Large double-woven "Delhi" coverlet in blue wool and white cotton; center seam and rolled hems.

Asahel Amora Phelps (1795-1854, active 1835-1854) and his son, John Benjamin Phelps II (active 1854-60), used the same emblematic eagle in their corner blocks as their logo from 1836-1860. Together they account for two of the three known makers of "Delhi coverlets" with the third being John Holmes, active 1833-39. Asahel is considered to be the most prolific of the three weavers producing a little more than 100 coverlets over a twenty year career. In contrast his son John is thought to have produced only 16. (Source: "American Coverlets and Their Weavers". Clarita Anderson, Foster McCarl, Muriel McCarl; Colonial Williamsburg, 2002).

Corner blocks with eagles dated 1851 beneath. Large medallions on central field with smaller star-shaped bursts between. The borders are comprised of classical acanthus vines surmounted by pairs of birds facing one another – birds being signature element of the Phelps weavers.

Fine, clean condition overall. Faint moisture stains visible in two areas of white on light "summer" side (pictured). Six small holes in wool on dark "winter" side. (numbered and pictured). Old rust stain across center of body on "winter" side.

95 x 75 in

9 lb