A thimble is a cap that fits on the finger to protect it when pushing a needle during quilting or sewing. The word, derived from English, literally means "thumb shield".
The thimble has a long history. The oldest existing thimble is Roman, found in the city ruins of Pompeii. It is bronze. Even so, the Etruscans, who came before the Romans, are known to have made bronze thimbles. Simple thimbles of bone and leather more than likely also existed because thimbles have been used by every known culture. These thimbles didn't survive the centuries.
Through the years, thimbles have changed in a number of ways. Both the the means of production and the materials used have changed. Thimbles have gained new uses and become primarily decorative and collectible rather than merely practical. Early thimbles had to be sturdy because homespun fabric was coarse and needles were rough and unfinished. It was difficult to push the thread through the cloth so a strong, thick bronze or iron thimble, called a "skep", was required to prevent injury.
By the 15th century, cloth became more finely woven and sewing became more refined. Thimbles became thinner. These thimbles were more often than not made of brass and imported from Nuremberg, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, creative methods of manufacturing thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were made from sheet metal. These new thimbles also contained fancy motifs. The cap was separate and attached to the cylinder later. This new style of thimbles were taller and the top was flatter.
During the 16th and 17th century Holland became the new seat of thimble production. However, in the late seventeenth century, John Lofting moved thimble production to Islington, England where the brass-making industry was currently established. He began to make thimbles in a scale unheard of before. Later, he moved his assembly plant to Great Marlow, and used water power to double production.
By the early eighteenth century, he was producing 2 million thimbles per year. But he too succumbed to change and thimble making moved to Birmingham, England by 18 hundred. The composition of brass also changed during this period. A new formula made it more malleable and suitable for a different manufacturing process called "deep drawing" that used less metal. This dropped the cost.
We are all aware that sewing is the primary use of the thimble. But did you know that a ever so little larger thimble, usually two ounces, was used to measure spirits? And did you know that nineteenth century prostitutes used them to tap on their clients windows and Victorian schoolmistresses used them to knock recalcitrant students on the head?
Although they have become by and large decorative, collectorsintrigue in modern thimbles has not waned. Thimbles originally created in silver are being reproduced in pewter thanks to new processes, developed in the 1950s that allow more detailed design. New series of thimbles are being issued to commemorate everything from football teams to Disney characters. Every tourist destination offers keepsake thimbles to tourists.
Thimble collecting is an very popular hobby worldwide. A great number of thimbles are wisely priced and readily for sale. Men, women and children collect them. Some collectors are interested in the history of thimbles while others collect them for their decorative value. The lowly thimble has become a star. Some admire its humble origins and some its new found incarnations. It is still one of the most versatile and effective tools ever invented, born of necessity.
Looking For Information About A Gold Thimble Or Reports On Gold Thimbles? This Is The Site For You
In the mid 1800's, gold thimbles, were used by the upper class of society as jewelry, a fashion accessory to be worn at major social events. They were used by both men and women, although the majority of users of gold thimbles were women.
Here's How To Make Cash Retailing Collector's Thimbles
This article is about selling collectible thimbles. This article will step you through the process of selling thimbles. Some people may not know how to go about selling thimbles on the Internet; this step by step guide will hopefully help you get the most money for your thimbles.
Coin Collecting Is A Sport That Various Citizens Are Enjoying
Out of the many things that people find when they are out looking for buried treasure; we see that coin collecting ends up being one of the main centres of attraction.
When Did Thimbles Originate?
This article focuses on answering the following questions. What is a thimble? When did thimbles originate? What are their uses? Who collects thimbles? Why are sterling silver thimbles popular with collectors? What makes a sterling silver thimbles collectible? When were the first commemorative sterling silver thimbles issued?
Here's How To Collect Old Thimbles For Fun And Profit
A very brief history of thimbles, what makes thimble collecting a good beginning hobby, where to find thimbles, what you should know before you begin and how to get this knowledge are tips that may help the new collector who has an interest in thimble collecting.
Here Is How To Make Some Bucks From Your Old Thimbles
If you are a thimble collector or if you have inherited a collection from a family member and you are looking to make some money, thimbles are great items to auction off for big bucks. The most popular selling method for thimbles is auctioning them locally or online auctions.
Acquiring Best Antique Coin Appraisal Could Be Long Road
Those looking to find the market value of a rare or antique coin, there is one simple rule to remember. Even with the best antique coin appraisal, the item is worth what a coin collector is willing to pay to own it.
Understand What Are The Various Themes Of Individuals Who Collect Coin
Coin collecting has been around for centuries, initially as amassing wealth and then finally as putting together different kinds of coins for the sake of their value as collectors' items.
The Thimble 101
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