VOLUME/I
SAMPLINGS: A selected offering of antique samplers and needlework
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M. Finkel e9 Daughter. Americana Period Furniture Early Textiles Folk Art 936 Pine Street Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19107 215 627 7797 FAX 215 627 8199 o
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Cover photograph:
The Tea Party, page 1.
APPRAISAL SERVICE We can provide expert written insurance appraisals for your antique textiles, including quilts, woven coverlets, bed rugs, table rugs and hooked rugs, as well as samplers, needlework pictures, and mourning pictures.
DDDDDDDD CopyrightŠ 1992 by M. Finkel & Daughter, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from M. Finkel & Daughter, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Welcome to SAMPLINGS ..... Volume II The first issue of SAMPLINGS was received with great acclaim! We underestimated the demand for catalogues, and apologize to those of you who did not receive Volume I. And we thank our friends who promptly responded to our first catalogue. Of the merchandise offered, 98% was sold almost immediately. We will be issuing the catalogue SAMPLINGS twice a year, and it will offer for sale the choicest and most interesting samplers in the best possible original condition. We are very exacting buyers and are not willing to compromise when it comes to quality- we know that our customers demand it. Our firm was established in 1947, and we have been at the same location for 43 years. We like to think our positive relationship with clients, many of whom are now second generation, is because of our commitment to customer satisfaction. Buying antiques should be based in large measure on trust and confidence, and we try to treat each customer as we ourselves like to be treated. Every item in this catalogue is guaranteed to be authentic and original, and you can rely on our expertise in describing each piece as to age and condition. Many of the samplers are described as being "acid-free mounted", and where this is noted, the work has been properly done by our own TEXTILE RESTORATION DEPARTMENT. Upon request, we can provide a condition report for any sampler in which you may be interested. All merchandise is offered subject to prior sale. Should your first choice be unavailable, we urge you to discuss your collecting objectives with either Amy or Morris Finkel or Nancy Shore. Our inventory is extensive, and we have many items not included in our catalogue. Moreover, through our sources, we can often locate just the sampler that you are looking for; you will find us knowledgeable and helpful. Payment may be made by check, VISA, Mastercard or American Express, and we ask for payment with your order. Pennsylvania residents should add 7% sales tax. All items are sold with a 10 day return privelege. Expert packing is included; shipping and insurance costs are extra. We prefer to ship via UPS second day air, insured. When you order, we can tell you the cost for shipping and insurance.
Amy Finkel Morris Finkel Nancy Shore
NOTE: At the end of this catalogue you will find a selected bibliography which we think will be helpful. We do refer to some
of these books in our specific sampler descriptions.
Are you interested in selling? We are constantly purchasing antique samplers and needlework and would like to know what you have for sale. We can purchase outright or act as your agent. Photographs sent to us will receive our prompt attention. Call us at 215-627-7797 for more information.
M. Finkel~ Daughter. Americana Period Furniture . Early Textiles. Folk Art 936 Pine Street Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19107 215. 627. 7797 FAX 215. 627.8199
ANTIQUE TEXTILE RESTORATION SERVICE Our Textile Restoration Department is well qualified to handle your needs for proper conservation and restoration of your valuable antique textiles. We use only the best archival and acid-free materials, and employ museum-approved techniques. Our goal is to safely conserve your antique pieces, keeping in mind the needs of both the collector and the collection. SAMPLERS AND NEEDLEWORK In the past four years we have handled approximately 500 samplers in our restoration department. Below is a description of the step-by-step process that we employ: 0 Carefully clean the piece using our special vacuum process. 0 Mount it by means of hand-sewing onto acid-free museum board that has been slip-cased with fabric appropriate to the piece itself, and at the same time stabilize any holes or weak areas. 0 Refit the item back into its original frame, or custom-make a reproduction of an 18th or early 19th century frame using one of our exclusive patterns. 0
Supply a reverse painted black glass mat, if appropriate, done in the correct antique manner.
0 Upon request, we can install TrueVueÂŽ Conservation Clear glass which blocks 97% of the harmful Ultra-violet light. 0 In the framing process, the needlework is properly spaced away from the glass, the wooden frame is sealed, and the dust cover is attached with special archival tape. QUILTS, COVERLETS, HOOKED RUGS AND TABLE RUGS While we do not provide cleaning services for these large textiles, we are expert in the area of mounting for hanging, and if need be, preparation for framing. This may be as simple as applying velcro and supplying hanging strips, or it may necessitate an appropriate stretcher arrangement. Minor repairs can skillfully be made using our supply of period fabrics. Hooked rugs which can no longer withstand abuse underfoot can be successfully mounted as wall hangings. We are adept at minor repairs, including backing and binding when necessary.
All repair and refitting is done in our workrooms on the premises by trained experts, and each job receives prompt attention and our personal supervision. Work is accepted from collectors as well as from dealers and institutions, and items may be brought in or shipped to us. Upon receipt, we will examine your items and phone you to discuss your needs, make our recommendations, and give you an estimate of the cost. We make every effort to complete jobs entrusted to us in a timely fashion, and we know you will be pleased with the quality of our work. References from our clients can be furnished upon request.
