1855 Cynthia Eliza Barns aged 9 New York State sampler

NY state samplers are few and far between, and even more rare to find one with so much detailed information! Following the traditional alphabets is “Cynthia Eliza Barns made this in the ninth year of her age Brasher St Lawrence Co State of New York Mar 3 1855.” Cross stitches are used throughout, accented with square eyelets in the brown uppercase alphabet, two variations of the herringbone stitch are used as borders plus two rows of an unusual backstitch that produces a cabled effect. The birds motifs at the lower right has a distinctly Quaker look. The verse reads “Count that day lost Whose slow descending sun Vews (views) from thy hand No worthy action done.” Twisted silk thread on light golden tan linen.

Condition is generally good with some issues: no missing stitches or holes, but the sampler was closely trimmed at some point and buttonhole stitches were worked around all four sides to prevent raveling. I’ve removed it from the brown fabric backing it had been basted onto (the fabric may be visible in some photos). There are water stains and bleeding of the vivid blue green thread onto the ground fabric. Once mounted on a similar fabric, the trimmed edge will be less noticeable; I would not recommend removing the buttonhole edging since it is quite old.

The sampler measures 14″ wide by 9-1/2″ high. It is unframed and will be shipped rolled in acid-free paper in a tube.  A signature will be required at delivery.  Shipping will be billed separately for overseas customers.