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 antique sampler dated 1839

1839 Sampler in Antique Frame

Framed antique sampler dated 1839

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

Sampler, framed, 1790

Framed 1790 Sampler

Sampler, framed, 1790

A George I embroidered sampler worked in thread on linen…

Georgian Embroidered Sampler, 1720

A George I embroidered sampler worked in thread on linen backing in a linial format including alphabet, birds, flower and plant forms, religious cross and other imagery, includes dates of 1720, in tones of soft green, blue, tan, red and black. 39 cm x 49…

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

Framed sampler in maple frame

Maple Framed Sampler

Framed sampler in maple frame

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

Sampler: c.1844 By Belinda Harrap. Unusual montage style…

Montage Sampler with Pheasant and Soldier on Horseback

Sampler: c.1844 By Belinda Harrap. Unusual montage style display with soldier on horseback, castle & country house, mother & child all surrounding a magnificant pheasant with animals & floral border. 19th century birdseye maple frame with old glass. 65 x…

Sampler: c.1852 by Sarah Ann Pearson aged 11 years. Lovely folk…

Folk Art Sampler with Floral & Bird Needlework

Sampler: c.1852 by Sarah Ann Pearson aged 11 years. Lovely folk art floral needlework display with birds & text. Timber framed with old glass, 49 x 41 cm overall. VG condition

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 by Caroline Watts b1840 - d1854, Tasmanian

Caroline Watts: A Tasmanian Sampler

Sampler by Caroline Watts b1840 - d1854, Tasmanian

Georgian sampler, 'Ann Bennitt, 1821?', in timber frame

Georgian Sampler by Ann Bennitt, 1821

Georgian sampler, 'Ann Bennitt, 1821?', in timber frame

Victorian sampler, 'Charlotte Baseiy, Heyfold, September 17,…

Charlotte Baseiy's Victorian Sampler (1830)

Victorian sampler, 'Charlotte Baseiy, Heyfold, September 17, 1830?' in black frame

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

English framed needle point sampler, with alphabet and signed…

Emma Atkinson's 1826 Sampler

English framed needle point sampler, with alphabet and signed 'Emma Atkinson Aged 7 Years Oct 1826', height 29 cm, width 30 cm

Late 18th century embroidered and drawn silk sampler of the map…

18th Century World Map Sampler with Cook's Voyages

Late 18th century embroidered and drawn silk sampler of the map of the world with Cook's voyages. Height 50 x 73 cm

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

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 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

Framed sampler

Artful Sampler Frame

Framed sampler

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th…

Regency Cross-Stitch Sampler by Mary Bagshaws (1824)

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Mary Bagshaws and dated 1824. 61 cm high, 50 cm wide

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

Elizabeth Sawyer's 1838 Cross-Stitch Sampler

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Elizabeth Sawyer and dated 1838. 31 cm high, 33 cm wide

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

William IV Sampler by Eliza Smith, 1830

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Eliza Smith and dated 1830. 37.5 cm high, 32 cm wide

A linen cross-stitch needlework map sampler, English, 18th…

18th Century English Needlework Map Sampler

A linen cross-stitch needlework map sampler, English, 18th century, worked by Katherine Skipp and dated 1787. 55 cm high, 46 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

18th Century George III Sampler by B. Vickers (1777)

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, worked by B. Vickers and dated 1777. 44 cm high, 36 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

Hannah Athertson 1813 Sampler

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Hannah Athertson and dated 1813. 67 cm high, 54 cm wide

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th…

Regency Linen Cross-Stitch Sampler, 1821

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Ann Dobson and dated 1821. 35 cm high, 30 cm wide

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

1843 Cross-Stitch Sampler by Mary Ann Claggett

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Mary Ann Claggett and dated 1843 40.5 cm high, 31.5 cm wide

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

1848 Victorian Cross-Stitch Sampler by Elizabeth Claggett

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Elizabeth Claggett and dated 1848. 40 cm high, 33 cm wide

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,19th…

Regency Temple Sampler by Hannah Summerbell (1829)

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,19th century, Solomons Temple worked by Hannah Summerbell and dated 1829. 52 cm high, 46 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

Georgian Cross-Stitch Sampler, Dated 1768

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, dated 1768. 40 cm high, 35 cm wide

A Charles II linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

Charles II Sampler by Mary Dows, 1669

A Charles II linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 17th century, worked by Mary Dows and dated 1669. 76 cm high, 21 cm wide

