Rare Needlework Sampler, Mary A. Reding, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dated 1824

Worked in vivid silk threads on a linen ground; signed Mary A. Reding, Portsmouth April 3, 1824.

Mrs. Thomas A. Lawton, Providence, Rhode Island.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 20, fig. 30, catalogue cover)

Very good condition; in the original veneered frame.
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's sampler, and her sister's are remarkably similar to typical Portland, Maine samplers of this period and no related Portsmouth ones have yet appeared. Occasionally, girls named their hometowns on their samplers regardless of where they went to school. This may have been the case here; or it may be determined that Portland styles influenced the designs of an unknown Portsmouth teacher (see the Portland sampler of Mary Ann Morton, 1820, in Glee Krueger, A Gallery of American Samplers, p . 58). Mary Ann Reding was the daughter of Portsmouth rope maker Charles Reding (1781-1838) and Phebe (1779-1848). Her undated marking sampler, worked at age nine, is in the Moffat-Ladd House in Portsmouth.

Mary's mother was Phebe Ham (1779-1848). (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).