Description
New England Muslin Feed Sack, Primitive Blue Stencil Advertising Textile, Farmhouse Decor
An authentic late 19th to early 20th century printed muslin sacking fabric from Lockwood Co., most likely a regional flour or feed supplier in the New England area. The sturdy, unbleached muslin cloth — a medium-weight, plain-woven cotton typical of the period — bears hand-stenciled blue lettering and motifs in indigo pigment.
At the top, a hanging weight marked “Fine Full Weight” assures the customer of fair measure, while beneath it the boldly arched name “LOCKWOOD CO.” appears in fine shaded lettering with simple scrollwork ornamentation. The large initial “A” and framed number “53” below may reference a product grade or shipment designation used by the mill.
The uneven, hand-applied stencil work and ink absorption into the weave indicate early regional production, likely between 1880 and 1900, before the advent of standardized machine printing on feed sacks. Such sacks were often reused in households for drying, storing, or repurposing fabric — their survival today is rare and evocative.
This fabric example has aged gracefully, with natural patina, soft folds, and gentle toning consistent with time and use. It would present for display in a primitive kitchen, country store vignette, or textile collection, offering a genuine glimpse into rural New England trade and craftsmanship.
Measurements: 35″ wide across the bottom from side to side. As note there is a corner cut from the fabric at the top. From this cut across the top it measures 17″. The length of the long side is 38″ long. The length of the other side to the cut is 19″ long. The width of the cut area is 18″ across. (I hope this isn’t too confusing.) In other words to make it more simple there is a muslin square missing from the fabric that would be 18″ x 18″. (see photo). Hope that makes more sense. Also ,the cut is only in the plain fabric. All of the writing and logo intact.
Material: Unbleached cotton muslin
Condition: Very good for age; light age toning and creasing consistent with storage.
Historical Note:
The name Lockwood appears frequently in connection with New England mills and small manufacturing firms of the late 19th century. While the precise origin of this particular Lockwood Co. remains unconfirmed, its typography, fabric, and printing method strongly suggest a regional mill or merchant house active in the Northeastern United States, part of the flourishing local trade that characterized America’s early industrial era.
