May My Obedience Claim Thy Love - 1784

Just 2 inches in diameter (5.5cm), this fabulous  George III whitework embroidered miniature of 1784 in its chased gold Regency frame has certainly claimed my love. For auction on 16 March at  Dreweatts Godalming Salerooms it is Lot 509 with an estimate of £300 - 500. I hope it finds a very loving home - and not just for the frame!

This very traditional French sampler of 1861 has an alphabet over an altar complete with monstrance. It has been signed Fait Par Pauline Carabas. It is 15.5" square and together with another 19th Century needlework sampler having a pair of birds and perhaps a hot air balloon, all within a floral border signed Elizabeth Harvey, is for auction at Mallams Ltd on 14 March - Lot number 153 with an estimate of £70-90

You may perhaps have admired samplers like this before - from germany or Switzerland, they are most beautifully stitched. Measuring 10" x 11" (25cm by 28cm) they are monogrammed and dated 1898, and have a tiny estimate of £50 - 70 for the pair when they come to auction on 12 March at Addisons Auctioneers in Durham. Lot number is 373.

There were so many tiny boarding and private girls schools from the late 17th century onwards - sometimes they might have no more than 2 or 3 paying pupils whose fees would ensure gentle ladies with scarce means and perhaps a little learning would not be thrown upon charity.  This sampler was worked by Mary Ann Patten aged 12 at A H Halls School in 1830. it is for auction on 5 March at Taylors Auctions.

Mallams have around 15 samplers in their upcoming auction, of which this charmer is just one - click here to see their catalogue for more information.