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Lot 187

1830s American Schoolgirl Needlework Samplers

Live — closing Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET

Estimate
$500–$1,000
Starting bid
$150
Bid on this lot

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About this lot

Country Of Origin: United States

Period: 1830 for the Esther Dudley sampler; circa 1825–1840 for the unidentified sampler

Artist/Maker: Esther Dudley (first sampler); unknown schoolgirl maker (second sampler)

Medium: Silk embroidery on linen

Dimensions: Approx. 15 x 11 & 19 x 19 in. 

Condition: Antique condition with age related fading, toning, discoloration, and wear to the linen and threads. Colors are muted from age. Both are housed in later frames and have not been examined outside the frames. 

Additional Information:
Pair of early 19th century American schoolgirl needlework samplers displaying alphabet exercises, numerals, decorative bands, geometric motifs, and period educational embroidery traditions.

The first sampler is signed by Esther Dudley and specifically dated 1830. The lower inscription states that the work was “wrought in the twelfth year of her age,” indicating that Esther was approximately twelve years old when she completed it. The composition consists of multiple uppercase and lowercase alphabet registers, numerals, decorative dividing bands, initials, and practice motifs worked primarily in blue and dark-colored silk threads on linen.

The second sampler is unsigned and undated but appears stylistically and materially consistent with the same general early 19th century period, approximately 1825 1840. It features multiple alphabet and numeral registers, decorative dividing bands, geometric devices, a prominent floral basket, and a repeating floral border.

Both examples are compatible with the broader Mid Atlantic schoolgirl sampler tradition, including work associated with New Jersey and Quaker schools, although a specific Burlington County attribution has not been conclusively established.

Offered together as a complementary pair of early American schoolgirl samplers, one securely signed and dated 1830 and the other an unattributed but stylistically related early 19th century example.

Lot details

Lot
187
Category
Antiques and Fine Art Auction
Estimate
$500–$1,000
Starting bid
$150
Bids
0
Bidding closes
Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET
Starting bid $150
Bid on this lot

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