Mint Antique English Sterling Silver Thimble

by Charles Horner * Hallmarked 1897 

This bright sterling silver thimble has the English hallmarks for Chester 1897 and the maker's mark for Charles Horner. The top and sides are embossed with Horner's "Princess May" pattern. The design was registered by him in 1893 and his Rd number (210800) is on the band. Princess May married Queen Victoria's grandson in 1893 and she became Queen in 1910 when her husband took the throne as George V. The upper band is in Horner's Diamond" pattern.

The condition is mint and it's never been used.* It's about an American size 8 (15 mm diameter opening). This is an opportunity to see what one of his thimbles looked like when brand new.

*Horner's company was liquidated in 1984. At that time the samples they had of all of their jewelry and thimble patterns were sold at auction. This is one of those pieces, thus the mint condition. I recently bought a few of these from someone who attended that auction.

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. 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.