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Science 2011-01-20

Samplers as Time Capsules This Week at LiveAuctionTalk.com

Rosemary McKittricks's website LiveAuctionTalk.com offers anything and everything about the world of collecting. Visit the site. Sign up for a free weekly subscription.

SANTE FE, NM, January 20, 2011

Like time capsules, antique samplers are nostalgic remnants of the past offering a glimpse into the world of embroidery and children. Samplers act as portals into the day-to-day life of a young girl from another era in time. They show her mastery of useful and decorative stitching.

In the 18th and mid-19th century, samplers were also her way of showing off her knowledge of the alphabet. Many were classroom assignments, the way in which she learned reading, religion and math.

Some of the most memorable ones bear verses that come from the heart.

"Patty Polk did this and she hated every stitch she did in it. She loves to read much more," proclaims 10-year-old Patty in this 1800 sampler.

Not every girl appreciated the delicate distinctions of embroidery.

On Sept. 3-4 Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers in Delaware, Ohio, featured a selection of vintage samplers in its Early American and Decorative Arts Labor Day Weekend Auction.

A Deborah Covington silk on linen framed sampler with floral borders; alphabets; and verse; signed and dated; Kentucky; 1835; sold in the auction for $723.

Read the full sampler story at http://www.LiveAuctionTalk.com

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Rosemary has provided auction coverage and analysis on thousands-and-thousands of antiques and collectibles sold since the column started 16-years ago. She includes auction sale results to give readers a feel for what their treasures are worth because the power of auctions is simple.

When the bidding stops and the hammer falls, the value of an item is set. The buyer, not the seller, sets the price, and this simple distinction cuts through all the chitchat about what art, antiques and collectibles are really worth. The emphasis is on today's values, not yesterday's wishful thinking.

Each week another new article is posted featuring a particular area of collecting.

• Every article showcases an auction item and how it fits into the big picture.
• A compelling, historical context is provided for the treasures people collect.
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• Current "prices realized" are listed.

Rosemary is the co-author of The Official Price Guide to Fine Art published by Random House and received her training in the trenches working as a professional appraiser and weekly columnist.

Contact:

Rosemary McKittrick
info@LiveAuctionTalk.com