Lovely authentic and all original child’s sampler, wrought by “M.M.F.”, obviously the initials of a young girl who created this charming needlepoint on linen work which we now collect and display under the category of folk art. The content has the proverbial elements of rural America; with probably mom and dad to each side of a tree which is in full bloom, along with perhaps her pet dog or dogs to each side of the same tree; and perhaps barn animals to the sides of a green and red floral arrangement at the top. The date of 1900 is stitched at the bottom, and the neatly framed geometric border in green, black, and red, is embroidered around the entire sampler. The main event, however, is framed in a red stitched border, which appears in modified block print as an original heartfelt saying dealing with friendships;
“Friendship’s A Name To Few Confin’d, The Offspring Of A Noble Mind. A Generous Warmth Which Fills The Breast. And Better Felt Than E’er Exprest”.
The sampler is housed in, what is probably, its original figured wood grain frame, and is in very good and all original condition with no restoration or repairs of any kind. Simply a wonderful addition to a collection of Americana or a stand alone piece of folk art to display.
Note: On the back of the frame is a “Frame Maker” “Geo. B. Kirk” Berkeley, California and a phone number “BERK 4915″ which is the type of exchanges used from 1899 thru the 1930’s.
Dimensions: 13 5/8″ high x 10 3/4″ wide
(14 1/2″ high x 11 1/2” wide with frame)
Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.