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Sampler

Dateabout 1800-1815
MediumEmbroidery; silk threads on a plain-woven, linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of ground): 5 1/4 x 9 3/4in. (13.3 x 24.8cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of the estate of Helen E. Royce
Object number1963.25.44
DescriptionUnfinished marking sampler worked in black, dark brown, dark green, and cream silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground in cross stitches (over two threads). The sampler is rectangular, oriented vertically or horizontally; for purposes of this review, the sampler was viewed vertically. It is laid out with five rows of two alphabets, the numbers 1 through 9, and an inscription, over three rows of one alphabet, which is oriented so that the text is parallel with the right side edge. The inscription is "Eliza T" or possibly "Eliza Ta". The lines of alphabets, numbers, and text are separated by various narrow borders, including straight and meandering lines. A simple, wavy border worked in dark green surrounds the sampler.

The sampler has a 3/16-inch double-turned hem on both side edges and the bottom edge, and a selvedge on the top edge. The sampler is not framed.

Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets and the numbers 1-9. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, lowercase block in alphabet 2, and uppercase script in alphabet 3. The letters J and U are present in the first and second alphabets. The letter T may be repeated in the third alphabet.

Stitches: The sampler is worked in cross stitch over two threads.

Condition: The sampler is unfinished. The ground has darkened. There is at least one small hole along the lower left edge. There is some stitch loss to the block and script lettering. The sampler has minimal fading and is not framed.
Status
Not on view
Pair of Samplers
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about 1795, about 1820
Gift of Mrs. William S. Wise, 2001.23.1  Photograph by David Stansbury.  © 2009 The Connecticut ...
Ann Eliza Terry
1805
Gift of George J. and Mary C. Leger, 2001.113.3a-p  Photograph by David Stansbury.  © 2009 The  ...
Sally Hinsdale
1824-1825
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Harriet Upson
3 May 1831
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Emeline Webster
1824
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Mary Clapp
August 1804
The Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund, 2006.60.1  Photograph by David Stansbury.  © 2010 The Con ...
Esther Carrington
1775
Gift of Mrs. Theda Lundquist, 2001.29.0  Photograph by David Stansbury.  © 2010 The Connecticut ...
Ruth Wheelock Patten
3 November 1808
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Jane Corning
1810
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Sally Doolittle
1819
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Caroline Jones
9 July 1832