Rare and Important Needlework Sampler, Sally Sanborn, Canterbury, New Hampshire, dated 1799

Lavishly worked in silk on linen, signed Sally Sanborn's Sampler, Wrought in the seventeenth Year of Her Age. A.D. 1799.

A sale at Sotheby's, sale number 4211, lot 660, February 2, 1979.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 18, fig. 27)

Overall condition very good; some darkening of linen.
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.

Sally's sampler is typical of a large group of samplers worked between 1786 and 1830 by girls who lived in the Canterbury-Northfield-Sanbornton region of New Hampshire. The designs remained remarkably consistent over this long period and are characterized by major motifs outlined in black . Attributed to Sarah Sanborn (1783-1803), the daughter of Captain John Sanborn (1741-1826) and Ruth Rand (1712- I882) of Loudon, New Hampshire.

Sally Sanborn was the fourth of eight children. (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).