1 The Tea Party, circa 1770 In 18th century America the partaking of tea was the most social time of the day for the upper classes. A tea party frequently included gentlemen visitors courting marriageable young ladies. This rare miniature needlework depiction of an out-of-doors tea party was worked in Connecticut or Massachusetts, circa 1770, and, for many years was in the collection of a historical society in that area. It is important as a social document, depicting as it does the early porcelain tea service with globular teapot and inlaid wooden tea canister, the articulated attire and footwear of the period, as well as the ritual of tea drinking itself. On another level, the rosy-checked flirtation, the spotted dog and pale blue birds all contribute to the appeal of this picture of upper class New England life in the Colonial period. Fully worked in crewel wool (two-ply twisted worsted yarn) on linen, it is in excellent condition and retains its strong original colors. Acid-free mounted and in a mahogany veneer frame circa 1830. Size of the needlework: 6 :Y." X 6 :Y.". Price $12,000.
M. Finkel e9 Daughter.
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Ann Young, 1809 Samplers from the small towns of coastal Maine are quite rare and we are quite pleased to offer this large and lustrous example made by eleven year old Ann Young who lived in Waldoboro in 1809. Ann Young, one often children, was born Thursday, February 8, 1798, to Ann Johnston and George Young, a road surveyor and "fence viewer". Ann Young died at the age of 17 years 5 months and is buried in the Benner Cemetery in Waldoboro. Ann's sampler is identical in format, design, verse and inscription to another Waldoboro piece, dated 1808, and currently owned by a descendant of that maker. It is obvious that the two pieces were executed under the instruction of the same schoolmistress, who favored the long satin stitches that dominate the wide floral borders of both samplers. Worked in blue, green, silver and tan silk on linen and in excellent condition with some slight loss to the black silk floss. Acid-free mounted into a reproduction cherry and maple comer-block frame. Sampler size w¡ x 16 w. Price $3,400. 21
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3 Mary Blakiston, 1791 We were pleased to have found this outstanding Philadelphia sampler made by Mary Blakiston in 1791. There is a shimmering quality to the needlework, and the small scale border is of the finest quality, indicating, no doubt, that young Mary was under the tutelage of an inspiring and demanding teacher. In classic Philadelphia fashion many of the capital letters were worked in a contrasting colored silk; the handsome stylized floral band commands the center of the sampler. Mary Blakiston was born circa 1782, one of nine children, to Presley and Sarah Blakiston; her father was a shoemaker with an address at 212 South Front Street in Philadelphia. In 1810, Mary married John O'Neill, a tailor at 214 South 7th Street. The marriage ceremony took place at historic Christ Church, as had the ceremony of her parents, in 1765. Mary died in 1823, and the widower went on to marry her younger sister, Rebecca Blakiston. The sampler is made of silk on linen and is in excellent condition, with very minor loss of the silk. It has been acid-free mounted into a handmade reproduction 18th century shadow box frame. Sampler size 15 :y.'' X 16 :y.'', Price $5,500.
M. Finkel~ Daughter.
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4 Ella S. Healy, 1859 In the village of Hartland, Vennont, situated on the Connecticut River, Ella S. Healy, age 10 in 1859 worked a charming marking sampler which she called her "exemplar", a descriptive term for samplers whose usage dates back at least as far as the early 16th century. Worked in black and coral silk on linen and in very good condition, it is in a modern frame.
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Eunice Sturtevant, 1833 A recent discovery, this exceptional Plymouth, Massachusetts sampler worked by Eunice Sturtevant in 1833 exhibits the regional elements that we identify with one, or perhaps two, teachers working in this historic town from 1813 to 1845. An almost identical sampler worked by Lucy Wadsworth in 1831 appears in Edmonds Samplers and Samplermakers 17001850, figure 20; both samplers display the characteristic sawtooth octagon and deep borders embellished with roses, buds and leafy vines. The Sturtevant family was a large and prominent one in the town of Plymouth, and in fact the earliest known sampler from this particular grouping was made by a Sarah Sturtevant in 1813. Our young needleworker obviously spent quite a bit of her time and energy on this sampler; however, careful study of the piece reveals that she took a very minor liberty with her sampler. Having worked four complete alphabets, the young Eunice seems to have felt disinclined to continue on to the typical successive numerical listing through the number 9. We find all of the numbers represented, however those which appear in her age and date inscription (1,3, and 8) are absent from her numerical listing (2,4,5,6,7 and 9). Worked in shimmering silk on linen, it is in very good condition with minor loss at two corners. Acid-free mounted into a fine period mahogany and maple corner-block frame. Sampler size 16 W' X 16". Price $4,500.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
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5 Eliza Squier, 1828
This praiseworthy American sampler was made in 1828 in either New England or Pennsylvania by Eliza Squier. She worked a double chimney Federal house and paid particular attention to the lady wearing a fine empire gown seated under the willow tree in the garden. The four-sided border was worked in the Queen's stitch, far more commonly found in 18th century needlework, and indicative of a traditional and demanding instructress. Worked predominantly in shades of blue, green and tan silk on linen, the sampler is in excellent condition, and in a modem frame. Sampler size 16" X 17lh''. Price $2,850.
