purpose. This machine makes a stitch
around the corners of the star, which " old
is zigzag in character, producing in
the centre of the star a pentagon, the
stitch connecting alternate points. There are in reality
ninety stars, one star backing up a similar one on the
opposite side of the cloth, the two being so nicely adjusted
that when the flag is finished they appear to be but a
single star. In some cases this is done by cutting out
stars by a die, while either square or circular patches are
sewed on the reverse side, and after the stitching is finished
the patches are trimmed to the edge of the stitching, but
this is not done in the most particular work and is not so
economical. In some flags the blue bunting is itself cut
out in the shape of the star, and the white cloth, which in
all cases is bleached muslin, is inserted, the white being
stitched to the edge of the blue. Very few flags of this
character, however, appear to-day. Three or four years
ago a company obtained a patent on a process by which
the stars were bleached in the piece. These were known
as the " clamp die" flags. This process, however, was
abandoned, and to-day all stars on bunting flags are sewed
on. The cutting is done in very exact manner, the stripes
being cut out by a long handled knife of remarkably keen
edge, the width of each stripe, of course, being in pro-
portion to the size of the flag. A metal die of exact
proportions is used for the stars and the cloth under it
of various thicknesses is cut with a knife or shears.
After the body of the flag is completed the border on
the left-hand side is sewed on and the grummets or staples
through which the halyards run are stamped in by means
of a die
Of course, the Government is the largest buyer of bunt-
ing, especially in times such as the present. Very few
flags are manufactured for the Government outside of its
own workshops. Navy yards and arsenals are particularly
busy just at the present time, as the innumerable signal
flags for secret code service must be prepared by Govern-
ment workmen in a remarkably short space of time. No
outsider is allowed to work on these flags, as the signals
which they typify, are known only to Government officials.
It has been necessary of late to call for bids on certain
flags for the army, and these have been made by one or
two manufacturers, but this is not the general rule, as the
force in the employ of the Government is usually able to
supply all demands There is also a large demand for
flags of all nations for decorative purposes, pendants,
streamers, private ensigns, &c., which at the present time
is flooding the sail and flag makers. There is also a
demand for railroadsfor signal flags
which consume a large quantity of
bunting every year, perhaps more than
many realize. Black bunting is used
as a drapery for buildings in times of
public mourning.
Besides the bunting flag large num-
bers of cheaper grades are made of
cotton, the design being stamped or
printed on the cloth. We understand
that a large order for print cloths has
been placed of late for use in the
manufacture of flags. This may be
an outlet for a considerable yardage
RY." of fabrics which otherwise will be and
are at the present time drugs on the
market. Of course, the more expensive
silk flag, too, is in demand, but its cost prohibits it from
very general use. Should present conditions continue any
great length of time it is a question how the demand
will be supplied. It may be possible that some mills
will find it expedient to commence the manufacture of
bunting, on which they may be able to obtain a very good
profit, compared with the prices on many other qualities
of cotton goods.
NOVELTIES IN COMBINATION FURNITURE.
n^HE first of our sketches presented herewith represents
a combination of two articles whose several purposes,
so far as we are aware, have never before been served in
one and the same piece of furniture. There are some fur-
nishing accessories which, though practically indispensable
at times, are not always required, and during their periods
of desuetude they are not infrequently greatly in the
way. Among these comes the folding draught screen.
In winter time, when biting winds find a passage through
every crack and crevice, its services are gladly accepted,
and come as a boon and a blessing to us chilly mortals.
But with the return of warm weather its excuse for
existence disappears for the time being, and it is folded
up to be stored in some upper room, or else occupies
valuable space in the apartment, where its protection is
no longer required, wnich might be utilized to greater
advantage. Of course some of the painted and lacquered
leather screens on the market to-day are acceptable as
decorative features, quite apart from utilitarian considera-
tions; but this cannot be said of all of them, and it is,
therefore, not unreasonable to try to see if something
cannot be done with this welcome accompaniment of
winter to give it a status at those seasons when, instead
of keeping draughts out, we take advantage of all we can,
and long for more.
