VOLUME/II
SAMPLINGS: A selected offering of antique samplers and needlework
DDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDD
M. Finkel
e Daughter.
Americana Period Furniture . Early Textiles . Folk Art 936 Pine Street Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19107 215. 627. 7797 FAX 215. 627. 8199
Cover photograph:
Detail of Mary Bear, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1836, page 1.
Photographs by Will Brown
DDDDDDDD CopyrightŠ 1993 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.
SAMPLINGS ..... Volume III Welcome to our Third Volume of SAMPLINGS, our catalogue offering of samplers and needlework. We continue to be highly satisfied with our efforts to discover and purchase outstanding samplers, and the 31 pieces described in this issue are among the choicest and most interesting samplers we have ever acquired. Despite our exacting standards of quality and condition, we continue to be surprised at our good fortune in the search for new and exciting pieces. Over the years we have become more involved in researching the pieces which we acquire. When you read this catalogue you will become aware of the fascinating results of some of our genealogical and other historic research. We include a selected bibliography at the end of the catalogue and we refer to some of the books as they pertain to specific samplers. If any of these books prove to be difficult to procure, let us know and perhaps we can assist in locating them. 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. We operate by appointment and we are at the shop five days a week (except when we are exhibiting at an out-of-town antiques show). Please let know of your plans to visit us. 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. Most of the samplers are described as being "conservation mounted", and where this is noted, the work has been properly done by our own TEXTILE RESTORATION DEPARTMENT. A description of the step-bystep process can be found at the end of this catalogue along with other information about our restoration services. 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 5 day return privilege. 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
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 e Daughter.
Americana Period Furniture . Early Textiles . Folk Art 936 Pine Street Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19107 215. 627. 7797 FAX 215. 627.8199
ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF CONTENTS Amish Needlework Picture, A.K., Lancaster Co., Pa., 1852 ....................................................... page 13 Anti-Slavery Needlework, c. 1850 ............................................................................................... page 15 Mary Bear, Lancaster co., Pa., 1836 ............................................................................................ page 1
Sarah Ann Bogert, Hackensack, N J ., c. 1830 .............................................................................. page 19 Lucy Brooks, New England, 1812 ............................................................................................... page 20 Ann Eliza Cubberly, New Jersey, 1843 ....................................................................................... page 13 Martha B. Fortner, Columbia Co., Pa., 1838 ............................................................................... page 9 Elizabeth B. French, Pittsfield, Ma., 1838 ................................................................................... page 20 Henriette Gachon, 1826 ................................................................................................................ page 16 Mrs. Griffith, "To George", 1828 ................................................................................................. page 16 Phebe Hall, American, 1812 ......................................................................................................... page 4 Ann Hicks, Quaker, 1812 ............................................................................................................. page 4 Houghton Family Record, New England, c. 1820 ....................................................................... page 8 Hull Infirmary, Sarah Atkinson, 1818 .......................................................................................... page 23 Landscape Picture, European, c. 1785 ......................................................................................... page 12 Permelia Avaline Lawrence, New Jersey, 1829 ........................................................................... page 17 Mary Lewis, Philadelphia, 1785 .................................................................................................. page 2 Maps of England, H.G.T., 1800 ................................................................................................... page 22 Sally McDuffee, New Hampshire, c. 1798 .................................................................................. page 3 Mary Ann Middleton, New Jersey, 1836 ..................................................................................... page 11 Miniature English Sampler, Mid 19th century ............................................................................. page 18 Nyce Family Sampler, Chester Co., Pa. c. 1825 .......................................................................... page 2 Hannah Parry, Philadelphia, 1828 ................................................................................................ page 5 Hannah K. Rogers, New Hampshire, 1828 .................................................................................. page 8 Sarah Walker, pocketbook, 1801 ................................................................................................. page 6 Susana Warner, New York, 1784 ................................................................................................. page 21 Elizabeth C. Warrington, Pennsylvania, 1836 ............................................................................. page 10 Claire Wiam, British Isles, c. 1810 .............................................................................................. page 10 Polly Wilde, Salem, Mass., 1796 ................................................................................................. page 7 Lydia B. Young, Lincoln, Maine, 1833 ....................................................................................... page 18 Mary Zell, Pennsylvania, 1800 .................................................................................................... page 14
1
Mary Bear, 1836 This large and important sampler is one of the most interesting Lancaster County, Pennsylvania samplers to have been discovered in recent years. It is inscribed "Mary Bear hor sampler 1836" and was made by Anna Maria Bear (1821 - 1848) the third of nine children born to Ephraim and Elizabeth (Graybill) Bear of Leacock, Pennsylvania; Anna Maria and her parents are buried in the Lutheran cemetery there. Adam and Eve are featured on this sampler, but in a highly unusual depiction, as they are both fully clothed (she in an Empire gown). This would have been consistent with the Lutheran faith of this family, heightened by the influence of their even more conservative Mennonite neighbors. Adam and Eve appear above the inscription "In Adams fall wee sinned all" which confirms the suspicion that the fifteen year old Miss Bear was a better needleworker than she was a speller. The large and handsome house, earnestly labeled so, attests to the importance of the home in the life of a young woman in the early 19th century. This depiction is rich in detail, from its brick double chimneys to its blue doorway threshold. The roof is tightly worked in a ftne cross stitch. This outstanding piece was fmished with a narrow green silk ribbon, as were many other important Pennsylvania samplers in the early 19th century. Worked in silk on linen, it is in excellent condition and has been conservation mounted into its fine original painted frame. Sampler size 17 Y." X 17 W'. Price $16,500.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter. DDDDDDDD
2 Nyce Family, circa 1825 This family sampler comes from East Nantmeal Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania; its simple charm and strong colors are quite appealing. While other family records list births, deaths and marriages, this samplermaker, the unidentified Miss Nyce, was content with simply listing the names of her relatives, and surrounding the inner sawtoothed border with an endearing strawberry vine. In pristine condition, worked in silk on linen, and conservation mounted into a reeded frame. Sampler size: 12W'x 15W'. Price $850.
~aryLe~s,
1785
This important 18th century Philadelphia sampler made by Mary Lewis in 1785 bears strong resemblance to a sampler made by Hannah Fletcher in 1793 illustrated in Historical Needlework of Pennsylvania by Margaret Schiffer. Both pieces feature the wonderful arcaded hillocks, the pair of lions, sawtooth inner border, and the classic Philadelphia regional tradition of using contrasting colored silk for the capitalized first letter of each word of an entire verse. The band format of our Lewis sampler reflects an earlier design consistent with the earlier date. Mary Lewis was the daughter of Abner and Margaret (Humphreys) Lewis. She included in her sampler the names of her siblings: Cisly, Alexander and David. By 1821 she was married to Joseph Thomas and living in Montgomery County outside of Philadelphia.
The sampler is especially appealing for its high coloration. It was worked predominantly in silk; however crewel wool was used for the carnation border. The use of crewel wool is generally found on needlework from earlier in the 18th century and is interesting to note on this piece. On unbleached linen in overall excellent condition with a separation to the linen along the vertical fold line. Conservation mounted into a walnut Philadelphia shadow box frame. Sampler size: 16" X 14 W'. Price $7,800.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
3 Sally McDuffee, circa 1798. This delicate and particularly engaging sampler is inscribed: "Sally McDuffee born in Londondarry March 7th 1786". Londonderry (the proper spelling) is a small town in southern New Hampshire that was founded in 1722 when a group of Scotch-Irish immigrants received a land grant and proceeded to build a town that became prominent in the Colony by the time of the American Revolution according to the Vital Records of Londonderry New Hampshire. According to the same publication, Sally McDuffee was the last child of ten born to Daniel and Margaret McDuffee. The young needleworker (we can assume that she was approximately 12 years old when she worked this piece) embellished her sampler with a variety of stitches including the bullion stitch which decorates the yellow centers of the larger flowers and the satin stitch which forms the geometric inner border. She charmingly reiterated her name in a vertical format in black thread along the left inner border. Interesting to note are the first two verses which reflect the philosophy of the Federal period that embraced the abilities of the "female mind" and obviously helped to justify the presence of young ladies at these academics of learning. The sampler is worked in plain and crinkled silk on linen gauze and is in excellent condition; it has been conservation mounted into a handmade Federal frame.
