Welcome to our new website “Samplers, Treen & Everything In-Between” - & the team!
Our love of history & passion for antique & vintage pieces has developed over about 25 years. Whilst working full time, as amateur dealers, we bought & sold a range of items to develop our private collection at flea markets, brocantes & antique fairs. Following Chris’ recent retirement from teaching, we are focusing our energies and enthusiasm on exploring the opportunities presented by the digital world!
We have learned so much from other dealers over the years, a number of whom we are now lucky enough to call friends. What these people have in common is the friendly, honest, professional - yet unpretentious personal service which they provide. Our aim is simply to try & mirror that approach!
As a small crew of humans plus our Cocker Spaniels Tia & Tuppence - ably assisted by our two sheep ‘BaaaBaaaRaaa’ & ‘Ewenice’ - (see images below!), we manage all aspects of our hobby, drawing on the skills of specialists such as blacksmiths or joiners if needed. We really enjoy meeting our customers in person & talking to them about our stock! Please see our Blog for details of where to find us in 2023. Home visits by appointment are also very welcome in principle – simply get in touch!
Shepherd’s Hut - plus ‘BaaaBaaaBaraa’ & ‘Ewenice’
My name is Tia & I’m a grown up, very sensible Cocker Spaniel. My roles are security, power naps, catering (mainly bones, biscuits & buns), sampler restoration, performance management (of Tuppence) & being in charge generally.
- Tia
I’m Tuppence & I’m also a Cocker Spaniel. I’m a teenager & my (apprentice) roles are ‘meet & greet’ (mainly licking & bouncing about), French Polishing, Team grooming, barking at the postman & generally being bossed about by Tia.
- Tuppence
February 2023
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
A very pretty, small, early sampler worked in silk on a close weave cotton gauze. Condition is exceptional with first rate enduring vivid colours & no discernible stitch loss. The letters & motifs are very skilfully executed: flowers, shrubs, a crown, table & three birds plus unusually a delightful table and chairs in pergola or arbour – stunning! Original ornate gilded period frame.
Additional Comments
Although undated, the piece has a very George III/IV feel & is believed to date from the 1830s to 1840s - it may well be earlier. The stitch work is incredibly fine and neat and must have been a true labour of love to complete. Stitched in green, gold, cream, brown and blue thread, ‘CA’ has carefully worked a range of delightful spot motifs in a square pattern around her centrally placed initials. The whole is surrounded by a meandering leafy border, then all four edges are then stitched with a different border pattern. The period frame (& hanging eyes) - itself a super antique - appears to be the original whilst the glass is later. In our view, the originality, quality & super condition of this beautiful sampler - in addition to the fact that it was probably completed some 200 years ago - make it a very desirable, standout example of samplers from this period.
Conservation & Restoration
We have prepared ‘CA’s sampler for sale by taking it from its frame then removing the surface dust using a conservation vacuum cleaner. It has then been stitched onto complementary fresh linen which rests on cotton wadding glued to an acid free mount. All components of the period frame have been thoroughly cleaned & the surface French Polished. Finally, the sampler has been re-presented in its frame behind a piece of new hardboard backing secured by stainless steel panel pins & sealed with self-adhesive picture framing tape. The piece is ready to hang using a new picture string attached to the frame’s original period eyes.
Framed Dimensions (W, H & D): 37x35x2cm
Ref: S1322
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Circa 1959-64, this is a genuine vintage toy in very good overall condition from the iconic German-based plush toy company founded in 1880. The Steiff tag/button is no longer present and there is a small area of fur loss to the back above the right leg (see image): in our view this does not detract from the overall charm of the piece. Complete with faded blue ribbon and bell. Lovely sweet face!
Dimensions (H, W and L): 10x6x13cm
Ref: DTG222
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Considered circa late 1800s or early 1900s, this is a sweet little snuff box with some fine detailing to the lid and fully functional hinge. It presents today in excellent condition with just some minor age-related wear commensurate with its probable 100 years of use. A super decorative item and or desk tidy.
