AMERICAN NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER, silk, and possibly other thread, on linen, six rows of letters above a row of numerals ending "Mary E Luce AE [06?]", lower third with a four-line verse featuring a half-row of flowers and a tree at lower edge. Housed under glass in a veneered frame. 19th century. 17 5/8" x 16 3/4" sight, 22" x 21 1/4" OA.
Catalogue Note: The identity of the maker is unconfirmed. The previous consignor has provided a research file suggesting the maker of this sampler is Mary Luce (Luse), who was born in Albemarle Co., VA in 1793. She was the first of seven children born to Zephaniah Luce (Luse) (1770-1848) and Elizabeth Douglas (1770-1845). They were married on July 12, 1792 in Virginia, and the family eventually moved to Ohio. Mary never married and died in 1879. 

Very good visual condition with expected fugitive color/fading, possible later/replaced stitching, lower edge with removed stitching, frame with some wear, surface scratches, and a few scattered losses to veneer.