(Detail)
M. Finkel (:ยง Daughter. DDDDDDDD
4 Phebe Hall, 1812 The influence of eighteenth century needlework design is clear in this American band sampler worked by Phebe Hall in 1812. The young needleworker (she was "eleaven" at the time) indulged in the charming habit of changing the thread colors with great frequency and without predictability. Worked in silk on linen and in excellent condition. Conservation mounted into a walnut frame. Sample size: 17'' X 7 W'. Price $750.
Ann Hicks, 1812 This charming little Pennsylvania sampler made by Ann Hicks in 1812 is an excellent example of the sort of work executed under the tutelage of the many {luakerteachersin Pennsylvania in the early 19th century. Ann Hicks included four alphabets, a classic {luaker vine border and the initials I.H., perhaps those of a teacher or family member. The blue and tan silk floss (which seems to have been used interchangeably at times) is characteristic of {luaker coloration in samplermaking. Silk on linen, in excellent condition, conservation mounted into a late 19th century oak frame. Sampler size: 11" X 11". Price $950.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
5 Hannah Parry, 1828 This engaging Philadelphia sampler is an outstanding example of the "stepped lawn" format, one of the important and recognizable types of Philadelphia samplers that was made from the end of the 18th century through the 1830's. The Quaker influence is immediately recognizable in the baskets, birds, stylized carnation spray and cartouche surrounding the inscription. This Quaker connection was confirmed by research which revealed Hannah Parry to be the daughter of Issac and Ruth (Conrad) Parry. members of the Society of Friends; they resided at 37 Noble Street in Philadelphia. Issac Parry was a plasterer and mason and was responsible for the brickwork of the Quaker meetinghouse at Third and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. It is possible that the school in which this sampler was made was connected to the same meetinghouse. Hannah was the eighth of nine children; she was born on February 22, 1819 and died on April9, 1886. The sampler is important for its Quaker motifs and stepped lawn format but it is visually appealing because the ten year old Hannah chose to include quite a number of exceptionally charming images: the flock of sheep (one black) on the satin-stitched lawn, the various trees, some of which are perches for birds and some of which are partially concealed by the house. the butterflies, the stars, etc. Worked in silk on linen, it is in excellent condition and has been conservation mounted into a fine cherry and maple frame. Sampler size: 13 x 21 Price $7,500.
w¡
w¡.
(Detail)
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
6 Sarah Walker, 1801 We were fortunate to find another splendid American needleworked ladies pocketbook, fully worked in silk in a stitch considered to be one of the most difficult to perform, the Queen's stitch. The size of the pocketbook when folded would indicate that is was made to store needles, threads and other sewing items. The rich coloration of this piece, especially the unusual blue of the inscription, is quite appealing. It is in pristine condition, including the silk binding, and is conservation mounted into a burl frame. Size of the needlework:
9W'x5W'. Price $1,800.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
7 Polly Wilde, 1796 This is positively a gem: a profusely decorated 18th century Salem, Massachusetts sampler, only the second to have surfaced from this particular school of needlework. A comparison to the Salem sampler made in the same year by Nabby Goss in Samplers & Samplermakers by M. J. Edwards is revealing. The similarities are so strong that we can picture the two samplers being worked side by side. Our Wilde sampler is more densely worked and richer in coloration but they share many wonderful motifs: the center band of shallow footed urns with an imperious lion, the two fashionable ladies sharing a floral bouquet and seated in a bower of greenery, birds and sheep, the black and white eyelet-stitched horizontal border and the lavish use of sawtooth borders throughout Our sampler is inscribed: "Polly Wilde Sampler Wrought in Salem June 1796 Massachusetts State." The inscriptions on both the Wilde and Goss samplers were worked in light colored threads and are somewhat difficult to discern at first. Our samplerworker may be the Polly Wilde who was born on January 14, 1782 in the Boston area to Captain John and Jemimah (Spear) Wilde. She married Thomas Cadman and they lived in Lincoln, Mass. where she died on April9, 1859. The sampler, worked in silk on linen is in excellent overall condition with some slight loss. It has been conservation mounted into a fine mahogany veneer frame circa 1830. Sampler size: 13 W' X 12". Price $15,000.
