Expert: Irene Schwall - 10/3/2011

Question
Irene,
I recently found a silver thimble while metal detecting an old Richmond VA home built in the 1920s. It is engraved with the name "Nellie" the onyl marking i can find is a number "9" on the back which i imagine is the size. i am looking for more information on this piece.
Thanks
Stan

Answer
Hi Stan,
Can you please look into the thimble and tell me if you see anything in the inside top?  I'm looking for a maker's mark.  It could be something like an "S" in a "bell shape" .. This would indicate that the thimble was made by Simons Bros.
Thanks.
Irene

more on the subject:
Okay, not finding a maker's mark is not unusual.
I suspect that your thimble is COIN silver vs. sterling. Not all thimbles were marked with the guarantee i.e. coin (coin dollars) or sterling. It is American and dates 1860-1880s. As late as the 1870s, it was taken for granted that thimbles could be made out of coin or sterling silver. The Jewelers' Circular described the industrial process of making thimbles in the 1870s, and it assumed that coin silver was used. Your thimble has a plan band (with the name "Nellie"), it is a size 9 and it has a decorative rim.
I hope this helps you.
Regards,
Irene