This bed linen goes back to approx; 1870 and is called METIS being 65% linen and 35% cotton. These bed linen were made in huge quantities in the late 19th Century. The reason being, the material had to stand up to rough washing techniques and were the work horses for the not so well of French families. Baskets full of these bed linen would be carried by two staff to the local stream and literally "bashed" against to stones in the small river. They then were put into a "plat" and 2 staff members would squeeze as much water out of the fabric as possible. Once back they would be carefully laid down on the grass to dry and following to iron with metal hand irons which were heated in the fire. The initials D.G. have been very professionally and elegantly embroidered in high relief. Almost a museum piece to be cherished.