(Detail)
M. Finkel ~Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
8 Houghton Family Record, circa1820 Genealogical samplers served a distinct purpose in the early 19th century- they recorded and preserved the nuclear family unit, perhaps a decorative version of the entries into the family bible. This very lovely family record sampler, which was most likely made in Massachusetts, records the marriage of Sarah Jones and Robert Houghton in 1786 and the births of all, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:::===.1 and the deaths of most, of their eleven children. This sampler, made circa 1820, was obviously worked by one of their daughters, perhaps Abegail (born in 1805) or Susan (born in 1811) and was amended over time, again in the tradition of the family bible; the last ...........- ..... -.~-.- ~..... entry was made in 1868. ~
...........
~
Of\..111 .,.,_ .....
IPh'ratm .................. "
~·llaa
'""
,.... llcntCht.MI ...... llat'.22 ~- ..... Of'\. 17 .... ~
llrolh\en -.na ...... ., .,.., ....... • 1101.
L...,...._.\.MI ...,...._.., . . . . . . .t'. NoiiMIII. ~-.....-
............. ...
..... a-.2'»' ....... .... ...
-.o-. ••s. ... .......,..........,.,._.._
Allotlall..lllnA\eft ....._ ~It~
.&.'Pr: . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . .
The beautifully worked border of pink flowers and teal vines caught with a pale blue bowknot is an extremely effective visual frame for the precise interior. Worked in silk on linen and in pristine condition, conservation mounted into an oak frame. Sampler size: 16" X 16W'. Price $2,450.
Hannah K. Rogers, 1828 Our handsome New Hampshire sampler was meticulously inscribed: "When this you see Remember me/ Hannah K. Rogers's Sampler Wrought in the fourt/eenth Year of her age AD 1828 born in Sandbomton on/ Saturday October 20th 1814". Hannah Kimball Rogers was the youngest of the three daughters of Nathan and Sarah (Woodman) Rogers. She married Daniel T. Rundlet, a wagon-maker on January 10, 1873 in Sandbornton. This sampler is a lovely example from an area wellknown for its samplermaking, and there are some interesting forms of work included on this piece. The edges of the linen were drawn and knotted, the centers of the flowers were worked in the bullion stitch and the large alphabet was skillfully worked in the satin stitch using two differently colored silks. Our admiration of this sampler honors the young samplermaker' s request: "When this you see remember me"! Silk on linen in pristine condition; conservation mounted into a black painted frame. Sampler size: 16 W' X 17 W'. Price $1 ,950.
M. Finkel & Daughter. DDDDDDDD
9 Martha B. Fortner, Columbia County, Pa., 1838 A large and important sampler was made by Martha B. Fortner in Cattawissa Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania in 1838. It is an excellent example of an anglicized version of Pennsylvania German needlework patterns, with many meticulously worked embellishments that embody the best of the "English" style as well as the best of the Pennsylvania German style. The imposing Germanic rose tree with birds perched upon it rises from an unexpectedly small two-handled vase; the five fruit baskets show the restraint of Quaker influence. It is clear that the teacher guiding Martha Fortner had a mastery of the two predominant influences on Pennsylvania needlework in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Any place name sampler is highly sought after; we are grateful that this samplermaker was so specific. Cattawissa is along the Susquehanna River near Bloomsburg. The listing of the initials of family members adds to the interest of this piece as well. Made in silk on linen and in excellent condition, the sampler has been conservation mounted and is in its original fine mahogany frame. Sampler size: 19 W' X 17''. Price $5,800.
