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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Thimble ID Help Needed

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Expert: - 12/10/2009


Question

NO2
Hello Barbara,
 I know is an unusual question but can you help ID the age and origin of the thimbles used on the handle of this dagger? They seem to be made of iron with a brass collar at the opening. I am trying to get an idea of age for this piece and hope that by finding out the age of some of the parts it might help in this. Thank you for any help that you might be able to offer on this.

Best Regards,
Robert Coleman

Answer
Hello Robert.  The thimbles used in the dagger are common and usually unmarked, so it is very difficult to provide a specific time frame as to when they were made.  There look to have machine made knurling (the indentations that surround the thimble), which indicates they were made after the industrial revolution.  The material looks to be iron or pot metal.  The rolled rim on the bottom could be brass.  They look to be tailor's thimbles, which mean they did not have a top, as tailor's would push the needle with the side of the thimble, using the knurling to help hold it as it pushed through material.  A broad time frame would be early to mid-19th century.  Sorry I can't be of more help.  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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