Double Wedding Ring Quilt Age?
 

I have a double wedding ring pattern quilt and I like to know if anyone can estimate its age from the photos? So far I've been told 1880 to 1920. I'd love to get a little closer even if it's outside that range. Thanks in advance for your help.

I'm not sure that is a double wedding ring, but it is certainly related. What we know of now as a double wedding ring was not a popular choice prior to about 1920. I would also say the colors look more that range as well. It's so hard with fade and pictures and such, but I would say those colors did not exist pre-1900, and indeed advances in yellow dye were made around 1920 as well.

Do you know what is used for batting?

TU for your thoughtful response. I'm told no batting was used. It's thin, like summer weight. And that the appliqué was applied directly to the base. Any idea of value for such a quilt with the age being turn of the century?

I am just a hobbyist with an interest in textiles and history, my guesses are often pretty rough and especially by photo. Sometimes I'm wildly off!

Someone would have to look at it in person (like the no batting might be part of the earlier dates you were given). Looks like you have gone over it well and haven't found any hidden dates or anything in the quilting. Even if you have no one easily found in your area as a quilt specialist, contact a good estate sales house/company to see who they would recommend for a full appraisal or a general asking price. Likewise, a local antique store shop owner might be willing to give you a general idea.

I usually just call and talk to people, explain that I was recently given XX item and need to have a general idea of it's retail or insurance value before deciding what to do with it. And then I ask whether there is a charge -- often there is to set an appointment but maybe there specialist will be in the office Thursday noon and could take a quick peek for free. That's what I hope for anyway :)

Textiles often don't have as much value as we would hope. Provenance (if you know/can document the story) of the object can help. Sometimes it is a matter of getting the right quilt to the right buyer, and that's where brokers and such can come in handy and maybe they can get a higher price.

Actually, I am an antiques dealer, who often ventures into areas I don't know much about in the hopes my research will turn up good info. I saw the quilt in a high end NH antique shop last week and thought is was underpriced and really nice, so I bought it even though the seller knew nothing about it. I find myself doing exactly what you suggest above about getting info, and sometimes it takes awhile. Thankfully there are people like you who willingly share their expertise which I do as well.

It looks more like a horseshoe to me, not part of a double wedding ring. just MHO

I like honest.