Here, then, in Fig. 1 are the details of an idea for doing
this which, from an inventive point of view, will, we are
sure, commend itself for its ingenuity, while, as far as
novelty is concerned, it is unquestionably in keeping
with the very latest ideas current in the domain of fancy
furniture. In the first place, we have a four- fold screen
of simple but tasteful design, the construction of which
is "as easy as ABC." The
frame, which might be of ma-
hogany, is a perfectly straight-
forward job, and includes no
ornamental details of an elaborate or costly character.
In the illustrations the small, long panels of the upper
part are shown filled with gilt-leaded stained glass, which
would be most effective in the actual thing, but simple
spindles or a decorative fret could be substituted for the
glass if considerations of price rendered that course expe-
dient. The two large inner panels are filled with some
textile fabric — silk, tapestry, cretonne, printed velveteen,
or just whatever else might best accord with the fancy of
the maker or the customer; but the two outer leaves are
treated in a manner somewhat different. The size of the
panels is reduced ; they are kept to the upper part, and
the spaces beneath are filled by small panels and spindles
in such a manner as to give an air of lightness to the com-
plete structure. The upper panels of these side wings,
however, differ from their larger companions in the centre,
inasmuch as that they are of solid wood This may, at the
first glance, appear to be quite unnecessary, but its justi-
fication will presently appear. So far so good ; our screen,
so arranged, would give no one the impression that it was
anything more than it appeared to be, and as affording
protection from draughts or from the fire leaves little to
be desired. But there is still more to come.
The solid side panels, already referred to, are made
quite distinct from the main structure, and, instead of
being paneled in, in the ordinary way, are kept in their
respective framework by two strong brass pegs or pivots,
working in the frame, near the bottom of the panel, and
also by catches at the top. We will imagine, now, that
the screen is arranged with the two centre leaves in line
with one another, and the end ones standing out at right
angles with them. This being so, it will be noticed that
a couple of small but strong brackets project, at about
table height, from the two centre uprights of the frame,
and they are to be made to play an important part in the
conversion. By releasing the catches at the top, the upper
side panels can be made to fall down as shown, and
brought to rest on the brackets just mentioned. As a
The Upholstery Trade Review.
result of this operation the screen has abdicated in favor
of a dainty piece of furniture of novel form, upon which
all manner of knick-knacks might be displayed to the best
possible advantage, constituting a side table of so taking a
description that it would be heartily welcomed in many
a home, at all events where ' matters of furnishing were
left to the discretion of members of the "fair sex." As
a sort of decorative altar for the "afternoon tea" service
it would have many claims to admiration, and in the eyes
of those to whom the traditional drawing room cabinet is
not an absolutely indispensable feature might even be
considered worthy to take the place of that somewhat
overdone receptacle for beveled plates, brackets and
spindles.
Fig. 3 gives us another contrivance which may seem to
some to err in the direction of carrying ingenious com-
bination too far, but others might view it in a very differ-
ent light. It is really a china cabinet, work table and
chair in one, and fulfills the requirements of all equally
well. An examination of the ilhistrations will m.ake clear
that it is made in two parts, one of which is a work table,
with well, properly fitted ; a drawer, and a handy little
sliding shelf, upon which the sempstress might rest her
cup of afternoon tea with comfort without it in any waj'
interfering with the accessories of the needle. The re-
maining half of the structure has a double part to play,
and whether " standing on its head or its heels " — to use a
figure of speech — is equally useful. Taken separately,
and resting on the four turned legs, it is a work chair,
with upholstered seat, comparatively roomy and comfort-
able. Special care, however, is devoted to the design and
finish of the under part. The seat is polished underneath ;
every part is perfectly finished, and between the legs, at
the sides and back, run a row of turned spindles, giving
the article a finished appearance. There is evidence of
some ulterior motive in the small brass sockets on the front
legs, near the seat, but otherwise there is nothing unusual
in the chair to differentiate it from many on view in scores
of showrooms at the present time. Having made these
two halves, completing each as if it had no relation with
the other save in regard to sizes, which must be observed
with the most scrupulous care, they are placed side by
side, and the top of the right arm of the chair is strongly
hinged to the top of the work table, bringing about the
combination of our work table and chair "as advertised."
