Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Thimble

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Expert: - 10/16/2008


Question

Thimble
Hi Barbara
I think I have an old silver thimble.
It has a mark of 3 bells on a shield, (see picture), but no other marks. Do you know any thing about this mark, is it silver ? is it old ? does it have a value ?
I would appreciate any information, many thanks Shaun

Answer
Hello Shaun.  The mark on your thimble is for Charles Iles of England.  Early 20th century thimbles were marked as yours is, with the three thimbles in a shield shape.  According to Norma Spicer, who wrote the booklet, "Iles A Family of Thimble Makers" it is "almost impossible to date many of this thimbles accurately,"  They were very prolific thimble makers, having made millions.  They made thimbles in aluminum, celluloid, nickel-silver and steel.  Without seeing your thimble in person, I'm going to make an educated guess that your thimble is nickel-silver.  You do not describe the condition of your item (out of round, holes, dings, etc) but I would say your thimble in excellent condition (no holes, not out of round, etc.) has a current value of about $12-$18.  If you thimble has sentimental value, I'm sure it's worth more than that to you.  Barbara

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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