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Question
The thimble was my great-grandmothers. I've tried to ID it but no luck. She was Swedish. The wooden "thing" is about 8" long. I don't know what it is, just reminds me of a sock darner? Can you help? I can only attach one picture, will email the others to above address.
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Hello Daphne,
The thimble is American, sterling silver, size #9. The design is circles and abstract flowers. Simons Bros. of Philadelphia made this design but other early manufacturers also copied it. The thimble dates to around the 1880's.
For a positive identification as to the manufacturer, please look on the band and also in the inside top of the thimble and tell me what trademark you see. Describe it as best you can.
If it is Simons Bros. you will see a fancy 'S' in what appears to be an upside down bell.
I do not have a picture yet of the other object so am unable to ID it at this time.
Regards,
Irene
Hello Daphne,
The thimbles is as I suspected, made by Simons Bros. of Philadelphia. This company was founded in 1840 by George W. Simons. The company is still in existence in Philadelphia.
A question on the wooden object. Does the metal pronged part come apart from the wooden piece? If so then what you have is a multi-choice implement. A wooden sock darner (without the metal piece) and also a button polishing guard. I suspect that your item is military memorabilia.
If the metal prong cannot be removed from the wooden part then what you have is a button polishing guard with a handy handle.
I hope this helps.
Irene
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Irene Schwall
Expertise
I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2. I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing. I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.
Experience
See information provided above.
Organizations
Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo
Publications
I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles.
I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.
Education/Credentials
See information provided above.
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