Bidspirit auction | Antique Needlework Alphabet and Verse

Antique Needlework Alphabet and Verse Sampler Signed G. Berner in Black and Gilt Frame - An antique American schoolgirl-style needlework sampler, hand-stitched in silk or cotton thread on a linen ground. The composition is structured in horizontal registers. The upper portion features a complete uppercase alphabet followed by the numerals 1 through 0. Below the numerals is a decorative undulating floral vine border. The central section contains a multi-line stitched verse, now heavily faded. This is separated from the lower section by a broad horizontal band depicting repeating leaves and acorns. The lower section features small floral sprigs flanking a central stitched signature. The entire work is enclosed within a simple multi-line geometric border in red and green tones. The sampler is housed in a contemporary black-painted wood frame with a gilt inner liner. On the lower center of the textile, there is a hand-stitched signature reading G. Berner. The reverse of the frame retains a small yellow rectangular adhesive label that reads MCGRAW & ELLIOTT / PHARMACISTS / Cortland, N.Y. McGraw, N.Y. Height: 14 inches Width: 14 inches. The sampler is in aged condition with significant wear to the textile. There is overall darkening and brown foxing throughout the linen ground, most notably visible in the central and right sections (photo 1). The embroidery thread has experienced heavy fading, particularly affecting the legibility of the central verse and the signature (photo 2 and 5). Several dark stains are present, including one near the right center edge and others scattered across the surface (photo 1). The frame shows minor scuffing and dust accumulation (photo 6). On the reverse, the black paper backing is torn, brittle, and deteriorating with several large losses (photo 3).