Late 1800s - early 1900s Ketchum & McDougall Thimble, Sterling Silver and 14k Gold, in Original Tartan Ware Presentation Case

This beautiful thimble is heavily engraved with decorations around the band. It is a size 8. There are no punctures, and it is not out of round. The initials “AJ” appear on the band. It is marked 14K near the initials. The wooden case is Tartan Ware. The case is lined with green velvet which does show some wear. There is some paper loss to the outside of the case. The top of the thimble case is marked “McFarland”.  There are light remnants of pencil writing on the inside of the case, this is visible in some of the photos.

Tartanware was produced in the Scottish town of Mauchline from the early 1800s to 1933.  Tartan designs were applied to paper, via the machines, and then glued to small everyday objects made from local Sycamore wood.

Established in New York City in 1832, Ketcham & McDougall produced exceedingly high-quality thimbles.  The company ceased production in 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression.