Fine and Rare Pieced and Appliquéd Cotton Masonic Quilt, Initialed C.H.F., Tennessee, dated 1885

composed of richly colored solid and printed cotton patches, joined in a series of twenty-five squares bordered in brightly colored green and red, the squares containing a variety of Masonic symbols, including the Compass and Square, Beehive, the letter G, trowels and crossed keys and swords, the Holy Bible (rendered in embroidery), Three Great Lights, along with Noah's Ark with tri-colored rainbow, a brown cow, a reverse appliquéd heart, sun, moon and stars, and the Ladder containing the embroidered initials CHF, the white cotton field with small scaled diagonal line, outline, heart and diamond cube quilting, dated 1885; one small area of stain, otherwise in mint, unwashed condition.

George Fish, Spokane, Washington

Reverend Moody, Chaplain of the Masonic Shrine, Spokane, Washington, 1944 to the present owner.

Small rip in upper corner
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The quilt is accompanied with three handwritten papers giving detailed information about the quilt.  According to the papers, it was 'made by the grandmother of Wayne Robb, who was a Texas Ranger. It was given as wedding gift to Mr. and Mrs. George Fish, of Spokane, Washington, whose initials are embroidered on the Masonic Ladder.