Sampler by Unknown Maker

Date1840-1860

OriginAmerica, Virginia (possibly) or Scotland

MediumWool embroidery threads on a dark linen ground (identification of fibers by microscope)

DimensionsOH 17" x OW 9 1/2"

Credit LineEstate of Dr. Janet Kimbrough

Object number1994-37

DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler worked in shades of red, pink, blue, green, and gold wool embroidery threads on a dark linen ground fabric. The sampler is hemmed on four sides with a 1/4" to 1/2" hem. The top three fourths of sampler consist of three sets of uppercase alphabets, one set of lower case alphabets, and the numerals 1-9. The bottom quarter of sampler is badly worn and faded and possibly contains the maker's name, initials, and date.
From the top the sampler consists of:
“AA-EE”, “F” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“F”, “GG-KK”, “L” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“L”, “MM-OO”, “PQRRS” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“S”, “TT-WW”, “X” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“X”, “YY-ZZ”, “A-F” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“G-[L]”, “M-S” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“T-Z”, “A-C” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“D-[I]”, “J[K][L][M]NO” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“P-Z” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“ab”, “[c][d]”, “e-g”, “[h][i]”, “j-q” lower case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“rs”, “[t][u]”, “v-x”, “[y][z]”, “1-5” lower case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“6-[7]”, “8-9”, “[?]”, “JCJH”, “[?]” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“[?]”, “WH” upper case block worked in cross stitch
Band worked in cross stitch
“A-F” upper case block worked in eyelet stitch
Band worked in eyelet stitch
“[?]”
“[?]”, “JC”, “[?]”, “JW” upper case block worked in cross stitch

Stitches: cross, eyelet, and marking cross
Label TextThis sampler came from the St. George Tucker House in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is unknown, however, if it descended in the family. The use of wool threads indicates that the sampler was likely produced after 1840 when Berlin wool embroideries were popular.
ProvenanceFrom the St. George Tucker House, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Based on the repeated letters "J.C." it is possible that these are the initials of the maker of the sampler. Possibilities include Judy Tomlin Coalter, wife of St. George Coalter (but it is unlikely a married woman would have executed such a juvenile sampler); Julia Clark, wife of Thomas Beverley Tucker, (sampler is probably too late for her to have made it); and Janet Coleman Kimbrough (some feel her education would not have included sampler making).