Samplers can be found dating back to the 16th century, but most samplers date from the 19th century, although 17th and 18th century examples can be found.

Their purpose was to teach girls from as young as 9 or 10 and young women a variety of sewing stiches through instruction and practice, in the era before examples were available in printed magazines and books. They also were an aid to teaching the embroiderer the alphabet and numerals - most samplers include both of these in the lower section.

Samplers often carry the name of the embroiderer and the date. Sometimes the age of the embroiderer is given and occasionally the name of her house or school. This information adds interest to the piece, and can also affect the value, particularly if it verifies that the sampler was completed in Australia.

Samplers were sewn on linen and wool or silk threads were more...

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Framed sampler

Artful Sampler Frame

Framed sampler

19th century framed sampler, of rectangular form, in off-white…

19th Century Sampler with Decorative Borders and Inscription

19th century framed sampler, of rectangular form, in off-white fabric with cream threaded decorative borders, inscribed with name and date '21st June 1877', 14 cm x 12 cm, frame measures 30 cm x 27 cm

Selection of framed antique French Brittany lace work panels,…

Antique French Brittany Lace and Engravings Collection

Selection of framed antique French Brittany lace work panels, antique engraving, sampler etc (5)

A needlework Alphabet and number sampler dated and with phrase,…

1922 Needlework Alphabet and Number Sampler

A needlework Alphabet and number sampler dated and with phrase, 'Alphima Amelia Cocum 1922' 29.5 x 29.5 cm

Framed sampler, embroidery and a print, 19th and 20th century,…

Sampler Embroidery Print Frame - 19th & 20th Century

Framed sampler, embroidery and a print, 19th and 20th century, the largest frame 31 x 29 cm overall

Framed sampler 1884

1884 Sampler in Ornate Frame

Framed sampler 1884

Antique Needle work sampler, Ann Rachell Hicks Aged 5 Years…

Ann Rachell Hicks' Needlework Sampler, 1800

Antique Needle work sampler, Ann Rachell Hicks Aged 5 Years April the 3rd 1800, approx 24 cm x 25.5 cm

Framed antique wool embroidery sampler

Antique Wool Sampler with Intricate Embroidery

Framed antique wool embroidery sampler

A Petit point sampler by Elizabeth Eather 1838, extensive moth…

Elizabeth Eather's Damaged Petit Point Sampler (1838)

A Petit point sampler by Elizabeth Eather 1838, extensive moth damage leading to many losses, 43.5 x 30.5 cm

Antique sampler dated 1850, 27 cm x 35 cm

1850 Antique Sampler - 27cm x 35cm

Antique sampler dated 1850, 27 cm x 35 cm

Mounted antique sampler, 'Elizabeth Davies Aged 14 1888', 52 cm…

1888 Elizabeth Davies Sampler

Mounted antique sampler, 'Elizabeth Davies Aged 14 1888', 52 cm x 40.5 cm approx

Framed antique hand embroidered sampler extensive hand worked,…

Antique Hand-Embroidered Sampler in Victorian Frame

Framed antique hand embroidered sampler extensive hand worked, some wear, undated, possibly mid-Victorian, 37 cm x 27 cm sampler.

19th century needlework sampler dated 1838, in later frame, 38…

1838 Needlework Sampler in Frame

19th century needlework sampler dated 1838, in later frame, 38 cm x 43 cm

A 19th century needlework sampler, 41 x 31 cm. Provenance: The…

19th Century Sampler from Lady Greene's Collection

A 19th century needlework sampler, 41 x 31 cm. Provenance: The Collection of Lady Greene, New South Wales

Early 19th century needlework sampler, framed

19th Century Needlework Sampler in Frame

Early 19th century needlework sampler, framed

Antique framed needlework sampler, 'Janet Denniston Aged Nine',…

Janet Denniston Sampler, Antique Framed Needlework

Antique framed needlework sampler, 'Janet Denniston Aged Nine', 45 cm x 34 cm

Framed vintage hand embroidered sampler (42 x 42 cm approx).

Vintage Sampler in Framed Embroidery

Framed vintage hand embroidered sampler (42 x 42 cm approx).