A Charles II linen cross-stitch needlework and lace sampler,…

17th Century English Needlework Sampler by Elizabeth Gray Owen

A Charles II linen cross-stitch needlework and lace sampler, English, 17th century worked by Elizabeth Gray Owen and dated 1680. 53 cm high, 20 cm wide

A Charles I linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

17th Century Charles I Sampler by Elizabeth Henderson (1639)

A Charles I linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 17th century, worked by Elizabeth Henderson and dated 1639. 93 cm high, 20 cm wide

A George II linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

18th Century English Needlework Sampler by Margret Gatis

A George II linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, worked by Margret Gatis and dated 1711. 66 cm high, 21 cm wide

A linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century,…

19th Century English Cross-Stitch Sampler by Jane Hearn

A linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Jane Hearn. 46 cm high, 32 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

18th Century George III Sampler by Mary Fetherston

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, worked by Mary Fetherston and dated 1779. 38 cm high, 31 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

George III Sampler by Sarah Browne, 1799

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, worked by Sarah Browne and dated 1799. 46 cm high, 30 cm wide

A William and Mary linen cross-stitch needlework sampler,…

William & Mary Linen Sampler, English 1700

A William and Mary linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, dated 1700. 104 cm high, 23 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

George III Needlework Sampler by Jane Cary, 1818

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Jane Cary and dated 1818. 43.5 cm high, 40 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

George III Sampler by Elizabeth Garrett, 1817

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Elizabeth Garrett and dated 1817. 36 cm high, 31 cm wide

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th…

Regency Linen Cross-Stitch Sampler, 1825

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Jean Angus and dated 1825. 31.5 cm high, 31.5 cm wide

A Queen Anne silk and linen needlework sampler, English, early…

Queen Anne Sampler, 1704

A Queen Anne silk and linen needlework sampler, English, early 18th century, worked by Sarah Musgrave and dated 1704. 36 cm high, 33.5 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

George III Sampler, 1781

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, worked by Frances Macculloh and dated 1781. 40 cm high, 44 cm wide

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th…

Regency Linen Cross-Stitch Sampler by Caroline Rylands (1822)

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Caroline Rylands and dated 1822. 49 cm high, 51.5 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

Georgian Cross-Stitch Sampler by Harriot Rodford (1792)

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, worked by Harriot Rodford and dated 1792. 46 cm high, 20.5 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

Ann Hill's 1804 Needlework Sampler

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Ann Hill at M. Chapmans school and dated 1804. 44 cm high, 30 cm wide

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

Regency Cross-Stitch Memento Mori Sampler, Dated 1822

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework momento mori sampler, English, 19th century, dated 1822. 40 cm high, 31 cm wide

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

1838 Cross-Stitch Sampler by Eliza Ann Thompson

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Eliza Ann Thompson and dated 1838. 32 cm high, 32 cm wide

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

George III Needlework Sampler, 1793

A George III linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 18th century, worked by Sally May and dated 1793. 32.5 cm high, 31 cm wide

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

1833 William IV Sampler by Elizabeth Lubben

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Elizabeth Lubben and dated 1833. 21 cm high, 21 cm wide

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

1847 Victorian Needlework Sampler by Fanny Sawyer

A Victorian linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by Fanny Sawyer and dated 1847. 30.5 cm high, 33 cm wide

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

1835 William IV Cross-Stitch Sampler by A. Jackson

A William IV linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, 19th century, worked by A. Jackson and dated 1835. 33 cm high, 33 cm wide

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

An unusual linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English,…

Ruth Hodges' 1818 Cross-Stitch Sampler

An unusual linen cross-stitch needlework sampler, English, early 19th century, worked by Ruth Hodges and dated 1818. 35 cm high, 31.5 cm wide

A fine Georgian silk on linen sampler, 1813, embroiderer Louisa…

Georgian Silk Sampler by Louisa Cock (1813)

A fine Georgian silk on linen sampler, 1813, embroiderer Louisa Cock. Richly and delicately worked with cross stitch and crewelwork depicting a poem, house and a pond complete with ducks, flower filled urns, insects and exotic birds, surrounded by a…

