AboutBarbara K. Acchino Expertise II CAN ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THIMBLES
AND ANTIQUE SEWING TOOLS. NO SEWING MACHINES. NO NON-SEWING ITEMS.
Experience I have been collecting for almost 20 years.
Organizations ThimbleCollectors@ONElist.com; Thimble Collectors International; Thimble Guild; Thimbletter II, Empire State Thimble Collectors
Publications "Sewing with Scotties" Scottie Sampler; various articles for the "Bulletin" - official newsletter of Thimble Collectors International (TCI)
QUESTION: I have a beautiful thimble that has a maker's mark at the top of the inside. An image of the mark is attached. There is some thought that it is of Scottish origin. It has been tested to be sterling but I could not find a sterling mark. IMAGE: RLThimble584B
ANSWER: Hello Barbara. Your thimble is made by Simons Bros. Co. of Philadelphia. They use the mark of an Old English S in a shield. All their sterling is marked with the Old English S in a shield, as they used a different mark for non-sterling items. They do have a web site so you can see their mark. Also, many of the silver marks sources will have their mark as well. Simons Bros. Co. is still in business today. They began making thimbles in 1839. If you can send me a picture of the pattern on the band, I may be able to tell you more. bacchino@twcny.rr.com Another Barbara
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QUESTION: Thank you so much for your help. It was so prompt and informative. I really appreciate it. Attached is another photo of the thimble--I would have originally sent more but I could not figure out how to attach more than one. I look forward to hearing from you and again thanks so much.
Answer Hello Barbara. From this picture, it looks like your Simons thimble has a gold wash band. It has no rim and the band is of chased (deeply engraved/carved) plumes or scrolls. The value of a thimble is depended on many things - are there holes in the knurling (put it up to the light and look thru it for pin holes); is the opening for your finger completely round or misshapen; are there any dents/dings/damage; uncommon maker or band pattern are just a few considerations. Although your thimble looks to be in very good shape from the picture you sent, it is not an uncommon design. Simons has been in business the longest of any American thimble maker, so their thimbles are not uncommon. They are collectible, though. In today's market, I would say your thimble, in excellent condition (used by not misused), is valued at $30-$50. Now if the thimble has sentimental value, it is priceless! Barbara
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