Expert: Irene Schwall - 2/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi
I have 2 thimbles that I would like to learn a little more about. One is perhaps Art Deco style. Not sure if this is silver or some other alloy. It is marked inside 10 and 17 mm with no other marks. The second and perhaps older one I would describe as repoussed & chased. It has a waffled top. It may have been made from a sheet and then rolled with side and top soldered. There are no marks on this smaller one which may come from New Orleans and therefore a French source. (Just a guess based on the family.)  Thanks for your help.


ANSWER: Hello Margo,
I only have one photo.
Can you please provide me with the 2nd photo?
Thanks.
Irene

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QUESTION: Hi Irene
Here's the file I meant to send. It should have two thimbles in it. I can send you others via email if you'd like to see more. Cheers

ANSWER: Hello Margo,
Thank you for including the pictures, this is most helpful.
Thimble on the left = Fluted design. A metal 'everyday' thimble (zinc dye-cast) made by a Germany company called William Prym Co. Age is around 1934.  This thimble was manufactured in five sizes (14,15,16,17,18 mm). Over one million of these thimbles were produced annually. Value around $5 if you are lucky.
Thimble on the right = Persia/Iran 80% silver, modern and this thimble sold for around $32 in 1990.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Irene

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QUESTION: With regard to the second one is the $32.00 the price for it new? Was it first made in 1990?  Thanks & Cheers

Answer
Hello Margo,
Without actually knowing the maker of the 2nd thimble (silver one) it is impossible to say with complete accuracy about 'when' it was made. This thimble was sold through a catalog in 1990 for $32.  How many there were, is unknown but I believe that it was not one-of-a-kind nor is it rare.
Regards,
Irene