Dimensions (L, W & H): 8x4x3 cm
Ref: T27
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Constructed of birch bark, this is delightfully tactile and typically decorative circa late 19th century folk art piece. The pine lid lifts off courtesy of its original leather handle. The striking bright blue and crimson hand painted surface is still very much intact. Excellent original condition.
Dimensions (H, D): 7.5x7 (diameter at widest point) cm
Ref: T18
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In pine, this is an utterly delightful piece. There is a date to the lid which – whilst not wholly clear - appears to be 1917: certainly, the patination of the box supports an age of at least 100 years. Time has conveyed a lovely golden patination to the piece with the lid having a part cross banded appearance. Excellent original condition with some original pencil graffiti to the inside lid. A useful, eye-catching storage option for the 21st century home office?
Dimensions (L, W & H): 19x5x4cm
Ref: B222
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Circa 1950’s these six different signs are hand painted on parchment paper and mounted on large cocktail sticks. Excellent original condition and displayed on a piece of antique elm. A super, rare one off and lovely display item for the kitchen or dining room!
Dimensions to include base (L, H & W): 18x14x8cm. The signs themselves are 3cm in diameter.
Ref: FA1422
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
An eye catching small naïve watercolour circa mid-19th century. A ‘folksy’ couple appear to be contemplating the prospect of fishing a stream, whilst a mother and child walk towards the mountains passing a pretty cottage on the way. Period rosewood frame.
Dimensions (W and H): 21x30cm.
Ref: WC722
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A beautifully executed small, naïve watercolour. Signed and dated: ‘HD 1861’. Coastal backdrop with associated detail. Period gilt frame.
Dimensions (W and H): 42x16cm.
Ref: WC122
Naïve oil on board circa mid-19th century. A horseman is seeking directions to a distant settlement. A dog and chickens look on – together with their master and mistress! A delightful and unusual bucolic scene. Stained period pine frame.
Dimensions (W and H): 33x21cm.
Postage included. Royal Mail Special Delivery with appropriate insurance to at least the value of the item.
Ref: 0922
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
This very unusual, clean sampler is stitched on a linen ground. Its condition is exceptional, with still amazingly vibrant colours & no discernible loss to the stitching or ground. The motifs are highly original featuring a stunning resting lamb (of God?) & cross, chicken in its coop, paired swallows & rose - all surrounded by a strawberry border. Original scumbled pine frame.
Additional Comments
Ann has also included a simple religious plea typical of the period; “Lord Remember me.” There is just one very small area of wool loss on the lamb’s rear flank. The frame (plus gilt slip & hanging eyes) - itself a super antique - appears to be unique to the piece whilst the glass seems later. In our view, the unique quirkiness and super condition of this beautiful ‘folksy’ sampler - in addition to the fact that it was completed 180 years ago by a girl of just 12 - make it a very desirable example of this genre of sampler.
Conservation & Restoration
We have prepared Ann’s stunning 180 year sampler for sale by taking it from its frame & removing the surface dust using a conservation vacuum cleaner. It has then been stitched onto complementary fresh linen which rests on cotton wadding glued to an acid free mount. All components of the frame have been thoroughly cleaned & the pine waxed. Finally, the sampler has been re-presented in its frame behind a piece of bespoke recycled antique pine backing secured by stainless steel panel pins & sealed with self-adhesive picture framing tape. The piece is ready to hang using a new picture string attached to the original period eyes.
Framed Dimensions (W, H & D): 37x40x2.5cm
Ref: S122
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Charlotte has stitched this quality needlework sampler on linen. Condition is exceptional with still vibrant colours & no discernible loss to the silk or ground. Nine bands of letters & numbers are partially separated by variously stitched horizontal lines. Motifs include diamonds, birds, a shrub, urn, dog & cat. A meandering border completes the piece. Ebonised period pine frame.
Additional Comments
Although undated, the piece has all the characteristics of a sampler of mid-19th century antiquity. Charlotte has chosen a striking palette of pink, gold, brown & bright blue thread for her work. There are two minute, barely discernible areas of darkening to the ground in bands 4 & 7. The 19th century frame (plus gilt slip, period glass & hanging eyes) - itself a super antique – was sourced by us. In our view, the superb condition of this beautiful, vibrant piece - in addition to the fact that it was probably completed over 160 years ago by a girl aged just 9 - make it a very desirable example of this genre of sampler.
