Rare 'Adam and Eve' Needlework Sampler, Mary Emmons, Boston, dated 1749

Worked in silk stitches on a linen ground; signed Mary Emmons wrought this sampler/ in the Thirteen Year of hir (sic) Age August/ 8 1749.

Descendant of the maker;

Bihler & Coger, Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, September 23, 1970;

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 5, fig. 6)

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Mary Emmons' sampler belongs to the earliest distinctive group of samplers known to emerge in New England. Martha Butler worked one in 1729 (see Betty Ring, Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee, p. 37), and eleven closely related examples, dated before 1750, have been recorded.  Many pieces have the hexagonal and triangular band patterns seen here. The hexagonal pattern appears to be peculiar to the Boston region.  Known today as "the Boston band pattern," it continued to be used in that area through the 1820s.  Mary Emmons, the daughter of Jacob Emmons (b.1701) and Mary Williams, was born in Boston on October 19, 1736.

Mary was one of eight children born to Jacob Emmons (b. 1701) and Mary Williams.  Two other daughters named Mary were born and died before her birth.  Mary 1 (1728-1729), and Mary 2 (1729-1730).  Her father Jacob was Clerk of the Market in Boston in 1740.  In 1744 he was prosecuted for "receiving One Elizabeth Wormwood into his House from Lynn & not informing thereof as the Law directs."  He was also fined for lack of appearance to the Artillery Company of which he was a member. (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).