I love that you kept the pouch and its contents all of these years. Great storytelling. BTW... I collect thimbles. It's hard to tell, but it looks like it might be made by Simons Bros. They are an American firm (still producing gold & sterling thimbles) based out of Philadelphia. The maker's mark should be on the apex (underside of cap). If you see an old fashioned S in a shield, it is Simons.