Expert: Irene Schwall - 2/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I came across this thimble and liked the fleur de lis pattern on it. Can you tell me anything about it? Is it brass? When was it made? And where?

Thank you so much,
Mayme, Ohio

ANSWER: Hello Mayme,
Thank you for your query. Firstly is the photo representative of true color of the thimble?  If so then I suspect that your thimble is gilded.
In order for me to help you identify the provenance of your thimble I need for you to do the following please:
Please look at your thimble and tell me if there are any markings on it?  Look on the outside of the thimble and also in the inside top. You might even see a number in the inside top - if this is the case it will be the size number.  For instance a No. 7. Thimbles were made in many countries and sometimes patterns were copied.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Irene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Irene,

I cleaned the thimble with brass polish and it got much cleaner.The inside top appears a silver color, so I bet it's gilded with "yellow" metal. (brass or gold?)
And, upon further inspection, I see that it is imprinted "Germany" on the outside of the thimble - in the "dotted/texture" area.
I can't seem to see anything else on the inside.

Does this help?
Mayme

ANSWER: Hello Mayme,
I'd still say that the thimble is probably gilded.  Remember though it is hard to tell from just a photo.
Gilded is a process of applying a thin layer of gold to a base metal.
You have found the provenance of the thimble (Germany)and this it is imprinted in the 'knurling' (the dotted area).
The band has the fleur de lis design and this was common in thimbles of the 1900's.  
Question: is there a design on the outside top of the thimble?
Regards,
Irene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Irene,
The top continues the knurling in concentric circles with a very small flower shape at the middle. Is this typical?
Were these mass produced?

Answer
Hello Mayme,
We are getting closer.  Now ... are you able to take a clear photo or draw and scan the design that you see on the top of the thimble? Be sure to include all the little 'petal points' (how many) rings or diamonds that the trademark might include. If you can do this, I can tell you exactly who manufactured your thimble.
Irene