Pole firescreen with mounted sampler by C. Carpenter. Late Federal style firescreen, tripod form, with Hepplewhite legs supporting a tapering, turned pillar with urn and inverted trumpet turning above legs and a ring and button turning below legs. Turned ball-and-ring finial doweled into top.
Sampler is set into a walnut frame (22.75 inches square) and attached to pole by two loops of strap iron screwed to back of frame. Sampler is worked on scrim with polychrome wools. A floral vine border has a spray of flowers inside each corner and a large floral bouquet at center. Underneath central bouquet are three lines: "Wrought by /Christiann Carpenter/ AD 1843."
The outside border of green silk is over 2 inches wide and has a pleated circle of the same silk at each corner. Reverse side is covered by green velvet.
Provenance
Mrs. Isaac (Hilda) Weaver states she is unable to track down maker. Isaac Weaver's mother was Dorothy Christine Hartman (m. Herbert Bachman Weaver); her father was Isaac Carpenter Hartman; his parents were John Ives Hartman and his first wife Anna Weidler; and Ann's father was Dr. Isaac C. Weidler of Upper Leacock. Mrs. Weaver surmises the Dr. Weidler's middle name was Carpenter.
Given in memory of Dorothy Hartman Weaver, mother of donor.
Top of standard has repaired break (plugged hole at back). Scarring and screw holes along shaft. Legs reglued with nail heads visible near top of each as well as glue residue at joints and under turned bottom.
Sampler is generally good; scrim is puckered overall as is silk border. Marked moisture stains at top right and bottom center. Dark soil/stains in area of inscription.
