Rare Needlework Sampler, Sally Witt, Sarah Stivours School, Salem, Massachusetts, dated 1786

Worked with characteristic silk long stitches on a linen ground, with a "tombstone" device enclosing bands of alphabets and basket of fruit and flowers, the borders with gentle folk and flowering trees; signed Sally Witt, Her sampler/ wrought/ 1786 in the 14 / year of Her Age.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries drom the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 9, fig. 11)

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.

This sampler is confidently attributed to the school of Sarah Stivours of Salem, for an almost identical sampler was worked in 1788 by Sally's first cousin, Sally Rust (1776-1803), and it names Sarah Stivours School.  Sally Witt (1772-1856) was the daughter of Benjamin Witt (1739-1820) and Abigail Rust (c. 1742-1818) of Lynn. She married Rufus Newhall, Jr. (1776-1852), on February 26, 1797, and they had nine children.