Rare Silk Embroidered and Velvet Appliqued Coat of Arms: Betsey Bolkom, Mary Balch's School, Providence, Rhode Island, Dated 1806

An impressive piece, worked with silk, chenille, velvet appliqus, gold and silver metallic threads on a silk ground. Inscribed on teh glass (probably replacement)

Skinner's Auction Gallery, March, 1986, lot 208

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 60, fig. 143)

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Betsy's coat of arms is a typical heraldic embroidery from Mary Balch's School in Providence (for another see Bolton and Coe, American Samplers, (PI. CXXIII). It is inscribed on the back: "Presented 2d August 1858 to WiIIiam Ebenezer Tyler. a memorial of his mother's taste and skill, by his affectionate father, William Tyler"
and "Received by Rebecca Stanley Tyler daughter of William Ebenezer Tyler. May 14, 1897." Betsy Bolkom (1790- 1822) was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the daughter of Jacob Bolkom and Tryphena Everett. She married William Tyler (1789- 1875), a cotton manufacturer of North Providence, on July 1, 1813. Their only child, William Ebenezer, was born April 20, 1822, and Betsy died on June 9.
Her Balch-school mourning embroidery also survives. It it now at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (see Anita Schorsch, Mourning Becomes
America, no. 34/126 ) .