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Dear David, rather than pulling
My mother recently passed, and we are in the midst of emptying her house yarn or fabric up
in preparation for selling it. In her basement were a few rugs, and this from the front. This
one caught my eye because of its color and the way it is made. There is one method allowed not
other that is similar but has different coloration. Was this hand-done? only for the rug
Can you tell me how old this is? Is there any way to clean it a little? Can hookers to work
we use it in our home? quicker but allowed
Thank you for any help you can provide. for a tighter pattern. Punch needle technique An example of an antique
Marcus This technique used today Griffin Tool
became very popular in America as it was billed with the tool as a
machine that could enable the Rug Hooker to make a good living for
themselves and a support to the family. A rug making cottage industry
grew on the east coast of the US and Canada until the 1920s when small
rug making studios evolved such as “The Ruggery” in New York (current
today) and Mills-Mosseller in North Carolina. Rugs from these studios
fetched very high prices in the 1930s and 40s for their time. After the end
of WW2 and the rebuilding of Europe, much of the carpet industry was
industrialized and went overseas and much of the rug hooking industry
became just an artform.
It is my opinion your particular elaborate antique floral pattern
hooked rug was created using the punch needle technique. It appears to
be approximately 5 foot long by 3 foot wide and appears to have been
made Circa 1890s/1920s and is of good quality other than showing some
soiling, wear and fading. It has a good tight pattern with some fraying on
Hello Marcus and my condolences on the edges. Depending on what fabric was used and what history it had
your mother’s passing. I hope I can do her (whether studio or individual made). If I were to see this at an Antiques
memory justice by giving you some valuable auction, Art dealer or Antiques shop, in its present condition, I would
information on this fine handmade American expect to pay an estimated $400/$650+. If this rug could be cleaned
folk-art rug. and preserved, the value would increase. I could not find many of these
When it comes to rugmaking techniques quality hooked rugs that have sold over the past 5 years, and I am
from the early 1800s, there were basic estimating the value. I am thinking because of the rate of attrition, there
methods used such as Shirring, which is a are just not that many out there. I found a few galleries offering nice,
reed stitched rug. There was yarn sewn hooked rugs about the same size from around the late 19th early 20th
rugs and two different techniques in “rug centuries $900/$3,500 but those are for sale and not those sold, and they
hooking” which is an American creation. looked in quite a bit better condition.
Rug hooking became popular in 1830s America when using carpets In regard to cleaning this rug, I would have to see it in person to
over hardwood floors was all the rage in Europe. Most Americans could determine the exact fabric and I would advise seeking the counsel of a
not afford such luxuries and farmers wives started using a common good dry cleaner.
fabric found on the farm for the backing of a rug in form of feed sacks In answer to your question, “can we use it in our home?” Seek the
made of burlap. In modern times a fabric mesh that has a grid backing is counsel of a professional cleaner and ask not only can it be cleaned, but
used. The basic tool used in making the American version of a rug was a can the fabric stand up to foot traffic. If he gives the green light, use it. If
simple crochet style hook attached to a wooden handle that was used to he does not approve it for foot traffic; I say hang it on the wall. Whatever
hook equally cut lengths of yarn or cloth from the front through the he says, display it, and use it, whether on the floor or hanging on the wall
backing forming a loop and then pulling the loose ends through the loop enjoy this fine piece of American Folk Art wherever you can.
tying it. I know my explanation is probably as clear as mud, but I know
what I mean. LOL This was the first technique used in creating an David Moore CPAA
American classic folk-art form of floor Certified Professional Antiques Appraiser
covering. It allowed the artist to display
their creation in a useful way around the Information on Punch needle Rug Hooking was gleaned from The History
farmhouse. The downside was it was primi- of Punch Needle Rug Hooking by Micah Clasper Torch, April 18, 2020
tive looking, not durable to use as a floor Information obtained on techniques of hooked rug making through consultation
covering and was eventually downsized with professional Seamstress and Quiltmaker Nancy A. Moore
to small works that could be used as wall
decorations. It was basically seen as the poor David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team
Hook Rug tool set-up
man’s carpet. for the Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors
Throughout the 1800s rug hooking grew in popularity. In 1886 a graduate and a Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques
second technique used to make the hooked rug was invented by Ebenezer Appraiser. Mr. Moore has been buying, researching and sell-
Ross of Toledo Ohio. He patented the first tool used in the new “Punch ing the rare and unusual in antiques for over 50 years. David
Needle” technique in hooking rugs. This tool was called the Griffin and is currently the owner of D.L. Moore, CAA, an antiques
it allowed rugmakers to punch the yarn or fabric down from the back appraisal business.

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more
about and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to
editorial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about
becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or call the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

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