Expert: Irene Schwall - 9/16/2006

Question
Ms. Irene Schwall,

I am writing you for my Grandmother.  She received a thimble for a friend and wanted me to try and find out if I can get a price of it.  I have a rough picture of the thimble  The same design repeats around the whole thing, and looks like it might be welded on the outside or something.  the bottom isn't flat, but is bumpy.  There is some writing on the iside.  One thing says Mexico, which of course leads me to believe it was made in Mexico.  Also to the side it says Sterling, I believe and has some number, but can't exactly see the numbers well, can just tell it is numbers.  It definitely looks older.  If there is any ideas you may have, please let us know or of any thoughts.  

Thank you for your help,

Shane Drachenberg

Answer
Hello Shane,
Thank you for sending me a photo of your thimble to view. It is always most helpful to see a photo of the item in question.
The thimble you have shown me is a modern, Mexican silver thimble.  Most examples were made mid-to late 20th Century. It is decorated with applied wire-work on the outside.  Periodically you will find lettering on the inside of the thimble and this will indicate a maker's mark. These thimbles are quite common and you will see numerous examples of these on eBay.
Hope this helps.
Irene