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Updated May 4, 2026

Value of old samplers

Learn what affects old needlework sampler value, including maker, date, place, condition, design, and auction evidence.

Supporting editorial image for value of old samplers
Supporting editorial image, not an auction lot. Use the evidence table below for market context.

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One clear answer

Learn what affects old needlework sampler value, including maker, date, place, condition, design, and auction evidence.

Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, material, completeness, restoration, and demand can materially change value.

Quick checklist

  • Photograph the full item, marks, maker labels, measurements, materials, construction, backs, undersides, interiors, and accessories.
  • Document condition before cleaning: fading, tears, stains, losses, cracks, missing parts, rewiring, repairs, odors, moth damage, and restoration.
  • Keep receipts, service records, provenance, appraisals, tags, boxes, weights, keys, shades, cases, or related sets together.

Note: We couldn’t find enough auction records that directly match Value of old samplers to publish a defensible price table. If you are valuing a specific item, include its maker, model, material, photos, and condition so the search can be narrowed.

What similar items actually sold for

To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific antique sampler.

Shown USD range: USD 15-USD 1,400. Median of these 10 USD examples: USD 167.50.

Source-reported amounts. Buyer’s-premium treatment is stated in each row when known; otherwise it is unknown. Native currencies are not normalized.
Comparable What sold Auction house Date Lot Source-reported amount
Framed cross-stitch sampler with colorful floral motifs and a row of garden elements, set against a textured beige fabric background. Framed Fountain Flowers Cross Stitch Sampler The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc. 2025-11-19 322 USD 20 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed needlework sampler showing a red brick house with small windows and text at the top and on the building. Needlework Sampler New England Auctions 2020-10-03 38 USD 1,400 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed American sampler-style needlework with a central building and surrounding floral and tree motifs on an off-white cloth background. AMERICAN SAMPLER. Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers 2016-09-10 533 USD 531 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed sampler embroidery with repeating geometric and cross motifs and a visible quote, stitched in dark thread on light fabric. Antique Sampler Dovetail Auctions, LLC 2023-10-07 1063 USD 220 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed cross-stitch sampler with colorful people in a scene, floral and geometric border motifs, and a central panel of stitched text. 1928 McCall Friendship Cross Stitch Sampler The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc. 2026-04-15 673 USD 25 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed needlework sampler with cross-stitch text and small house, tree, and flowering border designs. A needlework sampler, Sworders 2024-11-20 174 GBP 210 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed embroidered sampler with symmetrical floral and bird motifs in blue, green, and tan thread. LARGE AMERICAN SAMPLER Meander Auctions by Hollie Davis and Andrew Richmond 2026-01-24 212 USD 175 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed needlework sampler with colorful stitched letters, numbers, and small decorative motifs on tan fabric. Antique Sampler Dovetail Auctions, LLC 2023-10-07 1059 USD 160 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed cross-stitch sampler with a wreath border, flowers, two birds, and the stitched words “Praise God.” 1960 Praise God Birds Cross Stitch Sampler The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc. 2026-04-15 669 USD 15 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed needlework sampler with cross-stitched alphabet, numbers, and decorative motifs on a light fabric background. A needlework sampler, Sworders 2024-11-20 173 GBP 85 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed needlework sampler with red and green stitched motifs and a line of black cross-stitch text on beige fabric. Antique Sampler Dovetail Auctions, LLC 2023-10-07 1054 USD 160 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed needlework sampler with a stitched verse and two standing figures beneath a tree, surrounded by patterned border and small house motifs. A needlework sampler, Sworders 2024-11-20 172 GBP 240 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
Framed needlework sampler with rows of stylized trees, flowers, birds, and borders stitched in brown and black on light fabric. EARLY 19TH C. AMERICAN SAMPLER, FRAMED Thomaston Place Auction Galleries 2021-02-26 1167 USD 500 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown)
How these auction records were verified

Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.

Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.

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