x 78 (in box, 39 B 2)

Textile samples, 1809-1845.

This collection consists of 27 sheets with numerous small, numbered fabric swatches on each. Such fabric types as calico prints, denim, broad cloth, woven fabrics, cashmere, wool, and felt are represented. Some sheets contain text, perhaps ordering information. Several sheets are addressed to B. Schier. The last page bears the label "Bloc de 25 Feuilluts pour Etudes et Croques, Papier Pur Chiffon." Text in French.

The text on 70x78.8 has been translated as follows:

“Tissue made by the inhabitants of the island of Hawaii one of the Sandwich where Cook was killed. The tissue is made by beating under water the bark of the tapa tree. Brought back by the Captain who escorted on the islands the bodies of him and of the Queen of the Sandwich Islands who died in England. Donated by M.[illegible], October 4, 1813.”

(piece on back): “On one of the Sandwich Islands where Cook was killed, this material was made.”

71 x 62 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Woven portrait of Jacquard

French woven silk, a portrait of J.M. Jacquard from the painting by Didier Petit. Carquillat textile.

(Trex no. 3552)

71 x 132

Swatch book, possibly 1830's.

Consists of nine large swatches of floral-printed calicos and dimities, each measuring approximately 22 x 26 cm. The back cover contains the handwritten name "Mrs. R. Rolles." No direct evidence of date or manufacturer.

See under Index tab for additional comments about this volume.

72 x 55.1 (flat on shelf)

French printed silks, Spring 1841.

This volume contains 502 examples of flowered and patterned silks that are French in origin. The swatches are pasted within hand ruled borders and probably represent new dress fabrics for 1841. Some feature printed designs, while others have patterns woven into the fabric, including stripes and fleurettes, most on a light background. A few have a silk warp and cotton weft and might have been used for handkerchiefs. Several of the swatches are numbered. Patterns are shown in a variety of color schemes.

72 x 55.2 (flat on shelf)

Album of printed silks, ca. 1830-1850.

This volume, from the same firm as 72 x 55.1, contains approximately 890 swatches of lightweight printed French silks, displaying a huge variety of patterns and colors in excellent condition. “Un bel album, tres caracteristique de son epoque." No text.

72 x 55.3 (flat on shelf)

Album of dress silks, spring 1849.

This album, from the same firm as 72 x 55.1-.2, contains 490 pieces of exquisite dress silks, including taffetas, tone-on-tone or multicolored brocades, floral patterns in multicolored bouquets, lace, etc. All is in excellent condition.

72 x 55.4 (flat on shelf)

Collection of silks and velvets, 1856.

This collection, from the same firm as 72 x 55.1-.3, consists of 94 large swatches intended for dressmaking. The samples are in a variety of patterns and colors and are found to be in excellent condition.

72 x 55.5 (flat on shelf)

Livre d'Echantillons, 1857.

This book, from the same firm as 72 x 55.1-.4, contains 1,400 samples of Indian cottons. Enormous variety of styles and colors.

72 x 56 (flat on shelf)

Silk samples, ca. 1840-1850.

Over 600 variously sized swatches of silk are pasted within hand-ruled borders. The especially bright and colorful swatches are probably of French origin. On the cover, which may not be original to the leaves, is written "Stoffmuster."

72 x 57

D. & J. Anderson.

Pattern book of cottons, 1887-1909.

D. and J. Anderson manufactured a wide variety of cotton fabrics in Glasgow, Scotland, at the turn of the century.

This pattern book from the firm contains hundreds of small swatches of colored cotton textile fabrics. Identification numbers are written next to the swatches, along with weaving information and dates. On the inside front cover an inscription reads "J. Anderson, her Husband, Deceased was the head of D. & J. Anderson of Glasgow Scotland. This pattern book was from his firm. Gift Myra Service 4-70."

73 x 164

Dye sample book, 1858.

This small volume contains 292 swatches of printed cotton textiles, most in shades of pink, purple, maroon, or brick red. It also includes manuscript dye recipes for most swatches. On verso of the fourth leaf is a note that reads "Robes dyed Novr. 17th/58"; on verso of the third leaf from the back, another inscription reads "Oct. 27th/58." Together, these two notes have been taken to indicate a creation date of 1858. The volume is assumed to be of English origin, although a previous owner noted of the swatches, "Many of French origin."

