This is a collection of items that belonged to Miss Orlena Craighead (Born 1836 in Polk County, MO) who attended the Grand Inauguration Ball and was a direct descendent of the current owners. It was held on the east portico of the US Capitol in Washington DC, of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore on March 5 in 1849:

The first item is a framed engraved invitation for the Grand Inauguration Ball of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore that was held on March 5th, 1849 in Washington D.C. The imagery shows Taylor in uniform overlooking a valley. Below the scene is a list of managers (a who’s who of American politics at mid-century) including: Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Stephen Douglas, and Robert E. Lee. This invitation in similar condition sold for $1,300 in 2010. Dimensions: 12” H x 9” W. 

A dress that was worn to the Inauguration Ball. This dress is handmade from brown and green striped silk and is trimmed in dark red fringe. The shawl is in a light blue silk. The dress features bell sleeves, hook and eye closures, and decorative bodice work. Dimensions: 57” H x 10.5” waist W/17.5” shoulder W. 

A hand sewn and appliquéd quilt labeled to be from the 1850-1860s and features pink/red floral motifs, green leafy vines, and a white background, all bound in the same pink/red as the flowers. Dimensions: 95” H x 95” W.

You can see a listing of a similar invitation to the event that went for auction two years ago here, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 for the invitation alone.

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Good, visible wear consistent with average use and age. The invitation has mild edge discoloration, most prominent at the top, but is in very good condition otherwise. Both fabric items have been stored in archival acid free storage boxes and wrapped carefully in tissue. The quilt has some spots on it that do not interrupt the view and minor lifting of applique. See photos for more condition details.