Antique Samplers

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…

ANN MARSHAL 1797 Scottish sampler framed in an old oak frame with gilt slip, mounted to conservator standards on acid free board with spacers. The sampler is stitched with silk and fine wool on linen in a variety of stitches. It is signed and dated “Ann Marshal Aged 13 years my sampler sewed in the…

English sampler with a four sided strawberry border surrounding extensive biblical verses including the Apostle’s Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. It is not framed and has not yet been cleaned or conserved but remains in reasonably good condition. Measuring 12-1/4″ x 16-1/4″, it is stitched on very fine linen with silk threads.

This sampler is either English or Continental, and is stitched with brilliantly colored silk on extremely fine linen and bordered with rose colored silk ribbon. Two alphabets and a line of numerals are worked above a wide band of naturalistic roses, below which is a pagoda flanked by initials and palm trees. At the bottom…

English pictorial sampler featuring Adam and Eve at the center surrounded by birds, squirrels, lions and cherubs, with two short verses: Love the Lord and seek him for your friend————For when all others leave you his love will never end and Sound forth the praise of God give glory to his nameFrom him comes all…

This Scottish sampler is stitched with brightly colored silk and wool floss on linen, featuring numerous stylized alphabets and family initials. There are three rows of beautiful illuminated letters characteristic of Scottish samplers. In the lower reserve is a peacock with seven tail feather (also typical of Scottish samplers), a small house, flowers, a rooster,…