An antique framed sampler by Hannah Hardcastle. Height 51 cm.…

Hannah Hardcastle Sampler

An antique framed sampler by Hannah Hardcastle. Height 51 cm. Width 54 cm

Early 19th century needlework sampler, c.1811

1811 Needlework Sampler

Early 19th century needlework sampler, c.1811

The Lord's Prayer needlework sampler, 19th century

19th Century Lord's Prayer Sampler

The Lord's Prayer needlework sampler, 19th century

Early 19th century needle work sampler, framed

19th Century Sampler in Frame

Early 19th century needle work sampler, framed

19th century framed needlework sampler in birdseye maple

Birdseye Maple Sampler

19th century framed needlework sampler in birdseye maple

Victorian needlework sampler dated 1872 59 cm x 77 cm frame

1872 Victorian Sampler

Victorian needlework sampler dated 1872 59 cm x 77 cm frame

A framed antique sampler (frame 51 cm x 29 cm

Antique Sampler in Ornate Frame

A framed antique sampler (frame 51 cm x 29 cm

Antique sampler by Margaret Davies dated 1839, 15 x 20 cm

Margaret Davies Sampler, 1839

Antique sampler by Margaret Davies dated 1839, 15 x 20 cm

Early 20th century sampler coloured cottons on linen worked in…

Memory's Garden Sampler

Early 20th century sampler coloured cottons on linen worked in cross-stitch with quote 'Sow kind Acts and Memory's garden Will Smell Sweet' 26.5 x 21.5 cm

Early 19th century needlework sampler, framed

19th Century Needlework Sampler in Frame

Early 19th century needlework sampler, framed

Early 19th century sampler, worked by Mary Blackadder 1833 40 x…

Mary Blackadder's 1833 Sampler

Early 19th century sampler, worked by Mary Blackadder 1833 40 x 39.5 cm

Victorian hand embroidered sampler embroidered by 'Margret…

Margret Thickett's 1842 Hand Embroidered Sampler in Wood Frame

Victorian hand embroidered sampler embroidered by 'Margret Thickett, aged 9, 1842,' in wood frame, 34 cm x 34 cm total framed dimensions.

Georgian framed hand worked wool sampler dated for 1827, 16 cm…

Georgian Wool Sampler, 1827

Georgian framed hand worked wool sampler dated for 1827, 16 cm x 19.5 cm

19th century sampler, 'Ann. Duffells. Work. Aged. 10', 44.5 x…

Ann Duffells' Sampler, Age 10

19th century sampler, 'Ann. Duffells. Work. Aged. 10', 44.5 x 39.5 cm

19th century Sampler,c.1829 of rectangular form, with poem 'The…

Mary Ann Willcocks' 1829 Sampler

19th century Sampler,c.1829 of rectangular form, with poem 'The lily of the Valley', decorated with an image of a house, animals and flowers, with name Mary Ann Willcocks, 1829, framed, 39 cm x 29 cm (sampler)

A framed sampler signed Ann Bond

Ann Bond's Sampler

A framed sampler signed Ann Bond

19th century needlework sampler, framed in maple

19th Century Maple Framed Needlework Sampler

19th century needlework sampler, framed in maple

Early sampler dated 1853

1853 Sampler

Early sampler dated 1853

English Sampler 1878, sewn and 'signed by Martha Cutts', 1878.…

Martha Cutts' 1878 Sewn English Sampler

English Sampler 1878, sewn and 'signed by Martha Cutts', 1878. Features dogs, basket of flowers alphabet and numbers

A Victorian cross stitch sampler, 1887 by Rosa Tompkin, aged…

Victorian Cross Stitch Sampler by Rosa Tompkin, 1887

A Victorian cross stitch sampler, 1887 by Rosa Tompkin, aged nine, an alphabetic and numeric cross stitch sampler in red and green colours, upon a course weave linen. Height 50 cm, width 39.5 cm, (includes frame)

A needlepoint sampler, mid 20th century embroidered with Queen…

Queen's Christmas Needlepoint Sampler with Tudor Roses

A needlepoint sampler, mid 20th century embroidered with Queen Elizabeth's 1952 Christmas broadcast and Tudor roses 34 x 25.5 cm. Provenance: The Estate of Joan Harris Am and Frederick Parslow AM.

