Sampler by Unknown Maker

Date1739 (dated)

OriginAmerica, Virginia (possibly) or England

MediumSilk embroidery threads on linen of 40 X 36 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOH: 6 5/8" x OW: 6"

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-88

DescriptionThis is a small, rectangular sampler worked in green, blue, pink, red, yellow, cream/white, and faded purple (now tan) silks (linen?) on a natural-color linen ground The sampler has bird and floral motifs, three uppercase alphabets, initials "M. C. C." and "M. S. H.", and the date "1739". It is finished with 1/8" wide hems on all four sides.
Stitches: cross, four-sided, long arm cross, two-sided "Italian" stitch
Markings"M S H"
"M C C"
"1739"
Provenance1739, made by unknown maker; ?, may have been purchased by Mary Wingfield Scott [1869-1936] (Richmond, VA); ?-1936, anonymous child of previous owner [1895-1963] (Richmond, VA); 1936-2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)