As Claire stated: "The peculiar thing is that they apparenlty measure 50
inches by 22 inches." I don't believe these were napkins or hankerchiefs. 50
X 22" is approximately 4 feet X 2 feet. The comical image of some poor guy
tripping over his hankerchief comes to mind. And although I've had dinner
guests that I wish had used napkins this large, I've never seen a reference
to them! 

I did a little investigation and found the link below to some antique
embroidered towels. I'm guessing that what you have is a whole set of towels
- perhaps part of some bride's trousseau? 

http://www.emsheart.com/merchandise/items/G08704%20Best%20Antqiue%20Society%
20Silk%20embroidered%20towel.htm 

Please let us know what they turn out to be. 

Becky Fitzgerald
Susquehanna Museum

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