c. 1790 to 1810 Federal Period, Patriotic American Eagle and Floral Textile, Type referenced in “Threads of History” Listed and Illustrated on Page 55 as Number 16, Printed on Cotton fabric with a large central Spread Wings American Eagle with surrounding Floral Festoons, English, Framed, Choice Extremely Fine.
An early “American Eagle” Textile, printed on what looks like fine cotton or possibly silk. Listed in the reference book, “Threads of History” located on page 55 as their illustrated Number 16, making it one of the earliest printed textiles of this design type in America. It is very nicely proportioned with floral borders and a Patriotic American Eagle at center. The colors are rich and bright consisting of rose, blue-green, sepia, white, and maroon. What makes this piece even more desirable is that it is substantially larger than the textile described and illustrated in “Threads of History”.

In the “Threads of History” reference, the New York Historical Society example is shown having dimensions listed as 23.75” x 16”. The currently offered much larger textile measures 25.75” x 18.75” (by sight) displaying the surrounding designs, and that measurement does not include any additional textile material that may exist behind its frame.

We also note that the American Eagle, with its outstretched wings and turned head, is very similar to that seen on early numismatic American Silver and Gold Coins from the 1790s. The decorative gold-gilt frame provides the perfect centering of this early American Eagle. Rich colors, exceptional large size and overall eye appeal earn this rare textile “museum quality.” Extremely rare, and to our best knowledge the finest and largest American Eagle of this type known, ready to hang on display.

Historic Textiles, Americana, Political Textile, American Eagle, Early American Coins. Patriotic Political Textile