AboutIrene Schwall Expertise I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2.
Please note:
I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing -- I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.
Experience My expertise is in ANTIQUE sewing or needlework tools & thimbles, gold, silver, brass, ivory, bone etc. Modern thimbles are not necessarily my strong point but I may be able to help so don't hesitate to ask. I am also very well versed in the identification of Hallmarks on sewing collectibles.
Organizations Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo
Publications I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles.
I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.
Expert: Irene Schwall Date: 7/13/2007 Subject: Franklin Mint thimbles
Question I have a set of Franklin Mint thimbles--The Country Store Thimbles--certified March 15, 1980. They are porcelain with a 24ct. gold ring around each. I also have the original descriptive folder that tells about each company--25 in all. I have the display shelf that came with them. All but three are perfect. One was badly broken and glued back together--the other two have minor nicks in the very bottom that cannot be observed while on display. These are 27 years old now. I'm curious what they would bring if I were to sell them and the best way to go about that--E-bay?? Also, what is the real definition of "antique"? (In terms of years--25 years???) Thank you very much.
Pam
Answer Hello Pam,
Thanks for your query. An antique is considered to something that is 100 years or older. Unfortunately, the porcelain Franklin Mint thimbles do not hold much value regardless of what you paid for them. These were mass produced. Even though it sounds like you have a complete set, the three that are damaged will therefore reduce the price of the set. If the set was complete and undamaged, it might bring $30.00 -$40.00 on eBay.
Where to sell them -- eBay is most likely your best bet but you need to be aware of the high cost of listing them vs. your financial gain.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Irene