(Detail)
M. Finkel & Daughter. DDDDDDDD
10 Elizabeth C. Warrington, 1836 In 1836, most likely in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth C. Warrington worked a delightful needlework picture in a classic sampler format. The border of thorny vines and roses is of unusually large proportion and certainly seems to have captured the imagination of the young needleworker. It was worked with a variety of crinkled and twisted silks, and in different shadings of green, tan and rose, providing a luxurious framework for the Quaker motifs that adorn the center of the piece: the floral arrangement bounding out of the striated two-handled urn, the french-knotted baskets and especially the queen-stitched rose buds (unusual to find what is essentially an 18th century stitch at this date). Silk on linen, and in pristine condition, this needlework picture has been conservation mounted and is in a gold frame. Sampler size: 16" X 17". Price $3,200.
Clare Wiam, circa 1810 Fully worked samplers are uncommon; this splendid example from the British Isles was made by Clare Wiam, circa 1810. This talented needleworker used her sampler to display her proficiency with many unusual stitches and techniques. We found examples of tent stitch, Queen's stitch, satin stitch and eyelet using threads of varying denier (thinness). The background is a random satin stitch worked solidly with a shimmering effect. Chenille threads give the lawn a rich texture; varying shades of gray were used in cross-stitch to depict the stately stone house and blue threads to indicate the slate roof. The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in pristine condition. It has been conservation mounted into a fme burl frame. Sampler size: 12" X 12W'. Price $3,200.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
11 Mary Ann Middleton, 1836 Our exceptionally charming New Jersey sampler was made by ten year old Mary Ann Middleton and completed on June 20th, 1836. It shares pictorial motifs with other important Burlington County samplers and is no doubt from that area. A lustrous satin stitched lawn is densely worked with overscaled birds and animals and from it rises a stately Federal house worked in an extremely tight cross stitch. The center of the sampler features a delightful squirrel, one of the designs often found on pictorial samplers from Burlington County, New Jersey. The alphabets are unusually colorful and provide a strong balance to the fanciful needlework below. Worked in silk on linen and in excellent condition, it has been conservation mounted into a maple and cherry corner block frame. Sampler size: x 17''. 16 Price $6,500.
w¡
(Detail)
M. Finkel & Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
12 Landscape Needlework Picture, circa 1785 We were delighted to have found this fully-worked bucolic scene complete with brick buildings, flocks of sheep, a well-dressed couple and five longhorn cattle. It is from the last quarter of the 18th century and most likely of European origin. The exceptional detail worked into this scene is quite charming: the shadows cast upon the water, the fisherman at his net, the brick and wooden arched bridge. This picture was worked in tent stitch and cross stitch and in both silk and wool threads, and is clearly the product of a highly skilled needleworker. In excellent condition, with slight loss, silk and wool on linen and conservation mounted into a 19th century veneered frame. Size of the needlework: 15 y.'' X 19 Yl''. Price $3 ,200.
M. Finkel ~Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
13 Amish Needlework Picture, 1852 We are delighted to offer this rare miniature Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Amish needlework picture initialed "A.K." and dated 1852. The Amish were not prolific samplermakers, and needlework pictures are considered even more rare. Our example from 1852 incorporates a documented Amish sampler motif- the rooster with curved tail feathers into its design (see Samplers of the Pennsylvania Germans by Tandy and Charles Hersh). The appealing, bold coloration of this needlework picture is actually uncommon; it shares its palette more with Amish quilts than with most Amish samplers and needlework. The green shutters, varying shades of red brick, yellow doors and blue edging are solidly worked with splendid success. Worked in merino wool on linen, the needlework picture is in excellent condition, and has been conservation mounted into a black painted frame. Sampler size: 7 W' X 6 W'. Price $4,200.
Ann Eliza Cubberley, 1843 In 1843 Ann Eliza Cubberley, age 13 years, produced this appealing sampler with the quintessential Quaker aphorism "An Emblem of Innocence" inscribed in the center octagon. Other motifs that indicate Quaker influence are the lilies, carnations and other well-balanced stylized flowers. It is, however, her beautifully worked large baskets of ripe strawberries that dominate the design of this sampler. These footed baskets were carefully worked in merino wool to simulate lattice work and filled with berries and leaves; the leaves were then skillfully embellished with fine gold silk veins. This sampler was most likely worked in New Jersey and shows similarities to other pieces from the Mercer County area. Worked in wool and silk on linen and in very good condition. Conservation mounted into its original frame.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
Sampler size: 16 Yz" X 17 W'. Price $1,800.
