signed G.K., 1803, 64" X 89", a fine early example....Beginning in colonial times, woven cotten and woolen coverlets became an indispensable asset in most homes. Unlike a "brides quilt", the coverlet was less a form of decorative pride than a staple of everyday use.Until the second quarter of the nineteenth century, weavers served a number of towns from one central location, the situs of their loom . The weaving of one quilt took one or two days, andusually involved the assistance of an apprentice. The cost to the purchaser was usually $6 to $12. At least one weaver could be found in most county seats.Most nineteenth century coverlets involved imported indigo and madder dyes and local wool. Often natural home dyes were used as well. The most common form of weaving in those days was called "overshot", but double-weave (two layered) coverlets were also popular.In the early days of coverlet weaving, most weavers employed a rather primitivee "four harness" loom, which was limited in its ability to incorporate complex or original patterns. But in the 1800s all of this changed. A loom termed the "Jacquard" after its French inventor ennabled the weaver to incorporate many more intricate designs...including in many instances the name of the client or the location of the loom.Thus the decades before the Civil War saw the Jacquard coverlet progress from a rather limited functional item to one of asthetic beauty, present in most homes. After the Civil War, the demand for such quilts faded. Thus if you have an 1800-1860 bedroom, a woven coverlet is one of the best bets for authenticity.