Pattern Name: Tulip
Age: 1880s
Quilting: fussy quilting throughout - hand pieced and hand quilting
Material: BEAUTIFUL turkey red died calico with beige calico; STAR studded white calico backing with black quilting thread
Measurements: 74x68
 
Heritage: This quilt was found in Kansas and is absolutely beautiful.  It is an early pieced tulip quilt done in the most wonderful reds and beiges.  The backing, though?  STARS.  YES STARS.  Little tiny black stars on a white calico.  It's just amazing.  The quilt has been fussy quilted throughout and the quilting pattern is quite lovely (the geometry of it is fantastic).  Black quilting thread has been used throughout, which signifies the quilt is at least from the 1880s, if not earlier.  Black quilting thread was not typically used past the 1890s.  
 
Condition: Overall the piece is in IMMACULATE condition.  The binding and quilting is strong.  There are a few very small storage stains and light wear to the edges, but nothing really worth noting.  This piece has been treated well and cared for signifying just how special the quilt it.  As a point of note, this would not be a quilt to wash, but to leave outside in the sun (under a clean white sheet) for a few warm, sunny days.  This is the traditional cleaning method for these types of quilts and would be appropriate here.