Make-do ... past imperfect

While I agree with Andrew Baseman
http://andrewbaseman.com/blog/
that items termed as "make-do" (s) where repaired rather than thrown away... it was not exactly the norm in earlier times. Which is why they are uncommon, and sometimes rare, and why dry wells, dump-sites (filled with the debris of the past) and such are such a treasure trove for archaeologists seeking to identify the material culture of days past.
ABOVE... Rosie is studying two make-do objects. The simple pewter basin has been made watertight by the addition of a tin patch in the 19th century.
The ladle is more inventive... The turned handle and cuff are 18th century and no doubt a silver bowl was attached. Why it was lost, removed or melted down, I can't say... perhaps someone reading this might have a few ideas? Anyway. To make the ladle useful to it's original purpose- someone with skill attached a Tiger Cowrie shell to the handle with two silver arms.  et Voila!
 An 18th century ladle made do in the 19th century....and it looks lovely in an 18th century delft bowl  ... which can be found at www.johnphilbrick.com 

New England Quilt

Wool Quilt. Ca. 1800. Eight pointed star design within a diagonal square with overall scrolling vine and leaf quilting.
A great example of intentional design and the repurposement of pieced scraps of wool.
There is a great deal to be said about quilts. I suppose I could mention that the quilting of materials started in the 13th century...I mean who wouldn't want to warm and comfy under their armor?
This quilt was probably a group effort- possibly starting from the creation of the fabric itself. Martha Ballard, who kept a journal in the 18th century in the area that would later become Augusta, Maine, mentions joining with other woman in her area to prepare, dye, piece and quilt...at different times of the year- but you get the idea...it was a group effort.
This example has cut corners meaning that instead of being a large square the original design is notched on the bottom left and right to allow the bed cover to fit neatly around bedposts.   It is edged in red woven tape (the tape being created on a specially designed loom- which is another blog entry all by itself). In addition to the cut corners, which covers a full size bed very nicely, the backing is a coarse homespun fabric with a wheat tone coloring. There are places where it has tiny tears and some splits on the darker pieces making up the stars...but actually it is in remarkable condition for something made in the beginning of the 19th century... and it can be yours!!! For a mere $1950.00

Paul Revere Spoons

Anything that can be definitively proven to be made by the great Boston patriot can be classified as very rare. Revere was a prolific goldsmith and worked over a long period of time... but many copies abound in the marketplace-especially spoons. The spoons discussed on my blog are also rare because Wilson had a relatively small output and the original leather case, which accompanies the spoons, has remained paired with the original set.

Early American Spoons

A rare matched set of six spoons in their original tooled leather case. The spoons were made by Robert Wilson (1766-1824) in New York City, ca. 1803-10. Each is marked "RW" and have crests decorated with a vertical elliptical design surrounding the initials " JVB" above a cascade of bell flowers. I guess it is an Old English Pattern- so-called... the shape is pure American Federal.
Condition: Very fine antique condition. Light dinging on the bowls.
From the collection of William Guthman.