(Detail)
M. Finkel~ Daughter.
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6 Jane Cragg, 1834 On April19, 1834 in Philadelphia, Jane Cragg, 15 years old, finished her large family record sampler that listed the births of the eight children born to her parents, William and Hannah Cragg. She proudly included an important piece of family history in her needlework: "William and Hannah Cragg, natives of England landed in Philadelphia October 22 in the year 1818". Records show that they became U.S. citizens on October 17, 1833. William is listed in directories as a sexton and undertaker owning properties in Philadelphia and Gloucester County, NJ. Young Jane, who worked the sampler, subsequently married Henry Kane and they were living on the Cragg family farm in New Jersey by A11n Craft Wn It 1816 !Ud ktt'.t Z. l82fJ Jur Crl(t bern Jlmt 1 Jtrt the mid 19th century. &.r7 c, 11 wn a..y 11 1$2.0 Dltd. ftlo r2 JIZ.i ~
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The sampler is a wonderful document as well as a splendid piece of needlework; the large floral border contrasts with the miniature townscape complete with birds and dogs on rooftops. Worked in silk on linen, it is in excellent condition. Acid-free mounted in a black painted frame.
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Sampler size 16 w· x 24 :Y.". Price $4,400.
Julia Ann Callendar, 1827 A delightful American sampler made by Julia Ann Callendar, age 10 years, in the year 1827. She carefully worked two alphabets, a blue-roofed house and tree and star motifs in predominantly blue silk on linen. It is in excellent condition and has been acid-free mounted into a handsome 19th century gilt frame. Sampler size 11" X 8". Price $1800.
We are also offering an unframed marking sampler (not illustrated) made by the same young lady also in 1827, worked predominantly in green silk on linen, in excellent condition, 17'' x 8". Price $450.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
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7 It is a rare occu"ence to be able to offer two samplers from different generations of the same family, one by a mother and the other 28 years later by her daughter.
Sarah Katz, 1808 Sarah Katz was born in 1787 to Henry and Margaret Katz, of Whitemarsh, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Her father was the owner of a large paper mill on the Wissahickon Creek, a founder of St. Peter's Lutheran Church at Barren Hill and a trustee of the Barren Hill School where his daughter and then granddaughter may well have learned their skills as needleworkers. The sampler is dated 1808 and features a splendid parrot perched upon a Queen's stitched strawberry and flower "tree". The two figures are fashionably dressed, although the lady's skirt is a hold-over of an 18th century style. Made of silk on linen, it seems that the sampler was out of its frame for some time as there is a split in the linen along the fold line, however it is in excellent condition otherwise. It has been acid-free mounted into an early 19th century birds eye maple frame. Sampler size 14" X 10 W'. Price $3,500.
Ann Catherine Streeper, 1836 Ann Catherine Streeper was the only daughter of Sarah Katz, who married Leonard Streeper and continued to live in the Barren Hill area after her marriage. Both mother and daughter were baptized shortly after their respective births at St. Peter's Church. This engaging sampler was made by Ann Catherine Streeper in her 11th year in 1836. The similarities between the samplers are interesting to note. Ann Catherine's needlework, like the work of her mother, features parrots, in this case flanking a floral profusion growing out of a basket A stylized flower under the left parrot mimics the same in the center of Sarah Katz's sampler. Worked in silk on linen, it is in excellent condition, and has been acid-free mounted into a fine period tiger maple frame. Sampler size lOW' X 9 1..4". Price $2,500.
M. Finkel & Daughter.
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8 Mary D. Tinker, 1830 This exuberant American sampler, a veritable sampling of needlework motifs, was made by Mary D. Tinker in the Delaware Valley, and is dated 1830. The sampler is loaded with traditional Quaker embellishments, such as the six baskets, lily of the valley, facing birds, carnations and tulips. The teacher who was guiding Mary Tinker may well have been one of the many women who attended the Westtown school in Chester County, Pennsylvania at the beginning of the nineteenth century and then went on to establish schools of their own, many of them in Salem County, N.J. The deep sawtooth border edging the bottom of the sampler is unusual, but does show up on important pieces from Salem County. In excellent condition, with unfaded color, it is made of silk on linen, acid-free mounted into a handsome reproduction curly cherry and birdseye maple frame. Sampler size 17'' X 20 %". Price $5,800.
(Detail)
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
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9 Sarah Ann Haines, 1826 This is one of the most interesting pictorial New Jersey samplers to have been discovered. It is a large and sparkling example made by Sarah Ann Haines, dated 1826, with a highly unusual element: the depiction of the sky with moon and stars, worked in lustrous pale blue silk in the uncouched satin stitch. This could well indicate the teaching of astronomy, a science that was introduced into the curriculum of schoolgirls in the early 19th century. We can also be certain from the finely worked motifs that Sarah Ann's teacher was a Quaker, or had been educated in the Quaker tradition. This is borne out by the use of these specific birds, baskets, carnations and cartouches. Historic records indicate the Haines family was a Quaker family of English origin that settled in Burlington County N.J. in the late 1600's, and the maker of this sampler was no doubt one of the many descendants of this prominent family. Silk on linen, and in excellent condition. Acid-free mounted into a handmade reproduction cherry frame. Sampler size 18 ÂĽ.''X 17 W'. Price $7,000.
