Author Topic: Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?  (Read 2386 times)

talesofthesevenseas

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Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?
« on: July 09, 2009, 11:24:04 pm »
I have tried researching an insurance value for this family heirloom, and the values seem to be all over the place, from worthless to practically priceless. I realize that the value can go up by having pictures, poetry, and by fine work being done by a young child. This one was done by a little girl, but only has two small, simple pictures, but has a good poem. Here is the basic information:

The sampler was removed from the original frame (unfortunately) and was professionally cleaned and put under UV glass/acid free backing in the early 1970's (Please comment if I should have this redone now with modern techniques). I has been in my family and handed down since it was stitched in 1830 by Almira Adams of Medford MA. I have researched Almira's genealogy, she is part of my Adams family that includes John Adams, Samuel Adams etc., but not as a direct descendent, we are cousins, descended from a common ancestor.

The sampler is in very good condition, strong, with no fraying, wear or holes. It faded prior to preservation and the background cloth seems to be darkening slightly with time.

The sampler is cross-stitched, with four sets of the alphabet (upper and lower case), numbers 1 - 13, decorated with two small flowers and the following text:

"Tis granted and no plainer truth appears
Our most important are our earliest years
The mind impressible and soft with ease
imbibes and copies what she hears or sees
and through life's labyrinth holds fast the clue
that education gives her false or true.

Almira Adams. aged 10 years. Medford. Massachusetts. 1830."



« Last Edit: July 10, 2009, 12:03:21 am by talesofthesevenseas »
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railman44

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Re: Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2009, 04:10:21 am »
From what I understand watching Antiques Roadshow, the more pictures the higher the value.  Most I've seen on the Roadshow were signed and dated by the little girl that made them.  Some are worth huge bucks per their appraisers.   ???

talesofthesevenseas

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Re: Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2009, 09:01:24 am »
Yeah it is so hard to tell where to put an insurance value because the value seems to change so drastically with each "plus" that a sampler has. And with this one, although it does have a couple of pictures, they very simple, not like some of the very high end ones. But it does have the other pluses of being quality work from a very young girl and having the poem, and the historical documentation, so I just don't know where this one falls in on the insurance value scale.
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KC

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Re: Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?
« Reply #3 on: July 10, 2009, 11:53:26 am »
Recommend that you call a local museum or known textile appraiser and have it appraised hands on.

The values are up and down the charts and only a true up close inspection will give you the answer you need.

Nice sampler!  What will help add to the value is as much history as you can compile and pictures if possible!
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

D&b antiques

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Re: Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?
« Reply #4 on: July 10, 2009, 04:25:52 pm »
It should sell at a round $500.00 Dollars. adding the hassle of trying to replace it. about $ 800.00 Dollars.

talesofthesevenseas

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Re: Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?
« Reply #5 on: July 10, 2009, 04:29:35 pm »
Thanks both of you!  :)
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stones

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Re: Insurance Value on 1830 Sampler?
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2009, 02:25:59 pm »
It just so happens I took a train ride about three weeks ago and at last minute grabbed a couple of magazines that I could find which happend to be Antiques Magazine BUT they were from 2006. Now in one of them there was an article on " Samplers from Charleston South Carolina" by Katheleen Staples.  Now my idea would be to find if possible anything by her you can find she seems to be independent researcher SPECIALIZING in textile history.

Hope it helps out.