Textiles
"Threads of History" Reference Book on American Textiles by Herbert Ridgway Collins, published by the Smithsonian Institution
1979-Dated Reference Book titled, "Threads of History: American Recorded on Cloth" by Herbert Ridgway Collins, published by the Smithsonian Institution, with Dust Jacket, Very Fine.
Very scarce Reference Book, long out of print and in great collector demand by collectors of Historical and Political American Textiles, this rare book is the definitive reference on the subject. It has profusely illustrated 566 pages, 12" x 9.25" and this choice copy includes its original Dust Jacket, back flap loose, but present.
Author Ridgway was a curator in the Division of Political History at the Museum of History and Technology at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where he had access to their vast collection of Americana. Adding works from private collections, Ridgway was able to illustrate 1501 pieces, ranging from early textiles such as Washington memorials, to printed versions of the Declaration of Independence, to political flags and banners. The dust jacket shows some slight wear around the edges and has a minor 1/2" split along the bottom edge of the back cover. This book is in great condition and ready to serve as a checklist (or Bible) for these popular and desirable items, some of which can be found with frequency in our Early American History auctions.