But the promise of the china cabinet has yet to be borne
in mind and, though the possibilitiesof its fulfillment may
seem distant, a simple action will complete the pro-
gramme. By closing the flap covering the work well, and
turning the chair completely over on to the top of the
table, so that the top of the arms and back rest upon it
and the four legs are uppermost, the cabinet is completed,
save that a brass rod, with a pretty silk or other curtain
suspended from it, is to be slipped into the sockets already
noted. The legs of the chair now form four sprightly
finials; the spindles serve as an effective gallery round
three sides, while the arms, seat and back of the chair,
" topsy turvy " as they now are, constitute a safe and
pretty asylum for anything placed therein. It must be
understood that the lid of the work well can be opened or
closed with equal facility when the article is being used as
a cabinet as in its other capacity, and the sliding shelf,
too, is always available.
As the flag pole trade is now an important feature
with many dealers, our readers are advised to see the
new circular of the John Kroder & Henry Reubel
Company, which, will be sent on application. This com-
pany are large manufacturers of flag poles, and offer
a big assortment at prices so low that they are certain to
interest every buyer. Their headquarters are at 268 and
270 Canal street, New York.
The Upholstery Trade Review.
EMBROIDERED SCREENS.
CREENS afford excellent opportu-
nities for decorative needlework.
Their ornamental value well
repays the best efforts that a
skillful worker can expend
upon them. Then again, deli-
cate work mounted as a screen
stands a better chance of being
kept in good preservation than
in almost any other form, while
the subject gives so much scope
for originality of treatment
that it opens up a field in which
everyone recognizes endless possibilities.
In a screen the character and coloring of the room for
which it is intended must be thoroughly well considered ;
also the question of whether its primary intention is use or
ornament. Both purposes are admirably combined in an
Empire screen with three panels, two filled with lovely
embroidery, the third with clear glass, giving free passage to
the glow of firelight or sunlight. Among the most highly
prized treasures of antique furniture are nowadays the
screens of a century or so ago Fortunate indeed is the
possessor of one or more of these, for nothing lends itself
more perfectly to adaptation as a frame for beautiful mod-
ern embroidery, provided, of course, that the character of
the work be kept strictly in harmony with that of its
mounting.
In accord with the present feeling for the elegant forms
and dainty coloring of the French furniture of the last
century is the beautiful three-fold Louis Seize screen, two
panels of which are shown in Fig. 1 of the accompanying
sketches. The ground consists of a rich, old-fashioned
tabouret of a peculiarly pleasing tint of pearl white, on
which the pattern is worked
in bright, delicate tones of
filo-fioss silk. In the center
panel is a cornucopia filled
with glowing masses of ane-
mones and tulips treated in
their natural colors, the
soft violet blue of the ane-
mones being reproduced
with wonderful truth to na-
ture. The side panels
are occupied by pendent bas-
kets of roses tied with blue
ribbons, while the subor-
dinate decoration of garlands
and knots of ribbon is con-
ceived in the true spirit of
the period. At the foot of
each panel is a fan-like fluting
of soft green silk, while the
gilt frame, with its graceful
lines and elegant moldings
of groups of arrows and
musical instruments, admir-
NO. 2.— DESIGN FOR A POLE SCR
ably completes the decorative tion of an old engraving,
scheme. Of a different character, though equally suited
to the Old World furniture with which we love to fill our
rooms, is the subject of Fig. 2, a suggestion for a pole
screen, illustrative of what is quite one of the newest ideas
of the day for needlework screens. On a ground of white
satin is mounted one of the reproductions (also on white
satin) of the old Bartolozzi and other engravings in mono-
chrome after Morland, Wheatley and favorite artists of
that date, specially prepared for this purpose. Around it
is worked a light, graceful border of blue ribbon, and
sprays of pink blossoms and fern, the effect being ex-
tremely delicate and tasteful. A great variety of these
engravings on satin has recently been published, so that a
wide range of subjects is obtainable, in accordance with
the taste of the worker.
