Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 10/8/2009

Question
  I have a thimble that was my grandmothers. I just want to know if it can be identified and where she might have gotten it from. It is 14K gold and has special markings on it. Where would I look to find out more about it.

Answer
Hello Mary.  Many thimble have identifiable marks as to who the maker was, which can also indicate when the thimble was made.  However, early gold thimbles were not marked.  There are web sites that illustrate maker's marks (search under silver makers# and the Philadelphia Thimble Society #they have a web site) has just produced a booklet on gold thimbles.  I have not seen it yet, but it is the only source devoted strictly to gold thimbles.  There are many other reference books on thimbles.  If a thimble maker produced silver thimbles, chances are, they produced gold ones as well.  If you are able to send me a digital picture of the mark on your thimble, along with a picture of the thimble itself, I'll see if I can help you further.  bacchino@twcny.rr.com   Barbara