14 Mary Zell, 1800 This outstanding Pennsylvania sampler was worked by Mary Zell at age 12 in the year 1800. It was designed in an unusual layered format and is positively cluttered with pictorial motifs and images: the spotted tethered dog, the floating angel, Adam and Eve on the same side of the tree, many tightly worked baskets, the house with its fence and gate, and the satin stitched lawn which cleverly incorporates the bottom border of the sampler. It has been said by experts that simply because a young lady inscribed verse or sentences on her needlework, it does not necessarily follow that she could read or write. This sampler seems to support that theory; Mary Zell's inscription begins readably enough but quickly becomes merely a string of letters (with the word "needle" appearing as "nebel"). She also used the long form of the letter S, an archaic tradition that would soon become obsolete. The sampler is in excellent condition with two small separations to the linen. Silk on linen gauze, conservation mounted into a Federal design walnut frame. Sampler size: 17 W' X 16". Price $11,500.
(Detail)
M. Finkel erยง Daughter. DDDDDDDD
15 Anti-Slavery Needlework, circa 1850 We are quite pleased to offer this exceptional needlework picture - typical of the type of needlework that was produced by the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society between 1836 and 1861. This Society, of predominantly Quaker origin held anti-slavery fairs every December for 26 years to raise money and consciousness for their humanitarian cause. At these fairs various handmade objects were sold, many of them needleworked - a relatively common example would be a pincushion inscribed with the motto "Remember the Slave." This outstanding piece was made as a "show" pot holder (in the Pennsylvania tradition of a "show towel") with the clever inscription "Any Holder but a Slaveholder". Historians knowledgeable in this field had not known of any other pieces employing this aphorism. It was meant no doubt to hang by its fine silk velvet bow and loop but would not actually have functioned as a pot holder. The two dancing figures are worked in thick polychromed woolen yarns and have a wonderfully illustrative quality. The rarity of this needlework picture combined with its visual appeal produce a particularly desirable piece of mid-19th century needlework. Merino wool worked onto Berlin canvas in a penelope weave, conservation mounted into a period shadow box frame. Size of the needlework: 8 '/,'' X 10 '/,''. Price $4,200.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
16 Mrs. Griffith, 1828 A finely wrought and highly unusual sampler was completed by a Mrs. Griffith on June 21st, 1828 on the occasion of the departure of her son, George, for India. The verse that this needleworker so masterfully inscribed upon her sampler clearly reflects the "bleak and bare" feelings with which she approached this separation.
Poo' ~oy.tho d<.urlcn •••• •alcnal pnycu arc 1ot lottot
.h.n
tint
10~
1.... ,~
n., lot
wr1b eQstl tJ...,. • .,..,.,J J..a...., "ho
tUI
n'C
TM ,.,••t, ~nrt u...t ...u.J Co.J I I thu t~.t bcut flow ntk 11 am::f a.J can
•••cl
tO Jcd.l U•c woo~Liu n• n••-'~ .t
£o•
'P'CU 11cJ 1ru
......, l U••• nJ
It is rare to come across a sampler worked by a lady so clearly beyond school age; the quality of her work however certainly indicates her continued accomplishments in the realm of the needle arts. The sampler is worked in a very fme cross-stitch and features a honeysuckle vine border which emanates from either side of a basket of flowers and culminates at a geometric star. The refmed greek key outer border was tightly worked in blue silk and lends a masculine touch, in keeping with the fact of the dedication of this piece. It is worked in silk on wool, is in excellent condition and has been conservation mounted into a maple frame with a gilt liner.
Sampler size: 11 W' X 11 Y.". Price $2,250.
