Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 12/1/2010

Question
Barbara,

I have an original Salem Witch silver thimble size 10, a Stitch in Time size 7 and size 9 that I recently purchased from the Fern Hill collection.  My question is, is there a difference in demand and pricing for different size thimbles? Would my Salem Witch size 10 fetch more than Salem Witch thimbles that are smaller (in same condition), same with the Stitch in Times thimbles, whick I think are more common sizes?

Also I purchased these and other thimbles through an auction held for the late Fern Hill.  Do you know who Fern Hill was and does the fact that she owned these make them anymore valuable?

Thanks for all your expertise,

William

Answer
Hello William.  Size preference is personal....I know a couple of collectors that prefer the larger sizes and I know a few collectors that prefer the smaller or child size thimbles.  It all depends on the bidders that are interested at the time.  Fern Hill was a long time thimble collector.  Most collectors that have been around awhile will recognize her name.  Collectors that knew her may be willing to pay a bit more to have one of her thimbles, so I would certainly offer that information as part of the thimble description when you sell.  Hope I've helped.  Barbara