An outstanding c1890 silk cigar ribbon quilt wall-hanging

In 2021, Heather purchased this silk cigar ribbon quilt, and two others, at an estate sale in Wayland, Massachusetts. Of the three, this one stood out for the outstanding condition of its silk ribbons and medallion design. At the time, the corners were unfinished. She brought the piece to quilt expert, Betsey Telford-Goodwin (Rocky Mountain Quilts, York, Maine). As if by kismet, Betsey happened to have a collection of equally pristine silk cigar ribbons from some of the same manufacturers!

The 20 x 20 inch quilt was finished by Betsey. She added the corners with forty six ribbons from her collection using matching silk thread and stitches. She added a hand-tied cotton backing and a discrete sleeve for wallhanging. Upon completion, Heather brought the quilt to the New England Quilt Museum (www.neqm.org) for documentation into the Massachusetts Quilt Documentation Program (www.massquilts.org.). The documentation and quilt patch will be transferred to the buyer.

The late 19th/early 20th century marked the height of cigar smoking in the US. Manufactures would bundle groups of 15-20 cigars and tie them with their branded colorful silk ribbons. These ribbons were collected and traded by people who used them to sew pillows, curtains, table covers, and even dresses. There is even an example of men’s jacket! Today’s these items are rare because the silks are fragile and some inks used to print logos on them denigrated the fibers.

This quilt is in excellent condition. It is believed to have been made in Massachusetts. For further inquiry, email heather@pipingploverlove.com.