Antique Sterling Silver Acorn Chatelaine Case w/ Thimble

American * Circa 1890s

This little antique silver thimble holder is in the shape of an acorn with a scroll embossed cap. It's American and marked "Sterling" on the inside rim. The top is hinged and it has a ring on top to attach it to a chatelaine. There is a shallow surface bruise near the tip but the overall condition is excellent with no real dents or other damage. It measures 1 1/4" long x slightly over 1" in  diameter and it snaps closed properly.

Inside is an American silver thimble, also embossed with lots of scrolls and a Louis XV rim. Inside the top is the Ketcham & McDougall mark and "Sterling". The band is marked with the size (8). It has two needle holes in the top that have been repaired, really only visible from the inside. The condition is otherwise great, crisp and in round with no dents or other damage. It came with the acorn and looked so good I didn't want to part them. It has no personalization. This thimble is shown on p. 75 (Plate 52-3) of Gay Ann Rogers' book American Silver Thimbles.

Despite the name, this organization is for people who collect needlework tools And thimbles. It's the largest collector’s group in the world focusing on these wonderful little pieces of history.

The membership benefits are outstanding. They have a convention every two years where you'll have a chance to attend great programs and meet others sharing your interests. The next one is in San Antonio, TX in September of 2026. You will receive an excellent quarterly magazine, the "Bulletin". The member's sections of the website have dozens of research articles, hundreds of fake and repro items to beware of and price guides. There is also a chat room where you can ask questions and get expert feedback about your collection. Check them out today at thimblecollectors dot com.