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Description: | A complete copper alloy thimble of medieval date, c.AD 1100 - 1500. The thimble has been distorted, most probably as a result of its deposition, though would have had a circular base from which the sides would taper inwards and curve towards the top, creating a dome. The apex of the thimble has a circular perforation.The thimble is decorated with irregular pits in continuing spiralling rings from the apex towards the base where they terminate.The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The thimble is 20.7mm in height, 23.1mm in diameter, 1.3mm thick and weighs 4.1g.Thimbles have been in common use in England from the 14th century onwards and Geoff Egan (2010, p.265) states that no medieval thimble indisputably dating from before the 14th century has been found in England. They were originally used to protect the finger used to push a needle through sewing material and were commonly used by dressmakers and tailors. From the circa 16th century onwards silver thimbles were regarded as an ideal gift for ladies and have become gifts and collector's items made of a variety of materials including base and precious metals, and china. The pits on the surface of thimbles were originally created by the technique of hand punching though, in the mid-18th century they were machine-made.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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