Entered by a vendor who bought it for ‘a modest sum’ some years ago when at her Highlands home, the 6in x 13in (15 x 34cm) fragment featured crewel work of a flowerhead and foliage, in blue, red and pink.
It was framed with a portrait of Mary and inscribed From a bed curtain embroidered by Queen Mary of Scotland, while in prison. Presented by the countess of Elgin, a member of the Stuart family, to Mrs Salena C Lynch, nee Girdler, wife of James C Lynch and mother of Dr Henry C Lynch.
Pitched at £400-600, it sold to a collector against two phone rivals at £3200.