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Vintage Smithsonian Catalogue Cloisonné Owl Thimbles – Set of 6 – Original Box – China
Beautiful vintage set of six colorful cloisonné enamel owl thimbles, originally sold through The Smithsonian Catalogue and preserved in their original compartmented presentation box.
The original Smithsonian label on the box reads:
THE SMITHSONIAN CATALOGUE
Item No. 77063
CLOIS OWL THIMBLES/6
The side label is marked:
Made in the People’s Republic of China
Each owl features a different decorative design with vivid enamel colors including blue, pink, black, green, white and gold-tone cloisonné-style wirework. The six owls have individual facial expressions and floral/decorative motifs, making the set especially attractive for collectors of vintage thimbles, cloisonné, miniature owls, sewing collectibles and Smithsonian merchandise.
The pieces appear to be cloisonné-style enamel over a metal base, rather than porcelain.
Details:
* Set includes: 6 owl thimbles
* Original Smithsonian Catalogue box included
* Smithsonian catalogue/item number: 77063
* Box description: “CLOIS OWL THIMBLES/6”
* Country of manufacture: People’s Republic of China
* Material: Enamel / cloisonné-style metal construction
* Theme: Owls / Birds / Floral
* Each owl is approximately 1–1.25 inches tall
* Combined weight of the 6 thimbles: approximately 97 grams / 3.4 oz
* Vintage period: likely 1990s, based on the Smithsonian Catalogue presentation and packaging; exact production year has not been independently confirmed.
Condition:
Pre-owned vintage condition. The six owl thimbles display well and retain strong, colorful enamel decoration. As expected with vintage cloisonné pieces, there may be minor surface wear, small enamel irregularities, patina, discoloration or age-related marks.
The original box shows visible age and storage wear, including surface wear, staining/aging to the labels, adhesive residue and wear to the exterior paper covering. Please review all photos carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description.
A particularly desirable feature of this set is the surviving original Smithsonian Catalogue packaging and item identification, which gives the group stronger provenance than loose individual cloisonné owl thimbles.
An attractive complete vintage collectible for a thimble collector, owl collector, cloisonné enthusiast, sewing memorabilia collection or Smithsonian collectible display.
Please review all photos for exact condition, colors, design variations and measurements.
