Description

Description: This 1876 commemorative ribbon celebrates the 100th anniversary of the United States. The colorful top of the ribbon reads: “Centennial 1776-1876 Philadelphia U.S.A. It has a woven black and white portrait of George Washington above two crossed American flags in red white and blue thread with a green wreath and green flag poles. There is also an image of the Liberty Bell above lyrics to the “Star Spangled Banner” and an eagle with a shield decorated with stars and stripes.

The 8 3/4″ x 1 5/8″ ribbon is pinned to its original printed paper mount. The mount reads: “Thomas Stevens / Coventry and London / Inventor and Manufacturer of the Pure Silk Woven Book Markers / 900 Different Designs.” The bottom corners of the ribbon have been folded back to make a point, and they are woven with the words: “T. Stevens. Coventry England.” Item #DA00388

In the mid-nineteenth century, the weaver Thomas Stevens invented a weaving process that enabled colorful pictures to be woven into silk. These creations were dubbed “Stevengraphs,” after their maker.

Condition: Paper mount has minor staining, wrinkling, and a few edge tears. Ribbon in very good condition with bright colors and crisp lines.