Henriette Gachon, 1826 Our unusual needleworked picture was made by Henriette Gachon in 1826 and is either French or French Canadian. This colorful scene depicts a wonderful lattice-worked basket of flowers sitting on a tableau which seems to be supported by two costumed ladies. The diamond patterned floor is particularly appealing, worked fully in fine cross stitch; the elongated trees and charming birds add to the appeal as well. This needleworked picture is in very good overall condition with a few small areas of weakness to the linen. Silk on linen, and conservation mounted into its original frame with a moire covered mat. Sampler size: 12Y." X 11 W'. Price $1,450.
M. Finkel & Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
17 Permelia Avaline Lawrence, 1829 Rarely do we find as sophisticated and impressive a building worked into a sampler as is present on this sampler made by Permelia A valine Lawrence in New Jersey and completed on September 2, 1829. Worked entirely in satin stitch, the structure features twenty five many-paned windows, each with a fan light above. In addition, there are two ovoid windows and a pair of important looking doors on its facade. The verse, enclosed in a charming box-like fashion, reads: "Tis education forms the common mind /Just as the twig is bent the tree inclined" and is a quotation from "Moral Essays" by Alexander Pope. The samplerworker then surrounded her work with a rather free-wheeling floral and vine border with a captivating effect. The small circular vine in the upper right comer contains a miniature eagle over linked hearts and the word "Love". According to family history, Permelia was born on November 25, 1816 in Dover, New Jersey on the Rockaway River in Morris County and died on April 11, 1901 also in New Jersey. The sampler was worked in silk onto tightly woven linen with threads drawn from it in a frame-like fashion. Very good condition and conservation mounted into a walnut frame of Federal design. Sampler size: 17X"x15X". Price $4,500.
(Detail)
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
18 Lydia B. Young, 1833 This relatively simple family record sampler provides a captivating glimpse into the history of a family in Canada and Maine in the early 19th century. The following information is worked into the sampler itself: James Young and Sally Bradford, each born in St. George (New Brunswick, Canada) were married on October 5,1818 and gave birth to four children between 1821 and 1832 in St. George. The family then emigrated to Lincoln, Maine (in Penobscot County) where on September the 13,1833 ten year old Lydia Young worked this sampler under the guidance of Rebekah Horton, instructress. The samplermaker included the abbreviated name of her new country, "USA", at the very end of her sampler; it would seem that she was quite proud of her family's recent move. This unusual sampler was an accomplishment for the young maker as well as a document for her family. Worked predominantly in green and blue silk on linen, it is in very good condition and has been conservation mounted into a black painted frame. Sampler size:
16 Y.
"X
18".
Price $1,750.
Miniature English Sampler, mid 19th century This diminutive gem is an excellent example of an extract from a 19th century tradition: the plain-sewing book. Each plain-sewing book consisted of a number of small samplers, one on each page, and indicated the different types of proficiency in the needle skills which were necessary to run a household. This delightful example was carefully worked with an alphabet, a number sequence and a crown. Tan and gold silk on linen, in excellent condition, in a pine frame. Sampler size merely:
4"
X
3".
Price $950.
M. Finkel & Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
19 Sarah Ann Bogert, Hackensack, N.J., circa 1830 Our outstanding little New Jersey sampler is a lovely piece that was worked under the direction of a documented schoolmistress, Mrs. Heywood of Hackensack. The samplermaker, Sarah Ann Bogert, was from a large and well-known family, descendants of the prominent Dutch immigrant, Reverend Everardus Bogardus, 1607-1647, who was sent to Manhattan in 1633 and oversaw the erection of the ftrst church edifice in that town. Sarah Ann was ten years old when she attended Mrs. Heywood's school and later (for reasons of vanity no doubt) pulled out the threads with which she had inscribed the year. For a very closely related example worked at the same school in 1829, see American Samplers by Bolton and Coe for a sampler made by Catharine Willsey Van Cleve Boyd. One particularly unusual feature of our Bogert sampler should be noted: the alphabet worked vertically alternating down the left and right side columns of the sampler. Her choice of verse, "Honor thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee" is also quite endearing. Worked in cross stitch, tent stitch and Queen's stitch in silk on linen and in excellent condition. Conservation mounted into its original fme mahogany frame. Sampler size: 11 W' X 10 %''. Price $4,200.