Conservation & Restoration
We purchased this sampler without a frame. Preparation for its sale began by removing the surface dust using a conservation vacuum cleaner. It has then been stitched onto complementary fresh linen which rests on cotton wadding glued to an acid free mount. All components of the resized frame have been thoroughly cleaned & the ebonised surface waxed. Finally, the sampler has been re-presented in its frame behind a hardboard backing secured by stainless steel panel pins & sealed with self-adhesive picture framing tape. The piece is ready to hang using new (double) picture string attached to the contemporary brass eyes.
Framed Dimensions (W, H & D): 26x36x1cm
Ref: S2322
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Description
A vibrant, folksy, sampler in superb condition. Very skilful, fine stitch work. Multiple, unusual & diverse motifs including a lion, heart, stag, windmill & man in traditional dress. Excellent provenance linked to Bath, UK & Scotland (open-tailed peacock motifs). The blank space, partial motifs & slightly disorganised feel suggest an experimental piece. Ebonised period oak frame.
Additional Comments
The style & provenance of this silk on white linen, band & motif sampler places it firmly as mid-19th Century. It includes two bands of letters but the dominant feature as discussed above are the motifs. Various birds have also been stitched including two open-tailed peacocks which are very characteristic of Scottish samplers. The stitcher has also included what appears to be some practice incomplete borders (e.g. the strawberry border top left) & there is a blank section to the bottom left: these two elements, plus the somewhat randomly organised feel to the work, suggests it may have been a practice or experimental piece. In terms of provenance, this sampler originated from a small private antique fabric and textile sale – to which a reputable dealer friend was invited (late 2021) - executed by the descendants of the Reverend Charles Kemble (1819-1894). Many ‘right’ pieces were offered including some very early clothing & textiles which had apparently been stored out of sunlight by the family for generations. Reverend Kemble resided in ‘Vellore’, Bath (now The Bath Hotel & Spa) & was especially noted for commissioning in 1869 the prolific English Gothic Revival Architect Sir George Gilbert Scott to restore Bath Abbey. Given its circa 180 years of age, its condition is remarkable: it is totally undamaged with minimal age discolouration and fantastic, enduring vivid colours.
Conservation & Restoration
This delightful sampler was sold to us unframed. We have prepared it for sale by removing the surface dust using a conservation vacuum clearer. It has then been stitched onto complementary fresh linen which rests on cotton wadding glued to an acid free mount. All components of the especially sourced period frame have been thoroughly cleaned & waxed. Finally, the sampler has been re-presented in its frame behind a wooden backing secured by period steel panel nails & sealed with self-adhesive picture framing tape. The piece is ready to hang using new (double) picture string attached to the original period eyes.
Framed Dimensions (W, H & D): 32x53x3cm
Ref: S35
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Circa early 1890 century, a most decorative piece of experimental patchwork quilt needlework. Rustic antique pine frame. Vibrant colours! Pleasing muted blue colouring with triangular & spotted patterns. A lovely decorative item in excellent original condition.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 37x39x2 cm
Ref: NW17
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Circa 1950s, these super cute heavy little door stops, have evolved a beautiful time-worn patina over time. Fantastic palette of vibrant cream, black, crimson, gold & green paint. Whilst very much a pair they each have a distinctive form - & lovely facial expressions! Utterly charming, one off fully functional decorative objects.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 8.5x10x7 cm
Ref: FA27
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Originating from circa late 1800s the ceramic holder had a small glass cover (not present) to cover the “Burglar’s Horror” night light. Temperamental kerosene lamps were liable to explode, so a night light that could be safely left unattended had much appeal. The base of the holder has some small cracks – these do not detract from the collection’s authenticity & charm. A real talking point!
Dimensions
Holder (Diameter & H): 6cmx1 cm
Box (L, W & D): 18x9x4 cm
Ref: FL1923
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A delightful great size piece. The most characterful foxed plate, is presented within its original timeworn, mellowed yellowish cream painted frame. The plate has been re-secured within the frame with stainless steel panel pins. New hanging eyes & picture string - these could be easily re-positioned if desired for a landscape hanging option if desired.
