Collectibles-General (Antiques)/MKD thimble

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Expert: - 10/13/2008


Question

MKD Thimble
I have a thimble with a daisy like pattern around it.  It is engraved with the name Sue on the front.  Inside it says STERLING and MKD with the K in the middle looking larger.  Do you know where I can find the age and worth of this?

Answer
Hello Terry.  Your thimble was made by Ketcham and McDougall, a thimble maker in NY City.  They produced sterling thimbles from 1892 thru 1932.  Your particular thimble has a design around the rim that is referred to as "chased bright-cut palmette design" by Gay Ann Rogers in her book American Silver Thimbles.  She valued it at $25-35 in 1989 when the price guide was published.  KMD thimbles are not uncommon.  If your thimble is in excellent condition (not out of shape, no holes, scratches, dings, dents, etc.) it should have a value in today's market of close to the cited range.  The more commonly found thimbles have not appreciated very much and in fact, may be worth a bit less considering economic times.  Barbara
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentBarbara, Thank you so much for your help. Terry


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Barbara K. Acchino

Experience

I have been collecting for almost 30 years.

Organizations
ThimbleCollectors@ONElist.com; Thimble Collectors International (TCI); Thimble Guild; Thimbletter & Thimbletter II, Empire State Thimble Collectors; CyberThimble; Yahoo Thimble Club

Publications
"Sewing with Scotties" Scottie Sampler; various articles for the "Bulletin" - official newsletter of Thimble Collectors International (TCI)

Education/Credentials
I have been collecting for almost 30 years.

Awards and Honors
TCI's President's Award

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