MASSACHUSETTS ATTRIBUTED PICTORIAL NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER FRAGMENT, silk on linen, depicting a multi-colored handled basket with flowers featuring a bird perched on one floret, resting on top of a green mound. Housed under glass in a 19th century birdseye maple veneer frame, cardboard backing with a later handwritten note in pencil that reads, "Another Part of the / needlework was / dated / Feb. 5 1810 / Sally Putnam aged 14 / Boxford, Mass." Circa 1810. 5 1/2" x 4 5/8" sight, 9 3/8" x 8 3/8" OA.
Catalogue Note: Reported maker is likely identified as Sally Putnam, who was born in Charlton, Worcester Co., MA on February 5, 1796 to parents Simeon Putnam (1769-1825) and Martha Patty Batchelder (1768-1836). She married John Wheeler (1787-1859) on April 19, 1818 in Danvers, Essex Co., MA, and they had at least two children with one not surviving childhood. Sally died on August 28, 1873 and is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Peabody, MA.

Excellent visual condition with thread having some fading/fugitive color, edges in unknown condition, frame with wear and surface scratches, veneer with hairlines, some losses along edges. Not examined out of frame.