MARGARET REID 1837

Possibly Scottish, a very well-preserved sampler that was likely never framed. (There is an acquisition tag sewn to the edge but the source collection is unknown.)  An unusual, elaborate four-sided floral and leaf border surrounds a central reserve with a brief moral verse, Adam and Eve with a turquoise serpent under the tree of life, and many colorful floral, bird and animal motifs are scattered about symmetrically including roosters, rabbits, parrots, peacocks, quail, stags, dogs, and two strange three-legged flying birds over the stags.  Stitches used in the sampler are cross, petit point, double running, satin, and stem.  The illuminated initials at the top likely refer to her parents.

The inscription includes other family  initials:

MARGARET REIDS    JR

WORK AGED 13    ER  JR

FINISHED JANY THE 19  1837

AR  JM  TCID  MR  EC

THE LOSS OF GOLD IS MUCH

THE LOSS OF TIME IS MORE

BUT THE LOSS OF CHRIST IS SUCH

AS NO MAN CAN RESTORE

The sampler measures 19″ x 17-1/2″