Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 1/27/2006

Question
Hi there,
  I am a collector of thimbles and I have one that I hope to learn some information on.
  I don't know what it is made of but it has a gold look with alot of dark in it.  It has a beautiful design around the bottom of it.  On the inside top there is a "S" stamped in it.  There is also a tag that has the name Simon & Bros. with the numbers 1840 which I don't know if that is a year or just a item number and the amount $60.00.
  I found one online that looked to be this same thimble with two others that looked like this one only different designs.  They were worth $80.00 each.
  Any information you can share will be greatly appreciated.
  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello Lisa.  If the mark inside the top of the thimble is an Old English S in a shield, then it is, indeed made by Simons Bros. Co. of Philadelphia.  They still make thimbles to this day.  Are there any other marks as to whether the thimble is sterling or gold?  Simons did not make brass, but they have issued pewter and oreide thimbles as well as silver and gold.  Without seeing the thimble, I cannot attest to any values.  If you can send a digital picture to bacchino@twcny.rr.com, I'm sure I can tell you more.  Many things affect the value of a thimble:  is it out of round?  are there any holes, dings, dents, creases or cracks?  does it have a desirable or intricate pattern?  was it issued to commemorate an event?  There are a number of books out on the subject and many collecting clubs in the US and abroad.  You might ask at your public library or local book store for books on the topic.  You might also want to find a collecting club near you so that you can have an "hands on" consultation.  Check out http://www.thimblecollectors.com  Good luck with the search.  Barb