75 x 9.1-.4 (flat on shelf)

Harris, Kate S. (Catherine Smith), 1857-1940.

Harris, Sarah Bradway (Sallie), 1832-1909.

Johnson, Sarah Marion Harris, 1859-1929.

Fabric scrapbooks, ca. 1880-1890.

These scrapbooks were assembled by Sarah Bradway (Sallie) Harris and her daughters Catherine Smith (Kate) Harris and Sarah Marion Harris Johnson of Salem County, New Jersey. Sarah Bradway’s family were Quakers, although her husband’s family were not. The fabrics date from ca.1770 to1890, but most date 1820s-1880s. For more about the Harrises and the scrapbooks see the thesis of Sarah Suzanne Woodman, The Fabric of Their Lives: A Commemoration of Family, Friends, and Community by Three Women in Salem County, New Jersey (University of Delaware, 2003). Shelved with the scrapbooks is an index to the fabrics, also compiled by Sarah Woodman.

Each one of this four-volume set consists of fabric swatches sewn to the pages of a scrapbook album, over 700 swatches in all, with some duplication between the scrapbooks. The scrapbooks were most likely assembled between 1880 and 1890. The set features many wedding dress swatches; fabrics for household furnishings are also included. The origin and approximate age of many of the swatches are given in handwritten legends, such as "Painted Muslin from Mary Griscom about 75 years old"; "Homemade Linen check belonged to Lydia Harris who died in 1843"; "Bought at auction 40 years ago by Susan Denn for 7 cents a yard"; "Anna Powell's wedding dress, married Waddington B. Ridgway 2nd month 8th 1859"; and "Border of a shawl found in a bundle of clothes which floated up on the Penns Neck shore over 25 years ago." 75x009.4 features a number of toiles and ribbons from the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition in New Orleans, 1884-1885. The collection includes silk, wool, cotton, and linen from China, England, France, India, and the United States. Most of the swatches were collected from the Harris women’s friends and relatives in Salem County.

75 x 130 (flat on shelf)

Old Southampton Odds and Ends, not completed before 1898.

Swatch book.

The bulk of this volume consists of large fabric swatches pasted to card stock. The collection includes examples of wool, linen, and cotton, demonstrating their application to various items such as tablecloths, pillowcases, ribbons, wedding dresses, chintz, paisleys, embroideries, calicoes, and imported examples from India. Most swatches have handwritten legends relating the origin or use of the fabric, such as "Pillow case linen, Eliza Halsey," or "Merrimac calico, Civil War," or "Linens from Long Springs Farm, now Hampton Park, ancestral home of Mrs. Mary A. Herrick." One page contains a large hand-stitched quilt square; another contains a small sketch of a "windmill at the corner of Windmill Lane and Hill St." Also included are ten pages of typed verbatim extracts of essays by Alice Morse Earle, originally published in her Home Life in Colonial Days (New York: Macmillan, 1898). The title is inspired by the handwritten inscription on the first leaf.

76 x 98.1016 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Pennsylvania ribbon

[late 19^th century?]

A pale tan ribbon with the word “Pennsylvania” printed on it. Nothing indicates the age or the purpose of the ribbon. Both ends are frayed.

76 x 98.1017 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Washington Bicentennial Bookmark, 1932

Woven by J. & J. Cash, Inc., South Norwalk, Connecticut

A peach-colored ribbon woven with a portrait of George Washington, a decorative border, and the words: “Washington Bicentennial Book Mark, 1732-1932, All Good Wishes from Hotel Commodore, New York City, Come Again.” The woven designs are in blue and red. Some of the thread ends are loose.

76 x 98.1018 (in miscellaneous box 3)

McKinley calendar ribbon

A blue ribbon made after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. The ribbon includes the words “McKinley Calendar,” a portrait of McKinley, a summary of his life and career, words of farewell, and a calendar for the year 1902. The ends are decorated with fringe. A bad stain mars the portrait.

76 x 98.1019 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Rosser-Gibbons Camp of Confederate Veterans.

Ribbon for Grand rally and picnic, 1898.

