Originally Posted by Ps 150
Trouble is, most of these spools are old. A lot of the thread is rayon, mercerized or even silk. How old is too old for these types of threads? They're all so pretty and I just don't want to pass them on. There were also 3 bags of tiny paper bobbin type spools and I'm not sure what they were used for. Help! Please!
As someone else has mentioned, the silks will last forever (the source is animal, not plant). I use silk buttonhole twist from the 1940's as a hand stitching embellishment on wall quilts and it remains very strong almost 70 years later...just wish I could find more. Assuming yours is thinner, silk thread is almost lint free and most machines handle it well if you decide you'd like to use it.
edit: As for the "value" of wooden spools, it is a myth that they have any great value. They are a collectible in a narrow market and are worth only what someone is willing to pay at the time you are willing to sell. They are just not rare enough to be worth a lot. Check eBay for current prices.