The exceedingly effective design for a fire screen repro-
duced in the third illustration embodies an original and
highly decorative scheme of color, adapted from a seven-
teenth century Spanish motif. Much individuality is shown
in the treatment of the subject — a group of flags or iris, car-
ried out in applique, on a ground of Italian linen. Flowers
and foliage are in art cloth, the former being of a delight-
ful tone of terra-cotta, harmonizing well with the blue-
green of the leaves. At the base are a few quaintly stiff
blossoms of the kingcup order. The outlines are defined
in crewel wool, and here and there a powdering of lustrous
spangles imparts a brightness of effect, which is further
heightened by the introduction of a bee and a dragon fly,
also worked in spangles and jewels. Brilliantly jeweled
effects are certainly a feature in the needlework of the
present day Another screen is formed of a single peacock
worked in silks, with the burnished metallic hues on the
breast and in the eyes of the plumage, touched in with
iridescent sequins. The bee and the dragon fly I have
just mentioned are encrusted with glittering jewels, the
head of the former being composed of wonderfully simu-
lated cabochon moonstones. As a gift for a silver wedding
a fascinating screen was not
long ago designed, the device
consisting of sprays of
white lilac, executed in rib-
bon work and tied with
knots of silver ribbon on a
background of ivory satin,
mounted in a white enam-
eled frame.
An entirely novel sugges-
tion here offers itself in the
form of a series of satin
medallions, painted in the
faint, cloudy, French style,
with Watteau subjects, che-
rubs or studies of heads.
Set on colored silk and sur-
rounded with paillettes and
wreaths of flowers in fine
ribbon work, these medal-
lions make as charming pole
screens and single or double
panels as can be imagined. A
^T., ..„,.. ^.-r, short time ago the writer saw
EEN, MOUNTED WITH A REPRODUC- °
WITH AN EMBROIDERED BORDER. au autiquc polc scrccu mouut
The Upholstery Trade Review.
adapted as a setting for a delicately worked
panel embroidered on silk, with the narrow
crinkled ribbons which are now a good deal
used, and finished with a border of lace.
The fourth illustration is a reproduction
of some old Italian embroidery carried out
in French floss silk on a ground of cream
satin.
"The cultivation of flax promises to become an important
industry in the State of Oregon. This branch of
agriculture has been established in the State only two
or three years, but it is being systematically advanced
through the efforts of the Oregon Women's Flax Fibre
Association, a part of whose efforts is devoted to advertis-
ing the State's possibilities in this direction. The product
of 1897 has been sold for 10 cents, and 12 cents per pound
is expected for this year's fibre, that being 4 cents in ex-
cess of all other American grades. Orders are in hand
for every ounce of the 1898 product, which is to come
from 140 acres of the best flax land in the State. In ad-
dition to this palpable business advantage, arrangements
have been made whereby the United States Agricultural
Department will assume charge of the association's dis-
play at the Omaha Exposition, giving it prominent space,
advantageous display, and good advertising. A display
of fibres and linens is also to be made at an exhibition in
Portland.
East Indian brass may be cleaned with a lemon. Cut
off the top until the full width of the fruit is secured and
rub freely over the wrought work. Wash off with a strong
flow from faucet or a shower tube with clear hot water
and polish with a soft brush.
The firm of Holland & Daniels, dealers in window
shades and shade cloths, 30 Hawley street, Boston, has
dissolved, Mr. Holland retiring. The business will be
continued by William E. Daniels.
EAST INDIAN FURNITURE.
EAPOYS, tabourets and straight-
backed settees of Bombay
rosewood are brought out to
accord with the draperies and
Oriental appointments of East
India rooms. Arm chairs, and
those light enough to move
about, big broad-topped, round
tables, suitable for drawing
room or study, are also shown.
The rosewood is of an ashy,
lack-lustre hue, as seen in the
importer's shop, but the na-
tive oil of the wood comes
out with use a.nd polishing,
and the delicate, lace-like
hand carving shows to advan-
tage.
