AMERICAN LINEN PLAIN-WEAVE HAND TOWEL / SHOW TOWEL, cotton and silk cross-stitch embroidery, fringe and tabs, rectangular, self-fringe along bottom, folded flap with self-fringe along top, selvage on left edge, narrow rolled hem to right edge, hang tabs stitched to top corners; design includes zig-zag border across folded flap, two eight-pointed stars and two hearts flanking date "1840", central branched heart/crown motif flanked by four-heart motif, heart with flowering branches with "OEDHBDDE", flowering plant and corner flower in heart container, above a parallel border resembling a chain, name "Maria Apple" in script caps and "SA" initials below stitched chain design. Likely Pennsylvania. Dated 1840. 63 1/2" x 19" OA.
Excellent condition.
Provenance: From the Allentown Art Museum to benefit future acquisitions for the Museum's textile collection.

Excellent condition.