Rare and Important Needlework Sampler, Elisabeth Lord, Norwich, Connecticut, dated 1764

Worked in silk and metal on a solidly-worked black back ground; signed Elisabeth Lords done in the 9th year of her age June th 7 AD 1764. Height 11 1/4  in. by width 10 in.

Nathan Liverant & Sons, Colchester, Connecticut, October 3, 1982.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 22, fig. 33)

Some fading; frame not original.
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This now-faded sampler, with its solidly worked black background, is typical of a group of Norwich samplers dating from the 1760s through the 1790s. Elizabeth Lord (1757-1805) was the daughter of Eleazar Lord, Jr. (1729-1809) and Elizabeth Lord (1729-1803) of Norwich. On September 5, 1780, she married Asa Lothrop (1755-1835), and they had six children.

Elisabeth's father Eleazar Lord kept a tavern in Norwich that was frequented by lawyers attending the nearby courthouse.  Her parents were cousins. (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).