A needlework sampler depicting Adam &Eve by Mary Ann Naylor,…

Mary Ann Naylor's Adam & Eve Sampler (1851)

A needlework sampler depicting Adam &Eve by Mary Ann Naylor, Aged 9 years, 1851, later framed and glazed. 44 x 49 cm

A framed English sampler by Ellen Hobson 1827

Ellen Hobson's 1827 English Sampler

A framed English sampler by Ellen Hobson 1827

A framed sampler signed Elizabeth Ling, 1869. 37 x 28 cm

Elizabeth Ling Sampler, 1869

A framed sampler signed Elizabeth Ling, 1869. 37 x 28 cm

Small sampler 1834, 8 x 25.5 cm

1834 Sampler: Petite Piece of History

Small sampler 1834, 8 x 25.5 cm

Victorian needlework sampler with a centre poem, dated 1853, 38…

1853 Victorian Sampler with Poem

Victorian needlework sampler with a centre poem, dated 1853, 38 cm x 35 cm approx (frame)

A 19th century wool needlework sampler dated 1844. 47 x 42 cm

1844 Wool Needlework Sampler

A 19th century wool needlework sampler dated 1844. 47 x 42 cm

Early 19th century sampler, worked by Jean N... Aged 11 1834,…

Jean N's Sampler, 1834

Early 19th century sampler, worked by Jean N... Aged 11 1834, 43 x 40 cm

Georgian Alphabet needlework sampler, hand sewn by Hannah Lee,…

1826 Georgian Alphabet Sampler by Hannah Lee

Georgian Alphabet needlework sampler, hand sewn by Hannah Lee, age 10, dated 1826, framed, 25 x 22 cm

A framed sampler Pentonvilla, circa 1825 by Sarah Clarke,…

A framed sampler Pentonvilla, circa 1825 by Sarah Clarke, August 20th 1825 height 40.5 cm, width 36 cm

Victorian needlework sampler with The Lord's Prayer, dated 1856,…

1856 Victorian Sampler with Lord's Prayer

Victorian needlework sampler with The Lord's Prayer, dated 1856, 37 cm x 47 cm approx (frame)

A Victorian sampler in contemporary frame

Victorian Sampler in Modern Frame

A Victorian sampler in contemporary frame

18th century needlework sampler dated 1790

1790 Sampler Needlework

18th century needlework sampler dated 1790

A Victorian sampler of traditional form with flowers and poem,…

Victorian Flower Sampler by Mary Tickford, 1850

A Victorian sampler of traditional form with flowers and poem, signed Mary Tickford, aged 12, 1850. In a bird's eye maple frame. Height 51.5 cm. Width 41.5 cm

Two 19th century framed samplers, comprising square example…

19th Century Samplers: Adam & Eve and Alphabet

Two 19th century framed samplers, comprising square example decorated with Adam and eve theme, 54 cm x 54 cm, and a rectangular alphabet sampler, 34 cm x 30 cm (2)

Three framed vintage Embroideries, Chinese and Indian, early…

Vintage Chinese and Indian Embroideries

Three framed vintage Embroideries, Chinese and Indian, early 20th century and later, two long-stitch silk panels of floral designs with butterflies framed by cotton trims and patterned silk borders, and an Indian embroidered sampler in two tone velvet…

Framed 18th century sampler, stitched with the ten commandments,…

1738 Sampler with Ten Commandments and Alphabet

Framed 18th century sampler, stitched with the ten commandments, the alphabet and with date 1738, 20 x 20 cm (approx), a/f

Framed antique embroidered sampler by Emily Wood aged 8 years,…

Emily Wood's Antique Sampler

Framed antique embroidered sampler by Emily Wood aged 8 years, 26 cm x 34 cm approx.

A sampler by Margaret Charles, 1844, 28 x 19 cm

Margaret Charles Sampler, 1844

A sampler by Margaret Charles, 1844, 28 x 19 cm

A Georgian silk sampler by Ann Bolding, 1785, 37 x 30 cm

Georgian Silk Sampler by Ann Bolding, 1785

A Georgian silk sampler by Ann Bolding, 1785, 37 x 30 cm

A 19th century sampler, depicting Adam and Eve surrounded by…

Clegg Elizabeth's 1823 Sampler

A 19th century sampler, depicting Adam and Eve surrounded by geometric motifs and surmounted by an epithet, named 'Clegg Elizabeth' and dated 1823. 40 cm x 40 cm

Framed 19th century sampler, stitched with multiplication table…

Multiplication Sampler with Floral Border

Framed 19th century sampler, stitched with multiplication table and floral border. 19 x 23 cm (approx), a/f

