Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 6/28/2007

Question
I inherited my mother's thimble and toy sewing machine collection.  She has each one cataloged with price,description and other info.  I would like to sell it.  Should it be sold as a collection or separately?
Thanks, Susan

Answer
Hello Susan.  I cannot speak for toy sewing machines, but I do know there are books and collectors groups dedicated to them.  You might try searching the web for TSM organizations you can contact.  As far as the thimbles go, my first thought would be to sell them individually, through ebay, as that would reach the largest number of collectors.  However, since I don't know what kind (ceramics, porcelain, series, sterling, etc.) of thimbles you have, it is difficult for me to say.  If you have a large collection of precious metal thimbles (silver and gold) you may want to contact an auction house such as Christies, as they have sold thimble collections in the past.  Another avenue might be a collecting group near you....go to http://www.thimblecollectors.com and see if there is a contact near you.  Many times these clubs meet and have sales opportunities.  If you can send digital pictures to me of a representative sample of the thimble collection, perhaps I can be of further assistance.  As a thimble collector......I would be remiss if I didn't say this - why not keep the collection and become a DIGITABULIST yourself!  Best Regards, Barbara