Dimensions (H, W & D): 21cmx16cmx2 cm
Ref: M522
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Ten of these unusual heavy-duty pieces are available for £18 each. Originally situated at the side of the pews, they have immense character, & would now lend themselves excellently to a new role as a soap dish or perhaps quirky shelving for spices – either wall mounted or free standing. Each item is in excellent original condition.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 17.5x6x7.5 cm
Ref: FGA292
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Description
This striking sampler, fresh to the digital market, has a very clean & uncluttered feel. The typically ornate shrubs, flowers, dogs & bird are present, but also evident are a more rarely seen cross within a star, what appear to be two prominent paired chalices (?) to the base & an opened scroll to the bottom right. Stunning original black scumbled period pine frame.
Additional Comments
The horizontal borders separating the three bands from each other & the motifs below are stitched in unusually coloured thread. Condition is exceptional overall with still vibrant colours & no damage to the linen ground. There is some unobtrusive stitch loss to three letters on the third band of letters. The piece was bought from a Somerset (UK) based dealer who sourced it from local house clearance.
In our view, the quality & excellent, unmarked condition of this beautiful piece - in addition to the fact that it was completed nearly 175 years ago make it a very desirable example of this genre of sampler.
Conservation & Restoration
We have prepared ’s this stunning sampler for sale by removing it from the (what appears to be) the original frame & removing the surface dust from it using a conservation vacuum cleaner. It has then been stitched onto complementary fresh linen which rests on cotton wadding glued to an acid free mount. All components of the frame have been thoroughly cleaned, treated for woodworm & the veneer waxed. Finally, the sampler has been re-presented in its frame behind a piece of new board backing secured by stainless steel panel pins. The piece is ready to hang using new (doubled) picture string attached to the frame’s original period eyes.
Framed Dimensions (W, H & D): 51x52x2.5 cm
Ref: S20
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Description
This lovely piece features an impressive Solomon’s Porch motif flanked by two ornamental clipped conifers & approached by a gated lawn, defined by two decorative pillars. Rare crow & butterfly motifs further adorn the piece. The verse "Jesus permit thy gracious name to stand ..." (Rev. John Newton 1725–1807) is very typical of samplers from this period. Original period ebonised frame.
Additional Comments
Harriet’s Solomon’s porch is very representative of the genre. It has a central tower, flanked by two further smaller towers, each with its own castellated roof above a central arched doorway. In comparison to some other buildings depicted in samplers, Solomon’s Porch motifs are evident less often than houses, but more frequently than churches. The earliest examples of Solomon’s Porch in Britain appear on late band samplers dating from the early 1700s, where the motif is placed centrally within the sampler. The earliest known example is in the Dorset County Museum and dates to 1734/5. Harriet’s work is in excellent condition with minimal fading, no stitch loss & just some unobtrusive loss to the linen ground. The Reverend John Newton was the noted English Evangelical Anglican cleric & slavery abolitionist. The sampler is fresh to the digital market.
In our view, the quality & excellent, condition of this beautiful piece - in addition to the fact that it was completed over 180 years ago - make it a very desirable example of this sought after genre of sampler.
Conservation & Restoration
We have prepared Harriet’s stunning sampler for sale by taking it from its original frame, the paper to which it was attached (see sample to rear - in our view the sampler has unlikely to have ever been removed from its frame!) & removing the surface dust from it using a conservation vacuum cleaner. It has then been stitched onto complementary fresh linen which rests on cotton wadding glued to an acid free mount. All components of the frame have been thoroughly cleaned & the veneer waxed. Finally, the sampler has been re-presented in its frame behind a piece of new board backing secured by stainless steel panel pins & sealed with self-adhesive picture framing tape. The piece is ready to hang using new (doubled) picture string attached to the frame’s original period eyes.
