Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Thimbles

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Question

thmibles
I found 2 thimbles in a old trunk from a estate sale in Chicago. One is Yellow with red writing that says Russell W. Root "your next mayor" I do know a Russell W. Root ran for mayor in Chicago in the early 1900's.
The second is brown/orange That says Helen Gates Bread.
Could you give any information on them.

Answer
Hello Beth.  The following information is from the New International Edition Thimble Collectors Encyclopedia by John von Hoelle:  "In the US, plastic timbles became popular as an advertising giveawy after the First World War.  The firm of Brown and Bigelow of St. Paul, MN made millions.  Soon the plastic policial thimble was being used by every office holder from dog catcher to president."  If your thimbles were made by Brown and Bigelow, you made find embossed letter inside the top of the thimble.  You may be able to find information on Helen Gates Bread by searching the Thomas Register, which is a business directory.  Plastic thimbles, since they were so plentiful, do not have a very high secondary market value.  You will see thimbles in mint condition (paint not worn or faded) in the range of $1-$5.  Hope this helps.  Barbara  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much for your fast response. I did find the information you were talking about on the inside of the Thimbles.


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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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