Rare Needlework Sampler, Sarah Eckstein, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dated 1818

Worked in vivid silk stitches on a linen ground; signed Sarah Eckstein Her work Done In the Year Of Her Age In 1818.

Ruth Troiani, Pound Ridge, New York, November 16, 1981

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.

Sarah's sampler was probably made under the same Philadelphia instructress who taught Jane McFarlan, for it is definitely related to a 1798 example within the same group (see Margaret B. Schiffer, Historical Needlework of Pennsylvania, p. 38). Sarah Eckstein is believed to be Sarah Ann (b. 1809), the daughter of Philadelphia bookseller, Jacob Eckstein. She married Jacob Raser and they lived with their six children in Upper Providence, Montgomery County.