Why in the world would anyone collect thimbles?

- Many collectors sew or stitch and thimbles are one of the "tools of the trade" they serve a useful purpose.
- Manufacturers of thimbles can be identified and dated.
- Thimbles have been patented, so there is lots of variety, both in design and manufacture.
- Thimbles have a long history of production and are a part of cultures, the world over.
- Thimbles can be a souvenir to remind us of places we have visited
- They are small!
- Some thimbles are made of exquisite materials and are richly decorated. They can be quite valuable.
- Thimbles were once used as a means of advertising by companies or politicians. They tell a story.
 

What is this thimble/collection worth?

The worth of an object is determined by a lot of factors: age, condition, material, provenance, manufacturer and quality are a few. Although some TCI members are very knowledgeable about thimbles, we are not in the business of appraising them. Talk to antique dealers specializing in sewing items, attend antique shows, track sales on eBay, become educated on what you have. Remember it is difficult to judge an item from a picture.

How do I sell my thimble/collection?

There are a number of ways to sell a collection, depending on what your goals are.
Do you want to get rid of them quickly and with the least amount of work? (Sell them to a dealer who will do the work for you and take a percentage of the sales).
Do you want the biggest return on them? (learn all you can about them and sell them individually eBay may be a choice). Do you want to find them a good home with someone who appreciates them? (Sell them to a fellow collector - you can meet these people by joining TCI

Are there any books that will help me identify thimbles?

Yes. Click here for a list of books

Do you have source suggestions to buy modern thimbles?

Yes, There is a separate group of thimble collectors who maintain their own webpage with links to modern and collectible thimbles, Yahoo Thimble Collectors.  There are also sellers of
modern thimbles including Gimbels, JMJ, etc.
 

Where can I learn more about thimbles?

- By reading all you can about them...Books have been written. (list of books)
- By joining TCI and meeting other people who collect them. (join TCI)
- By joining Cyberthimble, a discussion group for collectors. (Cyberthimble Info)
- By getting involved in a local group. (Regional groups)
- By attending antique shows and talking to dealers.

Who has more information on TCI, for an article I am writing on antiques, sewing tools or collectibles?

President, Membership, Publicity, Convention, etc. (TCI officers)

How do I join TCI?

TCI is open to all people taking an interest in thimbles and needlework tools. The cost is $25/year for US collectors and $30/year for non-US collectors. (TCI membership)

What are the benefits of joining TCI?

The benefits are numerous:
- You become involved with a group of people who share your interest in thimbles         and needlework tools from around the world. You will learn from them.
- You have the opportunity to meet other collectors who share your passion
- TCI publishes a quarterly newsletter where information is shared about our hobby.     You will learn lots of new things.
- You can share your finds with like-minded people who will understand your                 excitement.
- You have the opportunity to attend our biennial conventions which have programs       and a sales mall you will not find anywhere else.
- The relationships developed here can sometimes lead to deep friendships. (Join TCI)