Dana Balsamo of Dana Auctions is pleased to announce the companys Antique Quilt and Textile Auction, a simulcast event that offers bidders from around the world the opportunity to acquire some of the most historically significant quilts and textiles to come to market in recent years. Among the auctions 200-plus lots are four outstanding 19th-century signature quilts, also known as name-inscribed quilts or album quilts, which serve as cultural artifacts that blend artistry, genealogy, and social history. The auction will be held Saturday, May 31, in Princeton, N.J., featuring quilts and textiles dating from the 1820s through the early 2000s, along with over 50 rare textile swatch books, including many of French origin. Each item tells a story, but it is the signature quilts that speak loudest. These name-inscribed quilts were the social media of the 19th century, says Dana Balsamo, quilt appraiser, auctioneer, and owner of Dana Auctions. They documented friendships, migrations, and community ties. Some were made for brides, some for ministers, and others for people moving West. The names tell us who these people were and where they came from. They are stitched history. Signature quilts are particularly valuable to collectors, genealogists, and institutions because of the hand-inscribed names and sometimes dates or locations. Each quilt is a treasure trove of historical data and a work of art in its own right. Among expected highlights will be the 1848 Elizabeth Hooton album quilt, New Jersey and Kentucky. A true American heirloom, this magnificent quilt measures 104-by-107 inches and includes over 40 signed and inscribed blocks. Dated 1848, it was dedicated to Elizabeth Hooton, with connections to both New Jersey and Kentucky through the block makers. Its intricate appliqu work, hand-stitching, and vivid period fabrics speak to the skill and care of the makers. Hooton was likely honored with this quilt by friends and relatives, perhaps in preparation for a move or marriage. The dual geographic connections offer a unique opportunity to trace a 19th-century migration or family network. An exciting lot is an 1850s Album quilt top, unfinished, but no less powerful. It is believed to have originated in Princeton, N.J. The quilt top (not quilted) contains signed blocks with calligraphic penmanship and hand-appliqud motifs, including florals, wreaths, and patriotic imagery. The lack of quilting makes this an excellent teaching piece for textile students, revealing the construction and layout planning of 19th-century quilts. From the same time period, a ca. 1850 Old Italian album quilt includes hand-inscribed names from Missouri. The layout features repeated diamond star motifs, and the fabric selection includes madder browns, indigos, and double pinks, a feast of mid-19th-century fabric history. One of few known album quilts from Missouri of this period, the piece may reflect a church or school community. The Old Italian layout is a variant of the popular mosaic-style designs of the era, suggesting either imported influence or exceptional maker skill. This special auction will start at 11 a.m. ET, online at LiveAuctioneers and in-person in Princeton, N.J. To view the online catalog, visit www.DanaAuctions.com. In-house shipping and local pickup is available. For additional information, to request condition reports, or to schedule a private preview, call Dana Auctions at 732-221-3560 or email info@danaauctions.com.