Expert: Irene Schwall - 7/13/2007

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