A rare Australian folk art needlework World War I cushion…

WWI Australian Folk Art Cushion Sampler "54th Battalion"

A rare Australian folk art needlework World War I cushion sampler '54th Battalion' in a quality box type frame, 65 cm x 65 cm

Framed sampler in maple frame

Maple Framed Sampler

Framed sampler in maple frame

Two Victorian hand worked samplers each image of a hand worked…

Victorian Hand Worked Samplers in Antique Frames

Two Victorian hand worked samplers each image of a hand worked sampler on fabric, dated 1838 and 1888, each in a matching antique wooden frame, 89 x 15 cm, each.

Victorian needlework sampler 'In Memory of Ruth Whitehead',…

Ruth Whitehead Memorial Sampler

Victorian needlework sampler 'In Memory of Ruth Whitehead', dated 1849, 46.5 cm x 40 cm

An early 19th century needlework sampler by Jane Flowers,…

Jane Flowers' 1824 Needlework Sampler

An early 19th century needlework sampler by Jane Flowers, September 1824. Height 43.5 cm. Width 32 cm

A framed sampler 1835 by Wilson Rutherglen.

Wilson Rutherglen's 1835 Sampler in Frame

A framed sampler 1835 by Wilson Rutherglen.

A Victorian sampler in a Burr Elm frame. Signed Hannah Hill and…

1848 Victorian Sampler in Burr Elm Frame

A Victorian sampler in a Burr Elm frame. Signed Hannah Hill and dated 1848. 18 cm x 18 cm

An antique French sampler, 1824, by Rachel Rouget, aged eleven,…

1824 French Sampler by Rachel Rouget

An antique French sampler, 1824, by Rachel Rouget, aged eleven, a cross stitch and pulled work sampler in muted colours on broad weave linen with fruiting trees, flowers, pot plants, birds and two figures. Height 50.5 cm, width 41 cm

Georgian framed needlework sampler, c. 1840, hand-sewn by Mary…

Mary Coles' Georgian needlework sampler, 1840

Georgian framed needlework sampler, c. 1840, hand-sewn by Mary Coles, age 10, 42 x 32 cm

A Victorian 1847 sampler entitled 'Sympathy', and with verse,…

Sympathy Sampler by Hannah Smith, 1847

A Victorian 1847 sampler entitled 'Sympathy', and with verse, flowering forms, birds and buildings and detailed to the base 'Hannah Smith's Work 1847'. 49.5 cm x 39.5 cm framed under glass.

Sampler worked in coloured wools, dated 1822 in original…

1822 Coloured Wool Sampler in Rosewood Frame

Sampler worked in coloured wools, dated 1822 in original rosewood frame

A sampler by Eliza Brinton, 1824, 47 x 40 cm

Eliza Brinton's Sampler, 1824

A sampler by Eliza Brinton, 1824, 47 x 40 cm

Framed antique sampler dated 1839

1839 Sampler in Antique Frame

Framed antique sampler dated 1839

George II sampler dated 1753. Hand stitched exercise sampler…

Abigail Bond's 1753 Hand Stitched Sampler

George II sampler dated 1753. Hand stitched exercise sampler named & dated by 'Abigail Bond her sampler Age 15 in year 1753 MB Mh Rb' (the letters J & U are missing on all lines). Cloth 54 x 20 cm

A Victorian linen cross-stitch momento mori needlework sampler,…

Victorian Momento Mori Sampler, 1864

A Victorian linen cross-stitch momento mori needlework sampler, English, 19th century, dated 1864. 25 cm high, 22 cm wide

Victorian pictorial needlework sampler depicting Adam and eve…

Grace James' 1841 Adam and Eve Sampler

Victorian pictorial needlework sampler depicting Adam and eve and the serpent in the garden, worked by Grace James aged 18, dated 1841

A 19th century sampler by Mary Ann Morgan, 1820, 40 x 32 cm

Mary Ann Morgan's 1820 Sampler

A 19th century sampler by Mary Ann Morgan, 1820, 40 x 32 cm

Framed antique hand embroidered sampler for Rachel Riches aged…

Rachel Riches' Antique Sampler: A Precious Childhood Treasure

Framed antique hand embroidered sampler for Rachel Riches aged 8 years, 33.5 cm x 29.5 cm sampler only