A superb 19th century sampler signed Mary Anne Preston. Aged…

Mary Anne Preston's 1822 Sampler

A superb 19th century sampler signed Mary Anne Preston. Aged six in1822

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

Anna Siorey, A Sampler: Dated November 1824, 54 x 45 cm

1824 Sampler by Anna Siorey

Anna Siorey, A Sampler: Dated November 1824, 54 x 45 cm

Early 19th century rosewood framed sampler worked by Maragret S…

Rosewood Sampler by Margaret S Bruce

Early 19th century rosewood framed sampler worked by Maragret S Bruce in cotton

Early 19th century sampler worked in cotton by Jane Furnish 13…

Jane Furnish's 1801 Sampler

Early 19th century sampler worked in cotton by Jane Furnish 13 years of age 1801

A needlework sampler by Helen E. Dunlop, Australian, dated 1867,…

Helen Dunlop's 1867 Australian Sampler

A needlework sampler by Helen E. Dunlop, Australian, dated 1867, further stitched 'Born in Melbourne Australia Jan. 1854', 62 cm high, 48.5 cm wide

A needlework sampler by Mary Allen Reibey, Ellinthorp Hall Van…

Mary Allen Reibey's Needlework Sampler, Ellinthorp Hall 1827

A needlework sampler by Mary Allen Reibey, Ellinthorp Hall Van Diemen's Land, dated 1827, 50 x 46 cm. Note: George Carr Clark (1789-1863), settler, was born on 18 February 1789, the fourth son and seventh child of Thomas Clark (1750-1832) and his wife Ann…

An early colonial sampler by Isabel Buis, age 9, Van Diemens…

Isabel Buis' Colonial Sampler in Huon Pine Frame

An early colonial sampler by Isabel Buis, age 9, Van Diemens Land April 16,1839, within a huon pine frame, 29.5 cm high, 24 cm wide

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

19th century framed needlework sampler in birdseye maple

Birdseye Maple Sampler

19th century framed needlework sampler in birdseye maple

Early 19th century needlework sampler, framed

19th Century Needlework Sampler in Frame

Early 19th century needlework sampler, framed

19th century needlework sampler, framed in maple

19th Century Maple Framed Needlework Sampler

19th century needlework sampler, framed in maple

Early 19th century needle work sampler, framed

19th Century Sampler in Frame

Early 19th century needle work sampler, framed

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 needlework sampler, framed

19th Century Needlework Sampler in Frame

Early 19th century needlework sampler, framed

18th century needlework sampler dated 1790

1790 Sampler Needlework

18th century needlework sampler dated 1790

Early 19th century needlework sampler, c.1811

1811 Needlework Sampler

Early 19th century needlework sampler, c.1811

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

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

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

A framed sampler dated 1889. 33 x 43 cm

1889 Sampler in Frame

A framed sampler dated 1889. 33 x 43 cm

A pair of Regency samplers signed Sarah Markham 1840 48 cm x 31…

Regency Samplers by Sarah Markham (1840)

A pair of Regency samplers signed Sarah Markham 1840 48 cm x 31 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 Ann Bond

Ann Bond's Sampler

A framed sampler signed Ann Bond

A Victorian child's sampler by Mary Ann Crack. 37 cm high, 31.5…

Mary Ann Crack's Victorian Sampler

A Victorian child's sampler by Mary Ann Crack. 37 cm high, 31.5 cm wide

A 1792 George III map sampler by Elizabeth Slade, 'A Map of…

1792 Map Sampler by Elizabeth Slade

A 1792 George III map sampler by Elizabeth Slade, 'A Map of England & Wales', each province named together with the various Channels, etc., floral vine border, worked in coloured threads including soft tones of red, yellow, gold, black, etc., named and…

A Victorian child's needlework sampler by Norah G Stilwell,…

Victorian Child's Sampler by Norah G Stilwell (1880)

A Victorian child's needlework sampler by Norah G Stilwell, Hilfield, Yateley, circa 1880, 40 x 30 cm

A Victorian sampler in contemporary frame

Victorian Sampler in Modern Frame

A Victorian sampler in contemporary frame

A rare 1780 'Map of England & Wales by Martha Wiggins' sampler,…

1780 Map of England & Wales Sampler

A rare 1780 'Map of England & Wales by Martha Wiggins' sampler, worked in coloured threads for the various counties, Cheshire, Derby, York, etc., their names in black thread, various sea's and channel's further detailed, an outer border of latitude and…

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)

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)

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.