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 plants and a bird done in red and gold, cross and counted satin stitch. Two groups of initials flanking the double cross stitched letters WXYZ at the center might represent the maternal and paternal sides of the maker’s family. The initials on the left are DS, PS, NC, MC, SC, MC. On the right they are JF, EF, PF, DC, SS, LS.

Over all the sampler is in very good condition, with some background darns along the right and lower borders, possibly to repair old moth damage. Measuring 13″ x 17″ (sight, larger with the frame which is old but not original) it is executed in shades of pale green, gold, ivory, beige, and red in silk on the handwoven green linsey woolsey ground.

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