c1850 “Berlin Work” motif sampler 4-3/4 inches wide by 8-1/2 feet long

Circa 1850 Berlin Work sampler with hundreds of small motifs and stitch patterns, measuring an extraordinary 4-3/4 inches wide by 8 feet 6 inches long. These are representative of the patterns available in women’s magazines at that time as well as the small foldout printed pattern books. It was common to make a sample of a pattern you had seen or borrowed to have it for future reference, and these were never intended for display.

Wool thread on double-mesh Penelope canvas with hemmed ends and selvedge-finished sides; mostly cross stitches but well over 20 bargello patterns and other decorative stitch patterns are represented. “M O” initials are at the bottom. Not dated and likely worked over several years.

Very good condition overall. Scattered stitch loss from moth nibbles, a few small holes in the canvas and a nick along the selvedge. Color retention of the wool is very good, the motifs show off the bright aniline dyes very well.

This will require a signature at delivery and insurance is included in the price.

There is an interesting trick to folding a long sampler like this so it can be more easily framed, and I’ll be happy to share it with the new owner.