Sampler antique English needlework display, 19th century, 41 x…

Sampler antique English needlework display, 19th century, 41 x 33 cm overall

Mary Ann Jones, cross stitch alphabet sampler framed, even…

Cross Stitch Alphabet Sampler on Linen Frame

Mary Ann Jones, cross stitch alphabet sampler framed, even weave linen

Sampler: c.1816 by ELizabeth Day. Attractive Georgian sampler,…

Georgian Sampler, c.1816

Sampler: c.1816 by ELizabeth Day. Attractive Georgian sampler, framed & glazed 36 x 39 cm overall. VG condition

A needlepoint sampler, 'M. Harford wrought this in the…

M. Harford's Needlepoint Sampler, 1912

A needlepoint sampler, 'M. Harford wrought this in the eightieth year of her age' 1912', 42 x 42 cm. Provenanance: the Estate of Joan Harris Am and Frederick Parslow Am.

Sampler: by Eva brown c1889 in period gilt frames. 37 cm x 50…

Eva Brown's Gilt-Framed Sampler, c. 1889

Sampler: by Eva brown c1889 in period gilt frames. 37 cm x 50 cm overall

A framed sampler dated 1889. 33 x 43 cm

1889 Sampler in Frame

A framed sampler dated 1889. 33 x 43 cm

Sampler: c.1891 by Emily Worthington Cornes aged 16. Attractive…

Emily's Sampler: 1891 Religious Pleasures

Sampler: c.1891 by Emily Worthington Cornes aged 16. Attractive needle work with flowers & animals amongst rhymes & text 'Pleasures of Religion'. Presents very well in original birdseye maple frame, window mounted & glazed with 19th century glass. 64 x 54…

Sampler, framed, 1790

Framed 1790 Sampler

Sampler, framed, 1790

A good 19th century pictorial and epithet sampler, dated 1837.…

1837 Pictorial and Epithet Sampler

A good 19th century pictorial and epithet sampler, dated 1837. 25 cm x 32 cm.

An early Victorian alphabet sampler, by Ann Simpson age ten in…

An early Victorian alphabet sampler, by Ann Simpson age ten in October 1837, featuring the alphabet, birds, trees, biblical verses and geometric designs. 40 x 31 cm.

Framed antique hand embroidered sampler dated December 1843, 29…

1843 Hand Embroidered Sampler in Antique Frame

Framed antique hand embroidered sampler dated December 1843, 29 cm x 25 cm sampler only

Georgian needlework sampler, 1837, hand sewn by Phoebe Ann…

Phoebe Ann Layster's Georgian Needlework Sampler, 1837

Georgian needlework sampler, 1837, hand sewn by Phoebe Ann Layster, age 12, 41 x 44 cm

An early 19th century needlework sampler by Ann Flowers age 7…

Ann Flowers' Sampler, 1814

An early 19th century needlework sampler by Ann Flowers age 7 years. In a contemporary frame, small faults. Height 2.9 cm. Width 2.9 cm

Antique sampler Adam and eve worked in wools, named (faded), 44…

Faded Adam and Eve Sampler

Antique sampler Adam and eve worked in wools, named (faded), 44 x 41 cm

Antique English sampler, Mary Wheatley dated 1808, approx 30 cm…

1808 Mary Wheatley Sampler

Antique English sampler, Mary Wheatley dated 1808, approx 30 cm x 32 cm

Large William IV framed sampler by Sarah Blumfield, dated 1832…

1832 William IV Sampler by Sarah Blumfield in Maple Frame

Large William IV framed sampler by Sarah Blumfield, dated 1832 in birdseye maple frame

A sampler with floral border by Sarah Ann McKean, 19th century,…

Floral Sampler by Sarah Ann McKean (19th Century)

A sampler with floral border by Sarah Ann McKean, 19th century, 43 x 34 cm

Early framed needlework picture sampler large embroidery in…

1772 Jacob's Journey Sampler

Early framed needlework picture sampler large embroidery in silk on linen, entitled: '1772, Jacob Journey to Laban and meets with Rachel,' 'Genesis 29,' 54 cm x 70 cm.

A framed sampler 1781 by Mary Wartley Right.

Mary Wartley Right's 1781 Sampler

A framed sampler 1781 by Mary Wartley Right.