(Detail)
M. Finkel & Daughter.
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10 Frances Fales, 1807 Genealogical needlework may be, in fact, an American invention, according to Gloria Seaman Allen in The Family Record published at the DAR Museum in Washington. By the very beginning of the 19th century, teachers of needlework preferred the format of a chart, such as this graphic family register wrought by Frances Fales in 1807 in New England. She was the last of the twelve children born to Nehemiah and Sarah Fales between 1778 and 1794. Additions to the needlework recorded family deaths as late as 1857. Black silk on linen and in excellent condition. Acid-free mounted into a 19th century walnut molded frame.
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Sampler size 16 W' X 17 Y.". Price $1,400.
Sally Newton, 1829 The following information is inscribed on this delicate and almost ethereal family register: "A sampler wrought by Sally M. Newton in the 12 year of her age Hinsdale July 23 1829". Sally was the fifth child of Irah Newton and Sally Rugg and lived in the town of Hinsdale which is located in Berkshire county, Massachusetts. The young needleworker obviously enjoyed cross-stitching birds as she included 13 of them on her sampler, and her well-chosen verse speaks to her "willing heart and active hands". Silk on linen and in excellent condition, the sampler has been acid-free mounted into a reproduction of a period maple frame. Sampler size 16~"x 16W'. Price $1,850.
M. Finkel 8J Daughter.
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Molly Hyde, 1773 An important pre-Revolutionary band sampler, this pristine piece was made in New England by Molly Hyde, aged 13, and is dated 1773. It is extremely appealing visually and in remarkable condition, retaining its original vitality and strength of color. It was most likely made in Massachusetts, a colony that included the area that is now New Hampshire. The center floral element of this sampler contains elements which are commonly found in Canterbury, N.H. pieces dating from 1786 to 1833. Molly Hyde skillfully worked her colored threads to maximize the effect, and she employed an unusual eyelet stitch in four areas near the bottom of her sampler. Made of silk on linen, it is in excellent condition and is acid-free mounted in a handmade cherry frame. Sampler size 16W'x9 1h". Price $6,500.
M. Finkel8j Daughter.
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12 Rebecca Miller, 1828 We are delighted to offer this rare Philadelphia miniature needlework picture made by Rebecca Miiler in 1828. Worked, no doubt, at a fashionable school in the city, this piece displays one of the classic architectural designs found on large Philadelphia samplers from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The four aggressive birds flying over the house add a touch of whimsy and were most likely Rebecca Miller's choice from within the context of the decorative patterns available to young samplermakers. Worked in shimmering shades of blue, dark green and tan silk onto linen, it is in excellent condition. It has been acidfree mounted and is in a fine period mahogany veneer frame. Sampler size 7 :X" X 10". Price $3,800.
Sarah Johnson, 1792 This American needleworked gem was made in 1792 by Sarah Johnson; it is a ladies pocketbook, fully worked in silk, using both Queen's stitch and tent stitch. The strawberry pattern is enhanced by the rich and varying shades of forest green and the overall black diamond format. The needle worker chose to use the early form of the letter "J" without the hook at the bottom; this early form was used exclusively in America until the mid 1780's. It is most likely that the pocketbook was never used as it does not show fold lines or wear. Silk on linen and in an 1830 period mahogany veneer frame. Size of the needlework: 9 :X" X 6". Price $1,800.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
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13 Hannah Paul, 1795 This important 18th century Philadelphia area sampler was made by Hannah Paul in 1795, and is accompanied by a wealth of fascinating family history. Hannah Paul was a descendant, on both sides, of Joseph Paul, a Quaker who fled Somersetshire, England following religious persecution and who came to America in 1685 with his wife and two children. The family thrived for many generations as is evident from the Paul Family History (published 1924) that accompanies the sampler. This book speaks primarily of the men in the family and their accomplishments. Notably, however, Hannah's paternal grandmother, Mary Worth Paul is specifically mentioned as "being capable of doing exquisitely fine needle-work" and Hannah's sampler (along with a very similar but not as fully developed sampler made by a cousin in 1797) is illustrated in this volume. Hannah's parents, Joseph and Hannah Paul were cousins one generation apart. When they applied to the Horsham Friends Meeting for permission to be (Detail) married under its care, there was at first some objection because of their relationship; their marriage certificate from 1769 includes the signatures of 21 Pauls! The family lived for a time at Hope Lodge, the historic colonial mansion in Montgomery County, Pa. that is now administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and later moved to an estate in Bucks County which had been deeded to Joseph Paul's grandfather from William Penn. Hannah, who was born on June 23, 1781, worked this sampler in 1795 when she was fourteen years old. Her sampler is exquisitely worked, with great thought to the design and meticulous execution. The border is a fantastic assortment of many different forms of foliage, flowers and fruits; the threechimney house with lawns is flanked by delightfully undulating trees. There are examples of the whip stitch and the satin stitch using fine crinkled silk for the latter. Hannah included many sets of family initials on her sampler, but reserved a place of honor under her own name for the initials S.S., most likely those of her teacher. Silk on linen, and in very good overall condition with slight loss to the linen. Acid-free mounted into its lovely original 18th century cherry frame. Sampler size 18 W' X 13 W'. Price $11,000.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
