This is an absolutely magnificent linen and handmade figural needle lace tablecloth circa 1850-1880’s. This tablecloth measures 32 by 48 inches, the edges have handmade bobbin lace, it looks to be English or Irish, the needle lace figural inserts are gorgeous with fine, fine detail showing a beautiful lady in the corners and kings in armor on either end (they have crowns); the threads in this lace is so fine you need magnification to see the individual threads. Framing the center are finely hand embroiderd flowers with needle lace centers obviously the work of a very accomplished needle woman. The edges are defined by very fine drawnwork, the linen is hand woven and of the finest quality, it has the almost cold feeling of OLD linen. There is a small faint stain, about 6 teensy pinholes and a few broken threads in the bobbin lace, the cloth is otherwise in very good condition.