Mid/late 19th century Welsh sampler by Mary Griffiths aged 12 - 1873. Worked in wool on even weave gauze, this sampler is just delightful with neat stitch work throughout. The upper section of the gauze is stitched with three rows of alphabet letters and border patterns with a diamond motif at the end of the second row. There is a central heart beneath the WXYZ of the alphabet which has a tulip, dog and fruit tree to its left and right. The middle section of the gauze is stitched ...with a large flower basket brimming with flowers both in bud and full bloom. There is a row of three birds above the basket and a star on either side of its upper blooms. Each star has a charming little house beneath them with a lawned area to the front of each and a flower on either side of the walls. The lower section of the gauze is stitched with a central triangulated edged plaque which contains Mary's details and her place of residence - Glanmilwch - and is then flanked by a floral motif. The date of 1873 is contained within a smaller plaque beneath with a dog and crown to its left and right, then the whole piece is surrounded by a narrow meandering floral border.The gauze has overall discolouration consistent with its age with a darker streak running down the centre of the upper half. There are general patches of faint staining which appear to be the result of bleeding to some of the stitch work. The sampler is behind its original glass so I'm not able to see the reverse, but the colours of the wool appear good though they are likely to have mellowed to some extent over the years. There is also the odd stitch missing to the triangulated border around the name plaque. The sampler is contained within its original bird's eye maple frame with gilt slip and has some scratches and scuff marks commensurate with its age. The last photo is of the back of the frame and which has the following inscription written on it in pencil - Framed by Dd Williams 1887 - 8/- as agreed (eight shillings) This photo shows remnants of the paper which was used to cover the backing board and makes it apparent that the frame has remained untouched for many years. Measures 16 1/4" x 20" (sight size) and 21 1/4" x 24 1/2" including the frame. PLEASE NOTE - ANY MARKS ETC ON THE PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH I'VE NOT ALREADY MENTIONED ARE FROM THE GLARE AND REFLECTION OF THE GLASS AND NOT ON THE SAMPLER ITSELF. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK. ALSO PLEASE CHECK OUT THE OTHER SAMPLERS I'M SELLING. I AM HAPPY TO COMBINE POSTAGE ON MULTIPLE PURCHASES.PLEASE NOTE - THIS ITEM IS LOCATED IN THE UK BUT CAN BE SHIPPED TO THE LOCATIONS TICKED IN THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING SECTION. SHIPPING WILL BE VIA FEDEX - FULLY TRACKED DELIVERY TO THE USA WITHIN FOUR WORKING DAYS.