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14 Crandall Family Record, circa 1838 An unusual New York State family record sampler, the Crandall family needlework lists the children born to Richard Crandall of Duchess County, New York (born in 1789) and Abagail Crain of Blanford, Massachusetts (born in 1794) between 1814 and 1838. It is interesting to note the changing location of this family at the times of the different births. Worked in silk on linen and in overall very good condition, in a modem frame. Sampler size X 17 'h''. Price $900. 9 W'
Mary Miller, circa 1801 This beautifully worked piece was made by Mary Miller, who inscribed on her sampler that she was the "daughter of William and Mary Miller [and] was born in New York September 10, 1791". Family history indicates that the maker was ten years old when she worked this delightful sampler, which includes thirteen exquisite examples of the difficult and desirable Queen's stitch (the strawberries at the top and bottom and most of the central band). While young Mary may have intended to embellish the areas on either side of the house, the checkerboard brick facade and four multi-mullioned windows most certainly hold one's interest. Worked in silk on linen and in pristine condition. Acid-free mounted into a mid-nineteenth century walnut frame. Sampler size 15"
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Price $2,800.
M. Finkel e9 Daughter. DDDDDDDD
15 Ann M. 0. Rau, circa 1825 This engaging sampler, worked by Ann M. 0. Rau, at age 9, circa 1825, most likely in Pennsylvania, features an extremely appealing pictorial scene. Architecturally, it seems that we are viewing the house and garden of the young needleworker, and perhaps half of each of the neighboring houses. The two stylish ladies flanking the main house certainly interested the young samplermaker; each of them is costumed in pink and blue, and each component of the outfit of one lady is the opposite of the other, i.e. one skirt is blue and the other pink, and so on. The scene is surrounded by a carefully worked floral vine which is caught at the bottom in a bowknot. The sampler is worked in silk on linen, with crinkled silk floss used for the lawn and the ladies' costumes. It is in excellent condition and has been acid-free mounted and is in a frame that is approximately 100 years later than the sampler. Sampler size 15" X 17''. Price $3,800.
M. Finkel & Daughter. DDDDDDDD
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Ellen Yandis, circa 1825 This is a fascinating Pennsylvania sampler; there are distinct influences of both Pennsylvania Gennan and English needlework designs. The English-based elements include the large brick house sitting atop a notched lawn, the classic Quaker facing birds and the geometric half medallions which contain the initials of family members. The Germanic influence is exhibited in many motifs such as the geometric stars, the threetowered structure above the house, the curly-tailed dogs and the overall mirror image format. The sampler was made by Ellen Yandis, circa 1825, and most probably in Lancaster County. Worked in blue, teal and tan silk on linen, it is in fine condition. Acid-free mounted and in its splendid original 3" mahogany and maple frame. Sampler size 17 W' X 19". Price $3,200.
(Detail)
M. Finkel ~ Daughter. DDDDDDDD
17 Mary Bihl, 1826 Mary Bihl fmished her splendid sampler at the age of ten on August 8, 1826, in New York State. Family information identifies her as Mary Bihl Craig who was born August 6, 1816 and died July 10, 1890. This is a delightful piece of needlework resplendent with patterns that include Adam, Eve and the serpent, the moon surrounded by stars, many baskets, flower pots, birds and ladies, all executed in shimmering teal, blue and tan silks on linen. In fine condition, acid-free mounted into a handmade reproduction maple frame.
Eliza Marriner, 1817
Sampler size 15"x17''. Price $1 ,500.
Lewes, a small coastal town in the south of Delaware, was founded in 1631, and it is said that Lewes is to Delaware what Plymouth is to Massachusetts. Throughout the eighteenth and the first half of the nineteenth century, the area was wellknown for its river pilots, men who navigated large vessels through the hazardous shoals to ports upstream. Given this historical context, it is appropriate, if coincidental, to offer this "Marriner" family sampler that was made in the town of Lewes. This is a lovely and rare example of a piece made at the school of Mrs. Bower in Lewes. A small group of samplers that were made under her tutelage are known to exist, all sharing design motifs and the distinctive leafy vine oval that contains the needleworker's name and the date of completion. This sampler, made by Eliza Marriner and dated June 8th, 1817 is one of the earlier known pieces from this school; most of the other samplers date from the 1820's. Eliza Marriner was born on May 16, 1807, the daughter of Sarah and Simon Marriner, both of whom were deceased by the completion of this family sampler. Information regarding the births of eight siblings, the marriages of her two sisters and the deaths of her parents was stitched into her sampler by the ten year old Eliza. She worked in silk on unbleached linen, and the sampler is in very good condition, with slight loss to the linen. Acid-free mounted into a maple corner block frame. Sampler size 16" X 21". Price $3,750.
