You may be one of many Americans with a few needlepoints hanging on the wall, with what are known as samplers. Often resembling small tapestries about the size of a sheet of paper, samplers are woven artwork meant to hang on the wall. Some samplers have phrases like “Bless This House,” or they depict flowers, birds, or other idyllic scenery. Some samplers rival paintings for their skill, complexity, and beauty.
Samplers have a long history, with the art form dating back to the 14th or 15th century. Historically, young ladies would create samplers to develop their stitching skills. Many collectors love that these pieces of art by definition weren’t mass-produced for sale, and were created by people who were not full-time artists, which makes their handiwork that much more impressive.
Not only can you sell samplers at auction, but there’s a surprisingly lively community of people who collect them.
How much are antique samplers worth?
You’d be surprised. If a sampler is valuable to collectors, it could sell for as little as $75 or as much as $2,200.
Of course, once in a blue moon an outlier comes along. Betsy Wardwell’s 1797 sampler sold for $329,600. Mart Antrim’s 1807 sampler sold for $1,070,500.
There’s a lot of variability in the sampler’s pedigree and value. That means, for one thing, that you probably have no idea how much that antique sampler is worth. An appraisal can help determine whether you’ve got something special on your hands.
What makes an antique sampler valuable?
Several factors make antique samplers valuable.
- As with many collectibles, age can make a difference. A true antique sampler might catch the eye of passionate collectors who covet rarity.
- The condition of the piece makes a difference. As with all collectibles, pieces in better shape tend to sell for more. Look for pieces that are free from stains or tears and have their original stitching.
- Collectors also look for highly detailed pieces that show true artistic skill.
- Knowing the piece’s history can help. You can fetch higher prices if you know who created the work, as well as when and where she made it.
- Pieces from specific stitching schools or styles can sometimes fetch a higher price thanks to their exciting history.
- Some collectors love specific regional styles and will pay more for those styles.
Another factor is whom you try to sell the sampler to. Put your sampler on eBay and you’ll get a very low price. Sell it at auction, where you might reach historical societies, museum curators, and passionate collectors who love samplers, and you can make significantly more money and give the piece to someone who will care for it.
Sell your antique sampler(s) at auction
We’ll get your antique sample in front of passionate collectors ready to pay top dollar. You can start by scheduling a professional appraisal. Call (508) 612-6111 or email us today.