Framed Dimensions (W, H & D): 37x39x2.5 cm
Ref: S26
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Circa 1820 this is a super little painted example in the form of an acorn. In outstanding condition, it displays the characteristic circular red rings with intricate floral detailing to the lid. The top unscrews to reveal the silver thimble within (inscribed ‘Pat.10’) & features a band of fine floral detailing. Utterly charming.
Dimensions of Holder (Diameter of Lid & Height): 2.5 x 4 cm
Dimensions of Thimble (Diameter of Open Top & Height): 1.5 x 2.3 cm
Ref: NW4
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An interesting, remarkable survivor! The underside of the top fabric has ink stains & is in remarkable original condition. The badge appears French due to the Tricolour to the right hand side & the crossed cannons which are French artillery insignia. Yet the gold piping has an English feel as found on the Hussars uniforms of that period (France & England fought on the same side!).
Dimensions:
Wipe (Diameter): 11 cm
Badge (W & H): 2x3 cm\q
Ref: NW14
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Description
Three delightful painted oak pieces representing this iconic heraldic imagery. The ‘Plume of Feathers’ is a symbolic badge associated with the Prince of Wales. Traditionally they consist of three ostrich feathers arranged vertically. Probably originally a piece of pub signage. Stunning pastel duck egg palette with traces of pink. Untouched condition. Hanging mechanism to rear.
Maximum Dimensions (W, H & D): 50 x 20 x 16 cm
Ref: FA30
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Description
Circa 1950s & in fantastic original condition. Beautiful duck egg blue interior with charming detailing to the exterior. Use for its original purpose if desired – but multiple storage options. Delightful addition to any café or kitchen!
Dimensions (Height & Diameter): 28x13 cm
Ref: K13
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Description
A delightful & unusually large 19th century example in superb original condition. Comprises both wrought iron & oak. The adjustable riser is complete & fully operational allowing the user to lift the candle as it burns. Sometimes called a courting candlestick - allowing as it would a watchful father to manage the time her daughter spends with a gentleman caller!
Dimensions (D & H): 10 (diameter) x 21 cm
Ref: FL20
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Circa late 19th or early 20th Century, this is a charming, timeworn little mirror with traces of its original Duck Egg paint still
very evident & a well foxed plate
Dimensions (W, H & D): 14.5x20x1 cm
Ref: M4
The price is for the pair of adults OR their two children (see Ref: WC22B).
£276 for all four paintings
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Circa 1820, a classic, well observed painting of a respectable Georgian gentleman & his wife (perhaps clergy). Characteristic austere pose. The facial expressions & clothing are especially well represented. Reflecting the prevailing social norms, that the gentleman is holding a book, the lady a handkerchief. Period Rosewood Veneer Frames. See also their two children Ref: WC22B.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 27x34x2.5 cm
Ref: WC22A
The price is for the pair of children OR the pair of adults (see Ref: WC22A).
£276 for all four paintings
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Circa 1820, a classic, well observed painting of two Georgian children of well to do parents (perhaps clergy) – see Ref: WC22A. Characteristic austere pose. The facial expressions & clothing are especially well represented. Interesting to note, reflecting the prevailing social norms, that the boy is holding a book, whilst the girl carries nothing. Period Maple Veneer Frame.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 26x31x2 cm
Ref: WC22B
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Description
Here is a circa 1870, charmingly vibrant antique hand painted bowl. In stunning untouched original condition throughout.
Dimensions (Height, Diameter of Base, Diameter Rim & Depth Spout to Handle): 26.5x18x24 cm
Ref: P23
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Probably reclaimed from a shop or a cinema frontage, this lovely letter boasts a stunning cream & red paint which has weathered down over the years to create a beautiful patination. Scope to display propped against a wall on a shelf or mantlepiece but could also be wall mounted if desired. Now seeking a new home with an owner for whom the letter ‘N’ has some personal meaning or resonance!
Dimensions (W, H & D): 23x31x2.5 cm
Ref: SB32
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A circa 1880 example in lovely original, working condition. A superb, decorative and fully functional addition to the modern kitchen. Please note that (obviously!) this piece is over 100 years old and will not have the micro accuracy of modern digital scales!
Dimensions: (H and D): 33x24 (diameter) cm
Ref: K622