Bates George Washington Choice Bedspread Value Guide

The Bates George Washington Choice Bedspread is a cornerstone of American textile history, first introduced in 1940 as a museum-quality reproduction of a spread from Mount Vernon. Produced by the Bates Manufacturing Company in Maine, its intricate hobnail pattern and mid-century popularity make it a quintessential piece for traditional and colonial-style collectors.

What affects the value of Bates George Washington Choice Bedspread?

• Condition of the cotton fibers, specifically looking for thinning, yellowing, or loss of the chenille tufts.
• Presence and integrity of the original fringe, as missing or tangled tassels significantly reduce the $110-$120 market value.
• Size of the spread, with King and Queen sizes often commanding higher prices than Twin or Full versions.
• The presence of the original manufacturer's labels which verify its origin from the Maine-based Bates factory.

How to Identify Bates George Washington Choice Bedspread?

• Look for the distinctive 'George Washington's Choice' woven label or tag from the Bates Manufacturing Company of Maine.
• Verify the 100% cotton construction featuring a heavy-weight hobnail chenille texture and knotted fringe edges.
• Confirm the specific colonial-style geometric pattern modeled after the original reproduction presented to George Washington.
• Check for the characteristic white or off-white color palette consistent with the 1950-1970 production era.

History of Bates George Washington Choice Bedspread

First introduced in 1940 by the Bates Manufacturing Company in Maine, the George Washington Choice became one of the most iconic American bedspread designs of the 20th century. It was originally marketed as a museum-quality reproduction of a hand-woven spread presented to George Washington for his home at Mount Vernon. Its popularity endured for decades, becoming a staple in American mid-century homes and traditional interiors.