Expert: Irene Schwall - 3/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a gold looking thimble and am not having any luck on any information. I think I only no the size, and nothing else. The thimble has a nice design on it,then soild,then design ect. One area has what I think might be someones initals(M H). There also is markings that go up and down in an area. They are 11 ( I think is size), then a crown, next the number 18 with a circle/or half circle around that number(circle may be somewhat wore off?) and last a lion (head faceing left).No markings inside the thimble( shinny gold color). I think this Thimble is great, but would love some history on it! I have sent 2 pictures at e-mail add. Thanks S.B

ANSWER: Hello Sarah,
Firstly, I apologize for not responding earlier but I'm changing over my computer and your query went to Spam for some reason.
I have received your photos - thank you.
Your thimble is American and it dates to around the 1880's. The design is know as a panel thimble. These panels were made in both 10 panel and 8 panel designs, some alternating with a blank panel for initials or a date to be added, and then decorative panels.  
The hallmarks on your thimble are for Henry Muhr & Sons of Philadelphia, PA.  The crown with 14 in a circle below it and then the lion facing left is found on gold-filled items.  This mark may be placed either vertically or horizontally on the item.  The company, H. Muhr and Sons is no longer is business.  Please take another look at your thimble because I suspect that the 18 in a circle is really a 14 in a circle.
Regards,
Irene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the informarion on this thimble. Yes there is 10 for the panal. and you can clearly see 18 not 14( what does this mean?) thanks. S.B

Answer
Hello Sarah,
The 14 in the circle means that the item has 14K gold in the mix of the metal.
The 18 in a circle means that the item has 18K gold in the mix of the metal.
Having said that, the actual 14K or 18K is minimal as these thimbles are not classed as 14K or 18K, they are gold-filled. The majority of the mix consists of other metals, not gold.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Irene