"Unlike any textile I have seen... The Buckingham Quilt needs to be appraised as a Historical Artifact rather than as a Quilt."
Bobbie A. Aug
AQS Certified Appraiser of Quilts and Quilted Textiles
Appraisal of The Buckingham Quilt
January 18, 2014
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Bobbie A. Aug
AQS Certified Appraiser of Quilts and Quilted Textiles
Physical Description - Whole Cloth Style.
Size - Approximately 80" W x 88" L
Date Made - Circa 1665
Made By - Hester Hosmer Buckingham (1641-1702)
Predominant Colors - Brown, blue
Fabric - Damask, wool
Batt/Fill - Wool
Construction - Hand pieced, hand quilted.
Quilting Pattern - Diagonal parallel lines in chevron motif.
Description - Quilt consists of 6 each 18.5" wide x 37" woven palampore - style glazed floral damask panels in blue pattern on dark brown ground. Bordered on 1 end with woven gold and brown woven wool stripe. Other end is randomly pieced blue on brown. Sides about 12.5" woven gold and brown wool stripe.
Backing - Hand woven damask in blue and off white stripe with pieced lengths of brown wool.
Edge Finish - Green wool applied binding.
Workmanship - Construction: Fair overall. Quilting: Fair/good overall.
Condition - Some repair, missing stitches/open seams on binding. Fair overall.
Provenance - Click here.
Appraisal Conclusion
I was unable to complete this appraisal due to the fact that because of this quilt's age, I found no resources for factual data upon which to support an appraisal value. In other words, what it would cost to replace this textile with similar like and kind. I could find no records of sale, auction or otherwise for any quilts with similar historical value and age. Your quilt's history is unique and should be appraised as an historical artifact rather than as a quilt.
It is my opinion that this textile belongs in a facility where it would be valued as part of our Nation's history, conserved in its present condition and properly stored.