A pale blue ribbon decorated with the seal of Virginia and printed with the words “1861-65, Grand Rally and Picnic by Rosser-Gibbons Camp of Confederate Veterans, Luray, Va., August 25^th, 1898.” Pin holes are easily discernable in the upper edge. The long edges of the ribbon are beginning to fray.

77 x 46 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Bookmark

Bookmark embroidered in cross-stitch on card stock, not on fabric, but the card is attached to silk ribbon. The bookmark bears the initials C. E. L. and the number 73 (probably a reference to the year 1873).

77 x 60.3 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Erie Canal ribbon, ca. 1825

A white ribbon, 5.5 cm wide and 23 cm. long, in the middle of which is a round picture, printed in black, bearing the inscription “Alliance of Neptune and Pan, Union of Erie with the Atlantic.” The picture shows Neptune in a shell with his arm around the shoulders of Pan, who is in a small canoe being paddled by an Indian. In the background can be seen a cherub(?) blowing a seashell and a lighthouse.

The ribbon was purchased at the same time as a letter from Nathan S. Roberts, civil engineer in charge of construction of the canal, and may have belonged to him. Furthermore, Col. 243 contains a watch paper which was cut out of an identical ribbon (acc. no. 76x69.9).

77 x 110

Manchester pattern book, 1783.

The inscription "Manchester, 2nd October. 1783" is the only identification in this volume which consists of 16 panels each with 27 small swatches of colored, patterned textiles, though three swatches are now missing. Many of these textiles have been identified as corduroys. Each of the swatches has a numbered label affixed to it. The book is bound so that the panels unfold from the center, eventually exposing all 16 sets of swatches at one time.

Identified by Florence Montgomery (Textiles in America, 1650-1870) as "identical to a book at Colonial Williamsburg."

77 x 199 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Washington Beneficial Society.

Ribbon, ca. 1819

An off-white ribbon, 7 cm. wide by 30 cm. long, issued by the Washington Beneficial Society, which was instituted on April 19 and incorporated on August 3, 1819. The inscription does not give the city or state of incorporation, but it is believed to have been in Philadelphia. In the middle of the ribbon is a picture, with a bust of George Washington at the top. Under him appears an image of a physician attending a sick man, who is lying in a canopied bed; off to one side is another man sitting at a small table covered with a cloth. This may be an image of Washington on his death bed. The picture is printed in black ink.

77 x 515 (in miscellaneous box 3)

Ames Manufacturing Company.

Benjamin Franklin statue commemorative ribbon, 1856.

An off-white ribbon, 6 cm. wide by 22 cm. long, issued by the Ames’ Manuf’g Co. at the inauguration (or dedication) of a statue to Benjamin Franklin in Boston on September 17, 1856. The ribbon is decorated with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, and vignettes showing a printing press, Franklin flying a kite during a thunder storm, Franklin at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and Franklin as a peace commissioner in France.

The statue was placed in front of City Hall on School Street. It was erected to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Franklin’s birth. The money was raised by public subscription. The sculptor was Richard Saltonstall Greenough. Bronze panels on the base of the statue depict Franklin as a printer, as an experimenter with electricity, and as a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris ending the American Revolution. The Ames Manufacturing Company cast the statue. The employees who attended the dedication ceremony (which was a holiday celebration) wore ribbons such as this one.

78 x 100

Lace-making instructions, ca. 1885-1900.

This volume consists of a pocket-sized book, into which instructions for making a variety of knitted lace patterns have been both written and pasted, along with small samples of actual lace corresponding to each set of instructions. Many of the sets of instructions are newspaper clippings. As well, there is an example of drawn-thread work and an example of cross stitch. The first three pages contain what appear to be milk production records for four months of 1885. The previous owner has related that the volume came from Virginia.

78 x 178

Le Gueult & Dulongraix.

Letters, ca. 1800.

This volume contains four letters with wool felt and calico samples, written to the firm Le Gueult & Dulongraix at Vire from the firm Cattres & Martin. The letters involve crediting accounts and filling orders. Samples show the types of fabrics in which the firms were dealing. The felt samples have numbers, possibly for orders, associated with them. The dates used in the letters are from the French Republican calendar. Text in French.