M. Finkel~ Daughter.
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18 Sarah E.H. Moore, 1834 A very attractive sampler made by 10 year old Sarah E. H. Moore and dated 1834, this new discovery is an addition to a previously identified group of New York samplers. The verse, baskets, landscape and border combine handsomely; clearly the young needleworker was striving for a balanced, uncluttered effect. Silk on linen and in excellent condition, it has been acid-free mounted in its wonderful, original birdseye maple and cherry frame.
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Price $3,000.
Hannah Haggett, circa 1820 This sampler, made in the British Isles circa 1820, is inscribed: "An Affectionate Remembrance Of my Uncle Edward How" and was made by Hannah Haggett at age 12 years. While memorial needlework was very much in vogue during this period, it is unusual to find a verse specifically lamenting the loss of a "much loved uncle". Contrast this clear focus to some mourning pieces which are surprisingly non-specific. Worked in wool and silk on linen, it is in very good condition, with one minor hole. Acid-free mounted in its original maple veneer frame. Sampler size 15" X lOW'.
Price $1,100.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter. DDDDDDDD
19 Maedelene Homm, circa 1830 This is an unusually colorful and pretty Pennsylvania sampler made by Maedelene Homm, circa 1830; she was born on the 19th of March, 1817 and inscribed that information onto her sampler. It is evident that she was encouraged to include traditional Pennsylvania German decorative motifs such as the angular heart, geometric stars and the tulip and carnation border. But it is also clear that the instruction included the influence of English, or Quaker schools of needlework: birds on opposing branches, the center cartouche, and the listing of many sets of family initials. The polychromed silks show beautifully against the light color linen, and the sampler is in pristine condition. Acid-free mounted into a modem pine frame. Sampler size 17 W' X 17 V.". Price $2,400.
Sarah Finkbiner, 1821 An endearing and classic Pennsylvania German random motif band sampler made by Sarah Finkbiner, dated 1820 and 1821, most likely indicating her beginning and completion dates. Her choice of Pennsylvania German motifs include the upright and pendulous tulips, geometric stars and curly-tailed dogs. Tan and brown silk on linen and in excellent condition. Acid-free mounted into a period figured maple frame. Sampler size 14 W' X 8 1/2". Price $1,400.
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20 Eliza Wills, circa 1820 This is a classic Quaker marking sampler from the Philadelphia area made by Eliza Wills, circa 1820. Uncluttered, but embellished with a Quaker patterned basket and bird, and worked in silk on linen, it is in pristine condition. It has been acid-free mounted and is in a modem frame. Sampler size 10" X 11". Price $950.
Jane E. Woodberry, circa 1817 This charming American marking sampler was most likely worked by Jane E. Woodberry circa 1817. She included, it would seem, the year of her birth, 1807 and the name and date of the birth of her brother, Charles Woodberry, born 1815. It was carefully worked in green and blue silk on linen and is in excellent condition. Acid-free mounted into a painted black wooden frame. Sampler size 10W'x8". Price $750.
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21 Maria Gardner, 1823 A bright and decorative mirrorimage motif and marking sampler, this is a delightful piece of needlework made by Maria Gardner, in the seventh year of her age, in 1823. Maria was born on June 19, 1815 to Anna and Jacob H. Gardner, and was baptized at the First Reformed Church of Philadelphia in the same year. Jacob Gardner was listed in the Philadelphia City Directory in 1820 as a skindresscr with an address at 311 Vine Street His daughter Maria shows quite a talent for fine needlework at such a young age; the Queen's stitch border is remarkable. She used polychrome silks on natural-colored, unbleached linen with splendid effect, and the sampler is in pristine condition. Acid-free mounted in a maple corner block frame.
We also are offering an unframed marking sampler (not illustrated) made by Eliza Gardner, the half sister of Maria, who was born in 1801. It is of silk on linen, and measures 9 W' x 8 W'. Price $275.
Sampler size 15 W' X 17W'. Price $2,400.
Ann Pugh, 1840 We were pleased to find this lovely Scottish sampler made by Ann Pugh in 1840; she inscribed the classic "When this you see remember me" verse and decorated the bottom half of her sampler with a charming castle scene, complete with flying and stationary birds. Worked in wool on linen, and in excellent condition. Acid-free mounted into a new tiger maple frame. Sampler size 14"
12". Price $1,400. X
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22 Folwell School We are very pleased to be able to offer two excellent silk embroideries from the school of Ann Elizabeth Folwell in Philadelphia. Mrs. Folwell's students benefitted from her instruction as well as from the designs and actual painting that her husband, artist Samuel Folwell applied to the schoolgirls' silk embroidered pictures.
