World War I Pillows
Part IV of a ten part article about "Sweetheart" pillows and pillow tops related to WWI and WWII
by Patricia Cummings
with photo contributions as noted
In Part III of this series of pillows and pillow tops related to wartime, there is an image of an exceptional silk pillow upon which appears the message, "From Your Loving Boy."
This item, eBay #200203036039 appears to be in exceptionally fine condition and ends on March 3, 2008. Photo courtesy of eBay seller, "jbftaylor."
This colorful, 17" x 17", "Lady Liberty" pillow cover, in which she is holding the flags of France and England, with a U.S. bunting flag positioned in the middle, is stamped "To Sweetheart" in the lower left hand corner. On the upper right hand corner is stamped "US Motor Transport Corps" and "a soldier's helmet with wings."
Patriotism and a Global Outlook Part of Pillow Making
In the following pillow image, we see an eagle standing on top of a globe, behind which is placed an anchor. The anchor has long been a Christian symbol, as well as one that is representative of the Navy. In this case, without further information, we can only guess as to the overall meaning of the motif on this United States Marine pillow. Unlike later pillows in WWII, this pillow appears to have a yellow, braided-trim edge, instead of a fringe.
photo courtesy of John Grindahl
We are very fortunate to show you another WWI vintage pillow in the following photo. The writing on the pillow says "TANK CORPS," which refers to the 81st Infantry division. The words, "Treat Em Rough" appears in cursive writing. According to Walter L. Sarama, the "wildcat" is the mascot of the 81st division. In this instance, the cat is seen on top of a tank, wearing a WWI helmet. The pillow is velvet and measures about 21 x 14 inches. Sarama tells us that this division was the first WWI unit to start wearing a shoulder insignia.
The photo of this vintage item was taken by Walter L. Sarama.
The type of materials used, and the sentiments involved in this pillow, shown above, sharply contrast with the WWI "Mother" pillow in Part III of this series.
Colorful WWI Pillow Cover Tells A Story
A colorful pillow cover with a yellow and green background tells a story, in the words of a soldier who is writing home.
photo courtesy of Rich, eBay seller, rmc54
Over The Top into No Man's Land,
We will carry the Flag.
Spurred on by thoughts of Home & You,
Not one of us will lag.
With victory won, and peace declared,
This great World War will stop.
Then I'll be home again, and tell
How we went Over the Top.
WWI Pillow Top Features Flags
The flags of the United States, Great Britain, France, and Italy can be seen on a World War I pillow sham that has the words, "World War," and "On Autocracy," on its surface. The center star displays the symbols of various branches of the U.S. Army. The pillow top measures 23 inches, including its fringe. On the left hand side, near the American flag, there is an ink stain. The back is a patriotic blue color, in keeping with the the item's theme.
WWI Pillow Top features the Flags of Four Nations.
photo courtesy of Ken Kaighin, eBay seller "b26driver"
WWI Patriotic Pillow Sham with Flag
The next pillow sham shown here says, "Keep the Home Fires Burning." An eBay seller, "modern-archeology," describes the patriotic pillow cover as having been made of a "linen type material." The item measures 23 inches x 14 1/4 inches and has fringe on two ends only.
WWI Pillow Sham Features the Sentiment, "Keep the Home Fires Burning."
photo courtesy of "modern-archeology"
Yet Another World War I Patriotic Pillow
A very special World War I pillow top features the word "Victory," in large, shadowed letters. Underneath a star, and enclosed within a partial wreath, are the words, "In Memory of My Service - Worlds War. A ribbon at the base of the wreath contains the dates "1917," and "1918." The U.S.S. Alabama is the ship seen in the image below. Close-ups follow.
Many thanks to the contributor of the photos above, who wishes to remain anonymous.
World War Service pillow with Doughboys in the Jim Gribben family collection.
photo courtesy of Jim Glidden
Thank to all of you who have contributed to these files.
~Pat~
Research Continues
Our research about WWI and WWII pillows and pillow tops is ongoing. We will continue to share photos and information here. If you have a story or a photo, please contact us at: pat@quiltersmuse.com
Song Playlist: Oldies Medley, one song from WWI
©Copyright 2007. Patricia Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. All Rights Reserved. pat@quiltersmuse.com