Ann,
Seems to me that linen would look good but would wear fairly quickly...
you may want to consider checking with some of the carpet mills and
seeing what they can do for you (depending on budget of course!).
Carpet mills do this kind of thing all the time, and if you check with
the ones that deal with natural fiber carpets, you could even maybe have
them make a copy of the one you're protecting..

~Debbie

Frisina, Ann wrote:

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>I am searching for reproduction floor coverings, a drugget to be placed under a piano in an historic house of 1870's.  The carpet is being worn under the pedals and I would like to protect it.  My first idea was to take a piece of sturdy linen and finish off the ends lining it with a piece of polyester felt.  But then I began to wonder if anyone knew of any quality reproductions?
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>Thanks
>
>Ann Frisina
>Textile Conservator
>Minnesota Historical Society
>345 Kellogg Blvd. W.
>St. Paul, MN. 55102
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>651 297-5490
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