I received an antique thimble from one of my sons for Christmas last year and put it in one of those cages with a necklace to wear. Love it.
I have a small collection compared to what I see on this thread and I china paint them too. I took a couple dozen with me when I went to Paducah and gave them away to ladies I knew were not from the USA and anyone who spoke to me, got many smiles and hugs. Talking to a lady from Scotland, I gave her one and she gave me a pin from her quilting guild,wow. I cherish that.
I have one from a sister in law that was used to advertise chicken laying mash, on it is written, "Lay or
Die" Ouch. That one makes me laugh. Some plastic ones my DD gave me she got from the father in law, he used them as gifts when he sold vacuum cleaners door to door. Each one has a story.
Carol J.