Description
A great crafting source to make a gift piece for someone who’s into 19th century military memorabilia, military decor in general, or weaponry.
This 1966 Exclusive Schumacher Fabrics hand printed piece titled “Militia” depicts American military uniforms, medals, and weaponry from 1832-1840 in the lead up to the Mexican-American War. Guns have sparkly glittered printing additions.
One motif depicts two soldiers in full regalia holding what is likely a state flag and reads “State Volunteer Corps.” Another motif says “Light Guard” and depicts two pistols and underneath is some writing (somewhat illegible) with someone’s name and then “Philadelphia” dated “August 1832.” Below that it says, “Officer, Guards,” presumably referring to the weapons they would carry. One motif depicts a medal and says “Artillerists” and another motif depicts a single pistol with its tools.
Could be made into a message board, an oversized pillow, funky little handbag fronts, or the center of a quilt with complimentary colors.
Light to mid weight fabric with a firm hand, minimal drape. Hand printed, 100% cotton, a striking piece for multiple possible projects.
Schumacher #50130. Selvedge reads, “Schumacher Hand Print and “Militia” an Exclusive Schumacher.
COLORS: Brick red (almost a burnt orange) and dark salmon striped portion with navy blue, Union Blue, khaki, milk chocolate, mocha, black, and ultimate gray kissed with sparkles on all of the gun parts.
Maker: F. Schumacher & Co. was founded by Frederic Schumacher in the late 19th century in New York and went on to become one of the most influential American design houses of all time, working on multiple White House interiors and other historic homes across the decades, employing design doyenne Dorothy Draper, and drawing from history and their own archives in notable design projects. Take some time to read their fascinating history here: https://www.fschumacher.com/about/ourheritage
SIZE: 33.25″ wide + 1.5″ selvedge on each side x 25.59″ long. Soldier motif is 10″ wide by 13″ high. Light Guard motif is 12.5″ wide by 9.5″ high. Artillerists motif is 5″ wide by 8.5″ high. Small pistol motif is 8.5″ wide by 7″ high.
CONDITION: Overall excellent — strong fiber, firm piece, sturdy and ready for use. Some slight age-related discoloration on some of the off-white appropriate to its 54 year age. Is largely imperceptible but if you’re concerned you can try further washing/stain treatment. But honestly it’s hardly noticeable.
What Can You Make? Simply framed would be nice, or as the background to a memo/message board would be fun, too. Great Father’s Day gift. A huge pillow, piecing for quilts, piecing for fashion accessories, more. Large enough to cover a small-med dining room chair seat and/or back. Or use like this designer is doing, by piecing it to one part of a piece of furniture while using other fabrics to finish it out: https://w9yards.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Birds-of-a-Feather-pg-1.png
SUSTAINABILITY: ALL my packaging except tape is 100% re-used. Your invoice is available digitally in your account. I source vintage items and resources either as they are, or to upcycle into new products, giving them a new life. This reduces demand on current resources, preserves history, and keeps valuable items out of the landfill, all of which asks just a little bit less out of our ever-giving Mother Earth. Etsy buys carbon offsets for all shipping, which is a win-win for the sustainability-minded shopper.
Everything from a smoke-free and pet-free studio.