Charlotte and Werter, circa 1810 This romantic mourning embroidery was worked by an anonymous young lady who was demonstrating her proficiency as a needleworker while at the Folwells' school, circa 1810. She chose to memorialize the fictional characters, Charlotte and Werter, who appear frequently as subjects of English mourning embroideries, but are rarely found on American pieces. Sorrows of Young Werter, by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, published in 1787, is a short novel that tells the tragic story of Werter, a sensitive young man who is destroyed by his love for Charlotte and ultimately takes his own life. The classic oval composition includes a number of characteristic Folwell designs: crossed tree trunks, striated ground, a garland about to be draped over the tomb, and the figure's distinctive coiffure. The tomb itself was worked in a checkerboard effect, a decorative treatment not commonly seen on pieces from the Folwell school. Worked in silk and paint on silk and in excellent condition. The reverse paint glass mat is a later replacement and the frame is contemporary. Size of the needlework: 12" X 15".
Price $3,800.
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23 Folwell School
In Memory of Emma Corbett, circa 1800 The composition of this shimmering and graceful embroidery, circa 1800, worked in memory of Emma Corbett is a variation not commonly found within the body of schoolgirl work attributed to the Folwell school. In her article for The Magazine Antiques, February, 1981, Davida Deutsch illustrates a needlework memorial inscribed "In memory of Bridget May" (figure 3) that is virtually identical to this piece. They both display many characteristic Folwell school designs and both feature the charming thatched cottage that is classic Folwell, but which is rarely found on memorial pieces. As a needleworked and painted picture, this piece is a pleasure to look at; the lustrous silks glow with reflected light and contrast with the matt finish of the areas painted by the artist, Samuel Folwell. The willow, an ancient symbol of mourning, is particularly effective; the needlework combines many shades of varying green and gold silk to maximize the effect Silk and paint on silk and in excellent condition. The reverse paint glass mat is a later replacement, and the frame is a reproduction of the period frame. Size of the needlework: 15 w¡ x 17W'. Price $4,200.
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24 Compass Needlework Picture, circa 1810 A most unusual example from Chester County, Pennsylvania, this small needlework picture is initialed S.B., and dates circa 1810. A comparison of this needlework wilh the inlay decoration on early Chester County furniture reveals its design source. In The Pennsylvania Spice Box by Lee Ellen Griffith, a publication of lhe Chester County Historical Society, compass inlay was documented as elaborately inlaid designs "made exclusively in the Chester County area. A series of intersecting arcs were combined to create a pattern that resembles a compass rose.". The similarities between Ibis needlework picture and one particular spice box are quite remarkable. Instead of using a traditional school-taught pattern, it is obvious that this young lady was drawing her inspiration from local cabinetmaker's design; accordingly, it is likely that lhis piece was worked at home rather lhan at a school as was typically the case. Made of crinkled silk on linen gauze, it is in overall very good condition. Acid-free mounted in its original period mahogany frame. Sampler size: 9 o/.'' X 7 W' Price $2,750.
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25 Sarah S. L. Padelford, 1796 This rare and important pictorial silk embroidery was made at the school of Mary Balch in Providence, Rhode Island by Sarah Susannah Levit Padelford in 1796, when she was fourteen years old. According to Betty Ring in Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee, "the students at Mary Balch's school were among the flrst in America to produce large, elegant pictorial silk embroideries" and this outstanding piece is one of the earliest of those known examples. Miss Balch inspired her students to handle their silk embroidery threads with remarkable skill; the rich but subtle shading of the cornucopia give way to the almost unbelievably flne floral display. The Federal design oval border is a delicately worked vine wrapped with a wide botanical array, caught at the top and bottom with the silken bow knots characteristic of the Balch school. Sarah Padelford was born on March 18, 1782, in Taunton, Massachusetts, the daughter of Abigail Randall and Samuel Padelford. She was a descendant of Jonathan Padelford, an Englishman who came to America, and by 1652 had settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts with his wife, Mary Blanford and their flve children. By 1701, subsequent generations had removed to Taunton. Sarah was a flrst cousin to the sisters Margaret and Eliza Padelford, who also attended Mary Balch's school, and their family record needlework has been published in the DAR's The Family Record, figure 40. Sarah married Robert Dean (1775-1822) who was also a member of a prominent Taunton family that descended from an original settler. Sarah gave birth to seven children in Taunton between 1805 and 1820, and she died in 1850. This splendid piece was worked in silk on beige silk and is in pristine condition; it is in its original 18th century mahogany molded frame. Size of the needlework: 20W'x 17W'. Price $4,800.
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26 Dutch Darning Samplers We have long been enthusiastic about this remarkable form, the very graphic Dutch darning samplers that were made throughout the 18th century. The darning sampler, indigenous to the Netherlands, is a fascinating combination of "plain sewing" and "fancy work". It teaches even a casual observer exactly how darning would have been learned and provides an exceptional geometric needlework picture while doing so.
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GDH, 1799 Our first example is dated 1799 and displays the initials of four people, most likely the needleworker, her parents and her teacher. The eight smaller darns indicate the needleworker's skill in reproducing eight different patterns, while the center dam is as striking and lustrous as any to be found. All nine damings were begun with a square hole cut from the fabric and discarded. Silk on linen and in excellent condition, the sampler has been acid-free mounted and is in a contemporary frame. Sampler size 17'' X 171A". Price $1,750.
