This bed linen comes from the same source as most of the bed linen in this auction. I recently went for a short break to the Basque country and at the same time visited the yearly held Brocante and linen fair which is in SARE and almost at the Spanish border. I was ticked on the shoulder by an elderly lady who had earlier seen me buying Old Basque bed and table linen. She asked me whether I was interested to see the trousseaux from her Maternal and Paternal Great Grandparents. So to cut a long story short I followed her in the car up the mountains and eventually arrived at the magnificent typical Basque style farm house dating back to 1770. Inside she showed me the beautiful and ornate Normandy Armoire in exquisite oak sculptured oak with brass hinges. In the armoire were some magnificent pieces of old bed linen and I was able to obtain 12 pieces. Every piece was in pristine condition and hardly ever used and the lady was so proud to show me all and explain to whom the linen belonged to in the family over all those decades. She had no children to leave it to and was very happy for me to obtain it all. This again is a superb bed linen, but for a single bed or alternatively for a double bed with a maximum width of 1m40 which will give 30cm on each side. I found a pillow case in my large stock and although it has not got the same initials it is perfect with the single bed linen. The initials on the bed linen are G.P. lightly embroidered in relief and filled in( George & Polly ) Brother of the husband's grandfather and a worker on the farm. It is supported by a romantic and beautiful garland of flowers and open Richelieu cutwork. At the sides is a repeat of the centre but in smaller details. The bed linen is edged with a superb Jour de Venise - open thread work. The pillow cases measures 70cm x 65 cm with an extra border of 5cm and is button fastened with the original .buttons. The initials M.B. are embroidered in hight relief and are supported by a tender branch with berries and leaves. The pillow case is "framed" with 4 different rows of thread work and in between is a row of "pea embroidery". PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Due to the sharp increase of fuel prices we had to look for more competitive French transport companies. Therefore as this situation is beyond our control deliveries can be delayed by up to approx.10 days. So please do have a little patience. Also the rates quoted are for mainland destinations only. Other territories will be subject to different rates. (THE POSTAL RATES FOR THE ISLANDS OF SPAIN PORTUGAL AND ITALY WILL BE BETWEEN APPROX. € 35 & €48 FOR 4 KILOS.) ALSO PLEASE NOTE: The linen that we offer for sale is not new linen, unless specifically mentioned, it is second-hand and old linen. As such it may have already been washed, used or even worn. In spite of the great care we take during the preparation, small imperfections can and may escape us. They do not in any way call into question the unique and rare character of these wonderful pieces. I present you our Antique linen unwashed, as taken out of the armoire, unless otherwise described . It is all clean, but plan to give it a wash before use. Please be aware of the above before you bid and buy. Thank you for taking this into account