AboutBarbara K. Acchino Expertise II CAN ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THIMBLES
AND ANTIQUE SEWING TOOLS. NO SEWING MACHINES. NO NON-SEWING ITEMS.
Experience I have been collecting for almost 20 years.
Organizations ThimbleCollectors@ONElist.com; Thimble Collectors International; Thimble Guild; Thimbletter II, Empire State Thimble Collectors
Publications "Sewing with Scotties" Scottie Sampler; various articles for the "Bulletin" - official newsletter of Thimble Collectors International (TCI)
QUESTION: I have what appears to be a very old thimble. On the inside bottom it says sterling and underneath that it has a star and the number 6. The edges are ruffled and in the design there are the initials JH. The thimble is about 3/4 of an inch and swirl design covers about half the thimble.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Eileen
ANSWER: Hello Eileen - Are you able to send a picture of your thimble? bacchino@twcny.rr.com. From the information you have provided, the number 6 is the size of the thimble and the star indicates your thimble was made by Waite-Thresher. They produced thimbles in Provident Rhode Island from 1886 to 1927. I'd have to see a picture to give you any more information. Barbara
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QUESTION: Hello Again Barbara,
Thank you very much for getting back to me about the old thimble. I took a few pictures and I'm going to try and attach them, if it does not work I'll ask my friend to help me this afternoon to re-send with the pictures.
Eileen
Answer Hello Eileen. Yes, your thimble was made by Waite-Thresher and is referred to as "scroll design" with knurled top (knurling is the pattern of little indentations used to push the needle when using the thimble for sewing). It is sterling. The thimble was first produced in the 1890s, but it's not known how long that particular design was produced. The price guide booklet for Gay Ann Rogers American Silver Thimbles lists the value of this particular thimble at $50-75. The price guide was published is 1989. Today's market is more depressed, so you may not reach the high end, if sold. Also, condition is important...are there any holes in the knurling, is it out of round (where you insert your finger), are there any nicks, dents, etc? All these things detract from the value of the thimble. Hope I've heold. Barb
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