c1825 “She Perceiveth Her Merchandise is Good” sampler with unusual motifs

Circa 1825, most likely American sampler with motifs that have an almost Quaker feel and checkerboard flowers. A mended tear through the center of the inscription combined with stitch loss of the dark thread (the dye was so corrosive it often caused thread loss) has rendered the inscription difficult to read but the verse is “She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.” I think the first part of her name is Martha A, but I cannot decipher her surname, and the second line reads “Born March 18, 1814”.She was likely between 10-14 years old. 17″ high by 17-1/2″ wide.

There is damage along the vertical center line, most likely from the sampler having been stored folded for many years, along with other holes and weak areas. Mounting onto a similar linen would disguise the holes. The brown linen is similar to what we now call “dirty linen” and is not very common in old samplers. Color retention of the silk is very good, although the brown linen makes the colors appear more muted than a lighter ground fabric would.

Insurance is included in the price. A signature will be required at delivery.