Bowmansville, Pennsylvania Postage Stamp Quilt: Circa 1880

There is a Postage Stamp quilt pattern characteristic of the hamlet of Bowmansville, Pennsylvania in Lancaster County. Many variations are known but essentially they share in common a central frame around which One Patches fill the surrounding area. This example has two outstanding features. One is the square in the center. Other examples with which I am familiar continue the One Patch theme to the center of the quilt.
The second possibly unique feature of this quilt is the zigzag or streak of lightning border. It is on three sides omitting the end on which one placed ones head. There is some oxidation to the orange in the border but the quilt has no other condition apologies. It is in excellent, unwashed condition.
Measurements are 82" x 88". The quilt is well pieced and well planned with a rich combination of light and dark prints and solids. Made circa 1880; Lancaster County, Pa.