A Boer War bedspread, profusely decorated with devices, monograms, initials and assorted decorations. (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 550
THIS Boer War bedspread, which features at Mealy’s on July 5, was reputedly rescued from the sinking Lusitania off the coast of Cork in 1915. It is lot number 211 at Mealy’s two day summer fine and decorative art sale in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny on July 5 and 6. There are 1,200 lots on offer.
Such quilts were common at the turn of the 20th century. They usually bore the name of the woman or women who created them, the soldiers name or initials and other decoration. They often included symbols that were difficult to decipher.
This c1900 quilt bears the names and initials of both men and women. The name Roberts, sewn on the middle left, is believed to be Field Marshall Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, a distinguished Indian born British peer, who was Anglo Irish.
According to the catalogue notes this suggests that the quilt commemorates soldiers who sailed to the Cape on the RMS Dunottar Castle, which carried Earl Roberts. It is estimated at 600-900.
The catalogue for the sale is on-line. It includes decorative art, furniture, carpets, textiles, paintings, light fittings, garden furniture, bronzes, musical instruments, clocks, silver, wine, glass, militaria and firearms.
UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 550