1789 Dutch-style Needlework

Appraised on: June 25, 2005

Appraised in: Tampa, Florida

Appraised by: Ken Farmer

Category: Decorative Arts

Episode Info: Tampa, Hour 1 (#1001)

Originally Aired: January 9, 2006

IMAGE: 1 of 1  

Appraisal Video: (1:33)

GUEST: It was given to me by my grandmother, who will be 99 in October. And it was made by my great-great-great-great-grandmother. And we believe, of course, by the date on it, that it was made in 1789. The family history goes that she came over from Holland after coming from England and the family settled in New York.

APPRAISER: Well, I would call this a needlework table cover because of the size. The first thing that's really great about it or unique about it is the fact that it comes from the Dutch tradition of needlework instead of the English tradition. We see a lot of English tradition needlework here on the ROADSHOW, and this is the best example of Dutch workmanship I've ever seen.

GUEST: Wow.

APPRAISER: The other thing that is very important about it is that if you look at it as an overall object, it really has a lot going for it. Not only is it large, but it's very well executed: amazing detail in this basket-- almost like little half-fans. The early date, the birds... It's such a rare thing. I bet you I could find you 5,000 samplers and I couldn't find you more than one or two of these. My colleagues and I talked about it and we feel very comfortable with an insurance figure of $40,000.

GUEST: Whoa! My grandmother will be very happy, I'm sure, to hear that.