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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Thimble holder/ thimble

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Expert: - 8/24/2010


Question

Holder and thimbles
Hello Barbara,

From my parents estate i came across this sterling silver thimble holder, with two gold thimbles that fit inside of each other. It's about 1 inch height with a stone crystal of some sort on top. Inside is a little pedestal for the thimbles to sit.The bottom of the  holder is engraved "marjorie" and one of the gold thimbles is engraved "addie" with a scene. Any thoughts on age and style. Wondering if it is worth anything as well.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thank You,
Paul

Answer
Hello Paul.  I would need better pictures of the thimbles along with any description of makers marks, etc on the gold thimbles to be able to give you any kind of information on age or value.  Condition affects value, so are there any holes in them when you hold them up to a light source and look towards the inside top?  Is the opening where you place your finger misshapen or it is perfectly round?  Some makers are more valuable than others and some band patterns are more desirable than others.  I cannot distinguish any band patterns on the picture you sent.  If they are not marked for gold content, they must be tested by a professional to be sure....please do not allow them to damage the thimbles if you have this done as it decreases the value.  There are less damaging ways of determining gold content, so please take them to someone who knows what they are doing!  As far as the thimble holder.....again, I need to know if there are any marks on the lip or bottom of the holder (other than Marjorie).  If it is just marked sterling, it is probably a contemporary (not an antique) issue.  Since thimbles were once given as tokens of affection, I am not surprised that one of your gold thimbles has a name engraved on it.  The name was probably that of the receiver.  If you can send better pictures to me at bacchino@twcny.rr.com then I may be able to give you more specific information, but with what you sent, I'm afraid I can't provide the information you requested.  Barbara

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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