Thomas Stevens, a weaver in Coventry, England, started producing colored woven silk decorative items around 1862 and this is a nice example of one of his bookmarks aimed at the American market. Several different patterns with Grant are known. Some, like this, include just his military rank, others as President. One common element is the use of “Richmond / 1865” at top. While we think more of Appomattox as symbolizing the end of the war, Stevens obviously took the capture of the Confederate capital as the significant event. Below that Vicksburg and Fort Donelson are credited as his victories, though one variant substitutes “Shilo” for the latter. Below Grant’s name in blue is a brief quote in red, “I will fight it out on this line,” which omits the emphatic end of the message, “if it takes all summer.”

Stevens placed a simplified American eagle at bottom, around which are some flags with just enough stars, blue cantons, and red and white stripes to make clear they are U.S. flags, without being too particular about the precise count of any element. The reverse has “Stevens” and “Coventry” at bottom. As is usual, the small tassel at the tip is long gone, but the presentation and colors are strong. Measures 1 5/8” x 5 5/8”.  [sr]

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