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Dutch Darning Samplers
AVL, 1758 Our second example is truly outstanding as a piece of needlework and a delight to study. It is initialed AVL, dated August 18, 1758 and includes examples of some of the most rigorous tests of the skill of darning: cut and discarded comers, an inlaid heart shaped piece of linen, and an open white-work square. The embroidered border is charmingly worked around these four accomplishments. The damings recreate the intricate, richly patterned fabrics of the mid 18th century and serve as a reminder for a needleworker who might encounter such fabrics in need of mending throughout her life. Made of shimmering silk on linen, it is in pristine condition. Acid-free mounted, and in a contemporary frame.
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Sampler size 16 W' X 15 W'. Price $2,700.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
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28 Chester County Needlework Picture, circa 1825 This is a needlework "picture" in the truest sense of the word. The young lady who worked this splendid piece might just as readily have chosen paint and canvas for her medium. Using instead crinkled silk floss on fine line gauze, this anonymous needleworker created an exceptionally beautiful botanical study. Her strong sense of balance and delicate hand combine well as we see in the richly worked undulating border which benefits from the surprising addition of the delicate off-shoots with their blossoms. This large and important piece, which dates circa 1825 is attributed to the West Marlborough School in Chester County, Pennsylvania and exhibits strong similarities to others known to have been worked at the school. The magnificent 3W' mahogany and maple frame is original and it attests to the importance that the family assigned to the accomplishment of this exemplary piece of needlework. Acid-free mounted and in excellent condition. Size of the needlework: 21 x 22 Price $3,400.
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29 Martha Speight, 1816 This large and inspiring English sampler is inscribed, "An exact Representation of Solomon's Temple. Martha Speight's Needle Work 1816". She was obviously quite proud of her delightful rendition of this architectural wonder, a popular subject for ambitious young needleworkers of that period. The sampler also includes two heralding angels, a verse from the Old Testament and a handsome four-sided vine and floral border. Worked in blue, green, tan and brown silk on linen, the sampler is in pristine condition and has been acid-free mounted into a fine period Dutch gesso ripple frame with a gilt liner. Sampler size 17 W' X 20". Price $3,800.
Bird With Berries, circa 1810 This delightful miniature needlework picture is from the British Isles, and was made in the early 19th century by an accomplished anonymous needleworker. The stylized bird perched upon a stylized twig holds fast to the stylized bunch of berries. Worked predominantly in wool with touches of silk, onto wool and in remarkable, unfaded condition. It has been acid-free mounted and is in its wonderful original molded frame. Sampler size
8" X 6:Y..". Price $1,400.
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Our 5th Annual Needlework Exhibition & Sale will take place in April 1993 in our Second Floor Gallery. Exact dates and other details will be sent to you. If you are in the Philadelphia area, please plan to visit our shop where you will be most welcome. We do suggest a call ahead.
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SELECTED NEEDLEWORK BIBLIOGRAPHY Allen, Gloria Seaman. Family Record Genealogical Watercolors and Needlework. Washington, DC: DAR Museum, 1989. Bolton, Ethel Stanwood, and Coe, Eva Johnston. American Samplers. Boston: The Massachusetts Society of the Colonial Dames of America, 1921. Colby, Averil. Samplers. London: B.T. Batsford, 1964. Edmonds, Mary Jaene. Samplers and Samplermakers, An American Schoolgirl Art 1700-1850. New York: Rizzoli, 1991. Epstein, Kathy. An Anonymous Woman Her Work Wrought In The 17th Century. Curious Works Press, 1992 Garrett, Elisabeth Donaghy. The Arts oflndependence. Washington, National Society DAR, 1985. Hersh, Tandy and Charles. Samplers of the Pennsylvania Germans. Birdsboro, Pa: German Society, 1991. Krueger, Glee F. A Gallery of American Samplers: The Theodore H Kapnek Collection. New York: E.P. Dutton, 1978. New England Samplers to 1840. Sturbridge, Mass.: Old Sturbridge Village, 1978. Ring, Betty. American Needlework Treasures. New York: E.P.Dutton, 1987. Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee: Needlework in the Education of Rhode Island Women, 1730-1820. Providence: The Rhode Island Historical Society, 1983. Needlework, An Historical Survey. Clinton, New Jersey: The Main Street Press, 1984. Schiffer, Margaret B. Historical Needlework of Pennsylvania. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1968. Schorsch, Anita. Mourning Becomes America: Mourning Art in the New Nation. Clinton, New Jersey: The Main Street Press, 1976. Studebaker, Sue. Ohio Samplers, School Girl Embroideries 1803-1850. Warren County Historical Society, 1988. Swan, Susan B. A Winterthur Guide to American Needlework. New York: Crown Publishers, 1976. Plain and Fancy: American Women and Their Needlework, 1700-1850. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1977. Walton, Karin M. Samplers in the City of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. City of Bristol Museum, 1983.
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