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ID #SA1116312
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Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799
Sold by Rams Head Antiques
Id #SA1116312
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Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799

19th century
Sold 2 July 2026 · Rams Head Antiques
This “Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799” found a buyer.

It was listed by Rams Head Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A fine alphabet sampler worked by Elizabeth Dern in silk at the age of 12 in 1799. The work is designed in four bands, with alphabet worked in white silk stitches at the top, the verse framed by two winged trumpeting angels. The central band depicts Jesus nailed to the cross flanked by the two thieves Dismas and Gestas in long coloured robes, 'Nail'd to the shameful tree, to bleed and die for thee'. The third band depicts a running hare and stag, peacock and dog amongst three decorative trees, two are flowering, various coloured birds, showing day to the left side and night to the right. The lower band reveals flowering plants and baskets of flowers followed by the signature Elizabeth Dern and verse below, within a stitched zig zag frame and floral border. The work appears to be in its original frame which is in good order overall with only some minor losses to the inner gilt moulding.

The upper verse reads “If you desire to worship God aright, First in the morning pray and last at night, Craven for his blessing on your labours all, And in distress for his assistance call. “

The lower band reading Elizabeth Dern completed this work in the 12th year of her age 1799

Extremely fine work throughout the piece and the fabric in really good condition overall with only one very small hole to the far right at the very edge centre as seen in photo 4 to the right of the cross

The frame measures 53cm by 64cm overall.

UK delivery is £20

Date of Manufacture

Rams Head Antiques has dated this Antique Needlework Sampler to the 1800s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
64cm (25.20")
Width
53cm (20.87")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1116312
Dealers Notes

Rams Head Antiques is a family business based in Wolsingham in Weardale where we have had shop premises for 28 years. The shop is generally open every Saturday from 11 am till 3 pm.

You are most welcome to visit the shop but please always check to confirm we are open before travelling. We have been in the antiques trade for well over thirty years now and stock a wide and varied range of antiques and decorative items specialising in carpets and Eastern and Oriental items as well as Georgian and Victorian furniture, mirrors, oil paintings, prints, ceramics and clocks.

We can arrange worldwide delivery on all the items we have in stock, please ask for an accurate quote.

Email:

We offer a full money back guarantee if you are not happy for whatever reason within a seven day period as long as the buyer pays for transportation costs.

Description
A fine alphabet sampler worked by Elizabeth Dern in silk at the age of 12 in 1799.
“
The work is designed in four bands, with alphabet worked in white silk stitches at the top, the verse framed by two winged trumpeting angels.
Rams Head Antiques

The central band depicts Jesus nailed to the cross flanked by the two thieves Dismas and Gestas in long coloured robes, 'Nail'd to the shameful tree, to bleed and die for thee'. The third band depicts a running hare and stag, peacock and dog amongst three decorative trees, two are flowering, various coloured birds, showing day to the left side and night to the right. The lower band reveals flowering plants and baskets of flowers followed by the signature Elizabeth Dern and verse below, within a stitched zig zag frame and floral border. The work appears to be in its original frame which is in good order overall with only some minor losses to the inner gilt moulding.

fig 1. An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background.
fig 1. Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799

The upper verse reads “If you desire to worship God aright, First in the morning pray and last at night, Craven for his blessing on your labours all, And in distress for his assistance call. “

The lower band reading Elizabeth Dern completed this work in the 12th year of her age 1799

fig 2. An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background.
fig 2. Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799

Extremely fine work throughout the piece and the fabric in really good condition overall with only one very small hole to the far right at the very edge centre as seen in photo 4 to the right of the cross

The frame measures 53cm by 64cm overall.

UK delivery is £20

Date of Manufacture

Rams Head Antiques has dated this Antique Needlework Sampler to the 1800s.

Height
64cm (25.20")
Width
53cm (20.87")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1116312
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2014
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rams Head Antiques Profile Page

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An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background. SOLD2 JUL 26
1 / 7
Archive I An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background. SOLD2 JUL 26

Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799

Archive II An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background. View II
Archive III An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background.
Archive V An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background. View V
Archive VI An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background. View VI
Archive VII An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07769 255 544
Location
Wolsingham
Weardale
Durham
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2014
Items For Sale 326
Items Sold 4,346
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: Wolsingham, Weardale, Durham, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2014
For Sale
326
Sold
4,346
An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background.
Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799
Ref: SA1116312
An antique framed needlework sampler featuring rows of embroidered script, figures, and motifs on a pale linen background.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Scale Reference
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTextiles & Needlework
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialLinen, Silk thread, Wood, Glass
  • ColourMulticoloured
  • MotifsCross stitch embroidery, Religious iconography, Floral borders, Calligraphic lettering
  • SizeH 64 cm (25 in) x W 53 cm (21 in)

Needlework samplers originated as practical references for stitches, alphabets, and motifs, later evolving into decorative educational projects for young women in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Traditional samplers were typically stitched using silk or wool threads on hand-woven linen or canvas foundations, often finished with natural organic dyes.

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-spun linen irregularities, period-appropriate motifs, natural fading, age-related oxidation of threads, and historical framing techniques.

Pairing historical textiles with contemporary minimalist frames and neutral walls creates a striking visual contrast that highlights the intricate craftsmanship.

Preservation requires framing behind UV-protective conservation glass, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, maintaining stable humidity levels, and using acid-free mounting materials.
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