This is what is called in France a "PARURE" de linge - a bed linen set with 2pillow cases. Almost always in the 19th and early 20th Century a complete set would be ordered as the 2 belonged together. Many of the beautiful old linen sheets have survived to deck our present beds for another day, due to that much more simpler bed linen would be used as washing machines were not available yet and only on special occasions would the beautiful pieces see the daylight. The same could not be said of the pillow cases as the continual rubbing of hair during the night would damage the linen irreparably . It is therefore rare to get a complete set. This set though has not escaped some nuances either. Due to continually "smashing" the linen against smooth rocks in the local stream during washing the linen, in the long run he fabric could not stand up to these almost barbaric methods, but there was no other choice in those early days. We had to cut the bottom piece off as it had been torn ,but only after 2m35 and thus not visible and added another piece in the same linen and with an English seam. See least photo. Also one of the pillow cases had a tiny hole and this has been darned again and virtually not visible. Please see 2 last photos. Considering its age it has survived as perfect as by the looks of it the set has not often decked the beds. Do not forget that the bride would have to bring as part of her dowry 33 bed linen including the pillow cases for a regular rotation of the linen etc. What is such fun and not accidentally done is that the initials O.L. are embroidered reversibly . In other words you can see and read the initials when in bed. A lot of French women would prefer it this way as they were proud to see their work. The pillow cases of course are embroidered in the normal manner. The initials are 12cm long and are embroidered in high relief and very clearly stand out from the fabric. Both the bed linen and the pillow cases have 9cm wide Richelieu embroidered festooned scalloped borders and continue at the sides by approx. 50cm.. The edgings have "beautiful" ajour de Venises" ( open thread work ) A rare set. PLEASE NOTE; After some reflection I decided to enter the bed linen under the heading "CONDITION" In excellent condition as it deserves this accolade.