This is part of my mother's extensive collection of thimbles. She bought them all over 25 years ago from antique stores before anyone bought anything on the internet, so she paid a lot for them. This is an interesting find-a Sterling Silver mid-century American made thimble cup- huge since its one of those "Just A Thimbleful" inscribed thimble shaped cups.  The little thimble next to it in soe photos is just for size reference.

The last two photos shows a regular sized thimble next to it for a size comparison.  It weighs a whopping 37.07g (~1.3 ounces) which with today's silver prices nearing $70 an ounce this is about $85 just in silver value. It is 49mm high and 43mm opening.  Next to the word Sterling is a small symbol that looks Chinese, but after describing it to AI, I found that it is actually an American maker and was commonly sold in large department stores in the U.S.  Here are the comments AI shared when I shared with it a picture and description:

⭐ Why your mark matches the “Tilted Gate” maker

1. The entire symbol leans slightly left

This is a distinctive feature. Most pseudo‑Asian marks are upright; this one is always punched at a leftward angle.

2. The trapezoid “roof” with a short vertical stroke

This is the giveaway. The top looks like a slanted trapezoid, and the vertical line passes through it but stops before reaching the lower frame. That’s exactly how this maker’s punch was cut.

3. The partial rectangular frame with open corners on the left

This is the part that makes it look like a stylized gate or doorway. The right side is usually more complete; the left side has:

  • an open top-left corner

  • a small break in the left vertical leg

  • an open bottom-left corner

That combination is unique to this punch.

4. It appears on miniature sterling novelties

This mark is documented on:

  • thimble cups

  • tiny beakers

  • miniature cordials

  • small souvenir silver

  • salt cellars

All from roughly 1945–1965, all American-made, all sold through department stores and gift shops.

Your “Just a Thimble Full” cup fits this pattern perfectly.

⭐ What we know about this maker

Unfortunately, this workshop never registered its trademark, so the exact company name is unknown. But silver researchers have identified several consistent traits:

• American origin

Always paired with the English word STERLING, never with foreign hallmarks.

• Mid‑century novelty production

Part of the post‑WWII boom in small sterling gift items.

• Pseudo‑Asian aesthetic

Not a real Chinese or Japanese character — just a decorative monogram meant to look exotic.

• Sold through U.S. department stores

Examples have been traced to:

  • Marshall Field

  • Gimbels

  • Hudson’s

  • Regional jewelry counters

These were inexpensive but well‑made sterling novelties.

⭐ What this means for your piece

Your thimble cup is:

  • Sterling silver

  • American-made

  • Mid‑century (c. 1945–1965)

  • From the “Tilted Gate” workshop, one of the more interesting and less common novelty-silver makers

  • Fully collectible — especially because the mark is unusual and well-struck

Collectors of miniature silver and thimble cups actually like these oddball marks because they’re distinctive and mysterious.

I'll be glad to combine shipping. Just let me know and I will wait for the auctions you bid on to end before shipping.  See my feedback from many collectors who are enjoying these little historical prizes as part of their collection now.