Q: My third great aunt, Harriet Jane Bierce (1828-1845) of Nelson, Portage County, Ohio, made this sampler in 1837 when she was nine years old. It’s been in our family for 179 years and was given to me by my mother. It has several stains. I’m interested in the best way to preserve and display the sampler and would like an idea of its value for insurance purposes.
A: Your sampler is a family treasure, but is worth only a few hundred dollars because of its poor condition. The stains and fading reduce its value. Dyes used to color thread in the early 1800s were made from natural materials and fade more quickly than modern colors. A professional textile conservator might be able to remove the stains, but it would be expensive. It’s impossible to restore the color. If you want to display the sampler after it’s cleaned, it should be in a frame with acid-free backing and UV-filtering glass. If you aren’t going to display it, the sampler should be stored flat, away from light. Don’t let it touch newspaper, tissue paper, or wood. Don’t store it in a plastic bag. The sampler can be wrapped in acid-free paper or in a clean white cotton sheet or pillow case.
Why must Kovels always be so negative in their answers to peoples questions? What a treasure to have this piece of history in the family! I am so glad readers are willing to share their knowledge. Thanks for the tip, Caroline, on the fabric wash. It would be nice to see the cleaned sampler, I bet it will look great!
I am 65 yrs old. When cleaning out my mother’s estate, I found my baptismal outfit packed in a box in the cedar chest. The fabric was yellowed with large brown stains everywhere. I tried Restoration, a fabric wash for vintage clothing, and it worked beautifully. The outfit looks brand new. I also used it on a table scarf that my grandmother brought from Europe over 100 years ago. Same results. And it doesn’t harm the material or colors. Just use common sense and be gentle – no wringing or twisting the fabric.
To get an insurance appraisal for any item, you should always use a qualified appraiser, like one that is a member of the International Society of Appraisers. Anyone can call themselves an appraiser, but if there is ever an issue like a claim, you might have a problem if you did not use a qualified appraiser. It is always best to have a qualified appraiser write your appraisal. They have to follow strict guidelines in doing an appraisal. It will cost more, but worth it.