Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 7/13/2006

Question
I have about 10 of the aluminum thimbles that have names of products on them--several are for a type of insurance, a couple for flour, one for salad dressing.  You indicated in an answer about these that they can be worth up to $8...my question is, where do I find a dealer for these?  I would prefer not to use ebay.  Thanks for the information.  

Answer
Hi Trudy.  You can look in the local phone book for antiques or collectibles dealers in your area or visit a shop to see if the owner is interested in them.  Keep in mind, they will not pay you what the going rate is, as they need to make money on the sale.  There may be a thimble collecting group in your state (see http://www.thimblecollectors.com).  If so, you may want to contact them to see if there are any members interested in aluminum advertising thimbles.  The value I quoted would be for thimbles in mint, unused condition.  If the paint on the band is damaged or if the thimble is out of round (where you insert your finger), the thimbles will be worth less.  You can also audit ebay to see what thimbles similar to yours are selling for.  Sorry I can't be of more help.  Barb