Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc.
Live Auction

June 16, 2023: Premier Americana – Day One

Fri, Jun 16, 2023 09:00AM EDT
Lot 1318

WASHINGTON, DC / MARYLAND SIGNED AND DATED "CRAZY QUILT"-STYLE PIECED AND EMBROIDERED COMFORT / BED SPREAD

Estimate: $200 - $300
Sold for

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

WASHINGTON, DC / MARYLAND SIGNED AND DATED "CRAZY QUILT"-STYLE PIECED AND EMBROIDERED COMFORT / BED SPREAD, hand- and machine-stitched, four large blocks made from various fabrics including silk and velvet/velveteen, embellished by decorative embroidery stitching, including a few silk ribbons featuring two from the 1877 International Exhibition in Philadelphia and a Washington, DC National Fencibles, a few with printed text including "Ladies' Aid Society" and "July 24th, 1888", embroidered initials featuring "H.W.", two American flags on poles, and various embroidered floral motifs, applied pieced binding, three-paneled tan backing. Possibly later signature on corner on backing, "Property of / Made by Eugenia Williams Burke / 1890". Dated 1890. 69" x 69". 
Catalogue Note: Maker identified as Eugenia Lee Williams, who was born on May 26, 1869 in Washington, DC to parents John Overton Williams (1833-1906) and Octavia Jerusha Mannakee (1833-1897). She married Thomas Burke (1865-1934) in 1901 at the age of 31, and they had three children, Eugenia Williams, Mary O., and Thomas Joseph. Eugenia resided in Brunswick, Frederick Co., Maryland with her family until her death on January 16, 1952, and she is buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, DC. She finished this quilt before her marriage, suggesting the signature to be a later addition, and it is unclear if she was living in Washington, DC or in Maryland when she completed this piece.

Condition

Very good overall condition, top with a few small holes and tears, a few spots of thread loss, embroidered daisy motif with losses and breaks to chenille stems, backing with some light stains and spotting, a few small holes and tears, signature with fading.

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From the private collection of Jack D. Smith, Rockville, MD. 
Purchased in the 1980s in Maryland.