The HF 1837 sampler

The IHS with the cross over it represents Jesus, the three letters being taken from the Greek word for his name. This arrangement is part of the Jesuit emblem and Redemptorist coat of arms, but also used elsewhere by Catholic and Protestant denominations alike. The IXXR represents Mary, but is a more rare depiction, as her name is usually shown as the monogram IXXI. The addition of the letter R appears to represent the word "Regina" for Queen. The Lobster made me think of Maine and Cape Cod in the United States, but this motif has been found on samplers around the world; I found references to Lobsters on samplers from Denmark, Austria, and Germany, as well as the United States and England.
Model stitched on 40 ct. Vintage Fawn from Lakeside Linens, using Needlepoint Inc. threads. Chart contains DMC conversions. Stitch count is 227 x 298.