Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 10/10/2008

Question
I have found an old thimble in an old button jar from my mother's childhood home.  I believe it may have belonged to my grandmother who came to Canada from England in the early 1920s.  The thimble is very dirty but it appears that the upper part is covered with white enamel.  There is some rather fancy engraving around the bottom band.  It is marked "sterling" on the middle band, along with a number, which I understand is the size.  In the upper inside there is a maker's mark which is hard to see but appears to be sort of a bell shape with different markings inside it.  Can you possibly identify the maker from this description and perhaps an approximate age/value?  Unfortunately, I do not, at present, have access to a camera to send you a picture, but any info you can provide would be helpful.  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Susan.  From your description, it sounds like the maker's mark is that of Simons Bros. Co. of Philadelphia PA.  They have made thimbles since the 1840 and continue to do so today.  You can find an example of their mark on their web site.  Search for Simons Bros. Co. and you will find the mark as well as information on the history of the company.  Without a picture of your thimble, I can't tell you about age or value.  Barbara