Antique Samplers

Probably English, early 18th century (circa 1720)Executed in fine wool and silk, this beautifully balanced needlework picture depicts two characters in a rural setting, the woman carrying a jug of water on her head, the man apparently leaping or dancing, with a flock of very contented sheep to their right. One sheep appears to be…

Frederikshald, Norway This beautiful and unusual Norwegian sampler is noteworthy for the exquisitely stitched floral wreath at the center, and alphabets and numerals forming the four sided border. The style of lettering is also unique, looking more like cursive than actual cross stitched letters. The outermost border has been finely hem stitched. It was finished…

17?4 Silkwork Sampler by Susey Oliver. Framed in an old ‘molded composition over wood’ and gilt frame with rippled, old glass. Stitched to linen with wooden backing and brown paper dust cover. The sampler is finely worked in silk on linen ground, in a variety of stitches including Algerian eye. Meandering leafy border. Colours magenta,…

An English tablet-style sampler stitched with silk on fine linen, featuring three stanzas of a verse titled “On Virtue” within two large columns with intricately stitched birds (possibly a swan and a phoenix) atop the columns, with a four sided floral border. Cupids with bows and dogs flank the columns on both sides. Stitches used…

A Scottish Sampler This beautiful Scottish sampler features illuminated letters, an arcaded floral band, traditional motifs including peacocks with seven tail feathers, windmills. birds at the Fountain of Life within a leafy half cartouche, illuminated letters and family initials. It is nearly identical to another Scottish sampler we offer for sale- Katie Sym’s dated 1769-…

Possibly Scottish (Nimmo is a Scottish surname), this sampler is stitched on linen with wool and silk in cross, petit point, counted satin and freehand stem stitches. The color and condition are very good, with the background linen slightly darkened. Three pots of flowers are stitched at the top above a scene with a large…

Surrounded by a Greek key border, this unsigned sampler begins with a classic Quaker alphabet, A through Z, executed in cross stitch, followed by another alphabet in eyelet stitch, the next in double cross stitch, the next in four-sided stitch, and the final lower case alphabet in cross stitch. Below is a scene of flowering…

A Scottish Sampler This quintessential Scottish sampler is stitched with fine silks on linen with an industrious use of stitches including queen, petit point, back, cross, counted satin, stem and turkeywork. A four sided queen stitch border surrounds many unusual motifs including the traditional Scottish peacocks with seven tail feathers, a man in a kilt…

The sister, twin or cousin, of this miniature sampler is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. By chance I found this nearly identical piece, stitched on such incredibly fine handkerchief linen that I estimate it at 65 thread count. Apart from some minor staining it is in excellent condition, and the gilded…

A Scottish Sampler This sampler has a very interesting verse referencing the unification of England, Ireland, and Scotland: Is there a son of generous England here,or fervent Erin,- he with us shall join,To pray that in eternal union dear,The rose the shamrock, and the thistle twineThe fear of the lord is the begining (sic) of…

Two Mexican samplers available, both late 19th century (circa 1876), in very good condition, but quite coarse. Reproduced on finer linen they might resemble the finer, earlier 19th century work. They are stitched on coarse linen with wool in a variety of stitches.

This busy sampler is likely Scottish. It features a grand mansion house similar to those depicted on many Scottish samplers, with a gated lawn and sheep in front, flanked by peacocks. A four sided floral border surrounds eight horizontal registers that include family initials, potted flowers, baskets, trees and birds. There are several holes in…