It’s President’s Day, a holiday that was originally meant to honor George Washington on the anniversary of his birth.

This printed cotton banner pictures young George Washington in his military uniform. He is pointing to a famous quote, “Washington, Victory is ours, John Paul Jones.” The 17 by 25 inch bandana was printed in England for America’s Centennial celebration in 1876. Some say it was an ad for an insurance company. Examples sell for $80 to $200.

Historical printed textiles have been made since about 1760. They were used for upholstery fabrics, drapes, political bandanas and bunting. Pieces were popular souvenirs. The fabrics commemorated important people, battles, and other social or political events. Bandanas weren’t used for political campaigns until the early 1900s.

Find prices of other textiles in the Free online price guide at Kovels.com, and in Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2012.

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