Miniature Quaker Memorial to Lucretia Starbuck,
Nantucket, Massachusetts,
circa 1812

Sampler size:
4½" x 4"
Framed size: 6" x 5½"

Price: $4250

Enlarged and Printer Version

This is a very delicate and unusual miniature sampler made in memory of a three-year-old by one of her older sisters. The family was that of Kimbal and Mary (Coffin) Starbuck, both members of prominent early Quaker families of Nantucket and married there in 1796. They became the parents of three daughters, Mary, Jr., born in 1796, Sarah, born in 1799 and Lucretia, "Born 26th of 8th mo 1809 Died 3rd of 10th mo 1812 Aged 3 years 1 mo and 11 days."

Both Mary and Sarah worked outstanding samplers in 1808 while they were students at the Nantucket Friends School; their samplers are in the collection of the Nantucket Historical Association and published by Betty Ring in Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework 1650-1850, vol I as figures 166 and 167. Either Mary or Sarah would have been the maker of this poignant and very personal little sampler, circa 1812. Lucretia's death was recorded by the minutes of the Nantucket Monthly Meeting. The verse carefully stitched on to the sampler reads as follows, "So fond desires are often crossed And parents hopes in death are lost."

Worked in silk on linen gauze, the sampler is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in its original gold leaf frame.

Considering buying this sampler?
We suggest you let us know that you are interested. We will be happy to:

You may contact us by phone, fax or email (see below) or complete our quick Contact Me form and we will respond promptly.

How to Buy
Includes information regarding payment, return privilege, and shipping to any location.