AboutBarbara K. Acchino Expertise II CAN ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THIMBLES
AND ANTIQUE SEWING TOOLS. NO SEWING MACHINES. NO NON-SEWING ITEMS.
Experience I have been collecting for almost 20 years.
Organizations ThimbleCollectors@ONElist.com; Thimble Collectors International; Thimble Guild; Thimbletter II, Empire State Thimble Collectors
Publications "Sewing with Scotties" Scottie Sampler; various articles for the "Bulletin" - official newsletter of Thimble Collectors International (TCI)
Expert: Barbara K. Acchino Date: 1/6/2007 Subject: early Ketcham & McDougall thimble
Question Dear Barbara, I have an older Ketcham & McDougall sterling thimble. I have spent several hours trying to find a picture of a similar piece, but to no avail. It is stamped mKd on the inside, also it has the words "pat apld for and Sterling" around the mKd symbol, and it has a floral design that extends around the rim with a magnolia(I think)in the center. The flower extends below the rim giving it a tear drop effect. It is well used and has alot of patina, but is in very good condition. It is also a size 6.
If you'd like I can send you some pictures of it, although there not very good. Thank you in advance for any information you can provide for me on this.
Answer Steven - you have a dropped rim thimble in the rose pattern. The patent was applied for in 1912. There were three dropped rim bands made by Ketcham & McDougall. You can see a picture of your thimble in Gay Ann Rogers' American Silver Thimbles on page 76. The price guide she published in 1989 indicate your thimble is worth between $175 and $250. However, selling prices in recent years have far exceeded that estimate. You have a real treasure there! Barb