The carving and ornamen-
tation of this East Indian
furniture, as described in the New York Sun, is totally
dissimilar to that of the Italian and other schools. It is
far more intricate, of smaller, finer pattern, and with none
of the capering cupids, veiled Venuses, and ornately bold
devices seen on Italian-made sofas and cabinets. The
carved edge of a Bombay table top falls over in scalloped-
out leaves and emblems as delicate and finely wrought as
the embroidery border on a woman's gown. Each table
has a selvage trimming of inlaid and embossed work set in
about the rim, the carving of such precise, yet artistic,
workmanship that it repays examination. Small as the
pattern is in the lustreless, unyielding wood, distinctive
designs are discerned in it — griffins and sea serpents and
big-petalled tropic flowers, interwoven with royal insignia
and mythological emblems.
For a base, such a rarely beautiful table has four sylvan-
looking birds turned about head downward, supporting
the main shaft with their bodies. The wings and out-
spread tail feathers, as shapely and symmetrical as though
carved of pliant, flexible stuff, and not mere wood, vines
with delicate tendrils and vine-like twists and curves
clamber up the shaft, and the whole table, from the out-
spread feet to the double-lidded centre, is a thing to be
looked at again and again. It is a matter of speculation
as to how much time was expended on the painstaking
carving, and how long the Hindoo carver wrought on that
curved-over lace border. As time is valued in the
United States, $600 would not buy such a unique appoint-
ment, but the English factors get it made in the time
expending East for such a sum that the New York dealer
NO. 4. SCREEN WITH A SINGLE PANEL,
EMBROIDERED AFTER AN OLD ITALIAN
DESIGN.
Il
The Upholstery Trade Review.
can afford to sell it for $150 and feel satisfied. It is large
enough for the centre furnishing of a spacious room, and
no cameo carving or sculptured work of art could be
wrought with more lavish perfection of finish and atten-
tion to detail and proportion.
The little dwarf teapoys of Bombay rosewood, round
and squat, and suggestive of a languid people who like to
lean upon their elbows and sip now and then of the re-
freshment at hand, have no carving as elaborate and won-
derful as the big tables, but they have rounded, pillar-like
supports — tops adorned with what looks like a valance of
wood round them, and other non-American features.
Many are made with the top to lift out and a hollow under-
neath for holding the tea caddy. They exchange their
dingy, almost gray blackness for a deep, oily ebon hue
after being much handled and pulled about from divan to
divan in the service of hospitality or home loving comfort.
Similar shaped teapoys and drum shaped tabourets can be
got in Shisham wood (a warm colored East Indian wood)
all inlaid with ivory and pearl tinted composition in in-
tricate patterns, but the Bombay rosewood is the most
unobtrusively distinctive, and after use it has the subtle
gloss and lustre of something fine and out of the ordinary,
to be treasured and grow all the richer with use.
Low standing cabinets, with inscrutable, locked away
looking niches and treasure hiding drawers in them, are
also shown in Bombay rosewood. The top pillars will be
ended off with pagan looking heads and helmets, and on the
panels of the main compartment the carving will be subtly
suggestive of Buddha or his fabulous prototypes and what
they stood for. All this East Indian furnishing is low to
the floor and in thorough keeping with the thick mats,
prayer rugs and floor cushions modeled on the usages of
a people who half sit, half loll at all times and possess to
English eyes the miraculous knack of curling their legs up
under them and squatting easefully anywhere on the least
possible excuse.
The arm chairs, ordinary chairs and settees in this native
rosewood are all shaped and ornamented after Dutch
models. The Dutch, it seems, first discovered the salable
and adaptable qualities of the native East India wood
carving and influenced the workers in Bombay to conform
to their notions of beauty, so the chairs and settes have a
prim rigidness of outline that seems out of key with their
Oriental origin. The carving and decoration are a mix-
ture of Dutch influences and East India convictions of
what is appropriate.
The Dutch have long since ceased to dabble in the
trade, but the English furniture importers and manufac-
turers have not changed the original models, that are
quaint and interesting. The entire back of an upright,
uncompromising-looking chair will be a mass of exquisite
openwork carving, the pattern so inwrought and convene
tional as to fit in with the general style of structure. The
seat is left plain, but a narrow carved border of rich work
is let in near the margin, and the underpinning and the
high posts of the chair back show a touch of East Indian
barbaric lavishness. The knobs on the pinnacle of the
back posts show a grotesque emblem, half classic, half
fantastic, and the feet will have a modified likeness to a
centaur's extremities or some strange heathen finishing.