19th Century Samplers
Wednesday, August 16th, 2006
Samplers of this type are highly collectible, being considered a form of “Folk Art”. Like knitting and quilt making, samplers allowed girls to learn practical stitchery, as proper housekeeping sometimes required that all clothing and household linens be marked with the initials of the owner. Beginning in the 17th century samplers included alphabets, signatures, dates and verse. These were made in both England and North America, but it is only the American examples that really attract the attention of American collectors. In the current market comparable Early Victorian New England & Pennsylvanian samplers in good to very good condition are the most sought after. One with a family provenance to a well known family greatly enhances the value of these pieces
Mike Wilcox
Wilcox & Hall Appraisers