M. Finkel & Daughter. DDDDDDDD
20 Elizabeth A. French, 1838 On July 25, 1838 Elizabeth A. French finished her "Zampler" on which she inscribed with a particularly endearing maxim: "Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life". The sampler is further inscribed with the town name of Pittsfield [Massachusetts] and worked in a variety of stitches including eyelet, Queen's stitch, whip and satin stitch. The three carefully worked baskets share their designs with work of Quaker origin. Silk on linen and in excellent condition, the sampler is conservation mounted into a 19th century walnut frame. Sampler size: 17W'x12". Price $1,450.
Lucy Brooks, 1812 We find the delicate coloration of this lovely sampler made in 1812 by Lucy Brooks in New England to be extremely appealing. The young samplermaker, 12 years old at the time, chose shimmering blues, greens, golds and pinks to carry out her designs which include unusual geometric diamond motifs and fourteen hearts sprinkled throughout. The strawberry and vine motif is reiterated in a number of formats as well. Worked almost entirely in silk cross stitch on linen, it is in pristine condition. Conservation mounted into a wonderful tiger maple frame. Sampler size:
16 w¡ x I6W'.
Price $2,800.
M. Finkel ~ Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
21
Susana Warner, 1784 Susana Warner's splendid sampler belongs to a group of New York samplers that was made during the second half of the 18th century. This sampler is inscribed "Susana Warnr Her Work I Aged 11 years 1784" and is most similar to the sampler made by Elizabeth Stymets, circa 1786 illustrated in American Needlework Treasures by Betty Ring. The wide fullyworked border with two narrow sawtooth borders, and the particular wavy tree are identical to those on the Stymets sampler. This exceptional piece includes on it a number of other charming regional motifs: the loop-handled baskets, the speckled animals, perched birds and figures standing on small plinths, a format often found on these 18th century New York samplers. Worked in silk cross stitch on linen, and in excellent condition. Conservation mounted into a walnut shadow box frame. Sampler size: 16 w¡ x 21 X". Price $4,800.
M. Finkel (:§ Daughter. DDDDDDDD
22 Map of England, HGT, 1800 This striking and meticulously worked Map of England is an excellent example of the extremely fine silk embroidery that was produced in England in this period. As both a tool for learning geography and a format for exhibiting mastery of needlework skills, this form has enormous appeal. The lettering is so clearly and finely stitched as to appear drawn in ink; the colored boundaries of the counties and the delicate floral border would seem to have been painted. Of course it was all worked with needle and silk thread by a young woman who cleverly placed her initials on the bundled cargo that appears next to Britannia, ruling over the North Sea. The condition of this example is especially noteworthy. Rarely do we find silk embroideries in a pristine state. It is in its original gilt frame with a later reverse paint glass mat The silk embroidery was worked onto silk and the face and hands are painted. Size of the needlework oval: 19 Y." X 16". Price $2,850.
(Detail)
M. Finkel 65 Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
23 Hull Infirmary, Sarah Atkinson, 1818 This little treasure of a needlework picture was executed in the English town of Hull, in Yorkshire, and celebrates the Hull Infirmary, an important public building which was completed in 1793. It is quite likely that what we are looking at is the result of a school project- perhaps an assignment that combined the student's skill with a needle and her civic studies. The result in this case is an extremely well-wrought depiction of a major example of late 18th century architecture. It is worked entirely in fine tent stitch, with great attention to minute detail, and includes the added whimsical touches of the classic needlework motifs of the birds and pine trees. Worked in silk on linen gauze, it is in excellent condition, and has been conservation mounted into its original Hogarth frame. Sampler size: 8 W' X 9 Vl". Price $2,800.
M. Finkel e?:5 Daughter. DDDDDDDD
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.
M. Finkel & Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
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 in our "Conservation mounting": 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 (when necessary) 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 refuting 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.
M. Finkel & Daughter.
DDDDDDDD
â&#x20AC;¢
I