AboutBarbara K. Acchino Expertise II CAN ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THIMBLES
AND ANTIQUE SEWING TOOLS. NO SEWING MACHINES. NO NON-SEWING ITEMS.
Experience I have been collecting for almost 20 years.
Organizations ThimbleCollectors@ONElist.com; Thimble Collectors International; Thimble Guild; Thimbletter II, Empire State Thimble Collectors
Publications "Sewing with Scotties" Scottie Sampler; various articles for the "Bulletin" - official newsletter of Thimble Collectors International (TCI)
Expert: Barbara K. Acchino Date: 9/30/2006 Subject: Antique gold thimble
Question I was given a gold thimble with an amethyst top.
I know it's an antique. The lady who gave it to me was 84 years old in 1957, she was from Caracas, Venezuela, she told me that it belonged to her grandmother who passed it on to her mother and then, to her. It is still in it's ecrin and I can read that it came from Caracas, Venezuela. Could you tell me when something about these gold thimbles? It is exquisite.
Answer Hello Marie. Your thimble sounds very interesting, but I can't tell you much without having some good pictures of it. If it's possible for you to send digital images, please send them to me at bacchino@twcny.rr.com Also, if there are any marks on the inside top of the thimble or on the band, or if there is a pattern on the band, please include that information also. Condition is important with thimbles, so please tell me if the thimble is completely round where you insert your finger or if there are any holes if you look into the thimble while holding it up to the light. Gold is a very soft material for thimbles and constant needle pushing would create some holes. There may also be needle scratchings on the band or elsewhere on the thimble. Is there a number on the band to indicate a size? Are there any marks as to what type of gold...14K, 10K, etc? If you have it tested by a jeweler, please don't let them do a destructive test on it, as that will devalue the thimble. It seems I am asking more questions than answering, but I really need more information to be able to help you. I look forward to hearing from you. Barbara.
