Silver Thimbles
June 14, 2009 by Dean
Filed under Silver Thimbles
As you know, a thimble is a cap that fits over your finger to protect it as you push a needle while sewing. The word comes from Middle English and literally means "thumb shield."
In one form or another, thimbles have been with us since sewing was invented. The oldest existing thimble that we would recognize as such is made from bronze and was crafted in the Roman era. It was found in the ruins of Pompeii.
However, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, have written records that mention bronze thimbles. Obviously, primitive cultures also used thimbles, probably of bone or leather, but no examples of these prehistoric thimbles have survived into modern times.
Over the years, thimbles have changed primarily in the materials they are made from and in the way they are manufactured. Besides their practical uses, thimbles today have also become decorative items eagerly sought by collectors.
Antique thimbles tend to be heavier than modern thimbles for the very simple reasion that homespun cloth was coarse and the needles they had tended to be large and rough by today's standards. As you can imagine, pushing a large coarse needle through tough, thick, homespun fabric required a substantial bronze or iron thimble to prevent injury. In those times, thimbles were made individually by pounding a small sheet of metal into a mold or were cast from molten metal. The most ancient thimbles tend to be dome shaped and were difficult to keep on the finger.
By the 1400's spinning and weaving technology had progressed to the point that the cloth produced was of a finer texture and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became lighter and thinner and were produced in large numbers by the brass-making centers of that time. Thimbles from this era were often made in two parts with the cap and body cylinder produced seperately and later joined. These thimbles tend to be taller and have flatter tops.
This was the time when "sewing rings" (also known as tailor's thimbles) first emerged. This type of thimble is a simple cylinder with no top and is used by pushing the needle with the side of the finger. It was the advent of finer needles and fabric that allowed this type of sewing style.
It was during the Elizabethian era that thimbles started to be made from precious metals and to be decorated with jewles and semi-precious stones. Wealthy women of that time often did needlework as a social pastime and so it was natural that thimbles started to become both utilitarian and decorative. These "fancy" thimbles were often given as gifts and Queen Elizabeth the First was fond of giving jeweled thimbles as gifts to her favorites.
In the late 17th century, John Lofting (the father of modern thimble making) began to produce thimbles in very large numbers. By the early 1700's, he was producing 2 million thimbles per year.
The production of brass also greatly improved during this time due to the development of a new formula that made the brass more malleable and better suited for a new manufacturing process called "deep drawing" that used less metal. This caused the price of thimbles to drop dramatically and they became affordable to everyone.
In the 16th century, manufacturers began to produce thimbles in silver and other precious metals. Before this time, thimbles made from precious metals were crafted individually by silversmiths and goldsmiths, but once their production became mechanized, these precious thimbles began to be made in large numbers. Because silver is softer than the iron needle it was used to push, the cap of silver thimbles had to be reinforced with iron. This type of thimble is called a "Dorcas" and they are highly prized by collectors worldwide.
Later, companies such as Spode and Wedgewood began to make ceramic thimbles. Although considered more decorative than useful, they were, indeed, used when sewing silk.
In the Victorian era, a silver thimble was considered a very nice gift for a man to give to a woman. Victoria women often carried a chain-like device called a chatelaine, to which sewing items such as small scissors and a needle case could be attached. Thimbles were enclosed in a decorative thimble case that could be attached to the chatelaine. Thimbles were such an important symbol of home and family that sometimes a couple would remove the cap from a thimble given as a courting gift so it could be used as a wedding ring.
Today, thimbles are still used in quilting, hand sewing and other types of decorative needlework, but they are primarily produced as decorative items for collectors. New thimble designs are being issued every day to commemorate everything from sports teams to pop culture characters. Every tourist destination offers souvenir thimbles to their visitors.
Thimble collecting is an extremely popular worldwide hobby. Many are affordably priced and readily available, making them within the reach of everyone. Men, women and children all collect thimbles. Some collectors may be more interested in the history of thimbles, while other collectors value them for decorative purposes. Many cities now have thimble collector clubs and the internet is connecting thimble collectors globally. Thimble collection has also created a booming cottage industry in display racks, cabinets and domes.
The lowly thimble now has a new place in society. Some admire its humble origins, while others celebrate its new decorative forms. Whatever your interest in thimbles, please feel free to look over the listings below for some fine examples of silver thimbles.
 20 STR SILVER Cable Stringing Thimble WIRE GUARD 0045  US $2.75 |  Sterling Silver Thimble Engraved Vine Pattern Size 7 US $41.00 |
 Silver Sewing Thimble Pattern Size 9 US $3.99 |  RARE ANTIQUE RUSSIAN 84 SILVER ENAMELED THIMBLE US $395.00 |
 ANTIQUE WAITE THRESHER STERLING SILVER THIMBLE WAVES US $9.99 |  ANTIQUE WAITE THRESHER SILVER THIMBLE FLOWERS BOW US $13.87 |
 Lot 2 Very Different Antique STERLING SILVER Thimbles US $14.51 |  WAITE THRESHER OR BROGAN SILVER THIMBLE PANELS US $9.99 |
 THIMBLE SILVER METAL W SHIELD GILETTE CASTLE CT US $3.99 |  VINTAGE STERLING SILVER THIMBLE US $15.99 |
 Vintage Thimbles Ceramic Metal 1 Silver lot of 6 US $1.99 |  Victorian thimble sterling silver Ketcham McDougall US $22.50 |
 ANTIQUE THIMBLE SILVER 40 YEARS US $4.00 |  SILVER COLORED KANSAS CITY MISSOURI THIMBLE FREE SH US $9.77 |
 Silver Thimble with Our Lady of Fatima US $.99 |  RUSSIAN FINIFT SILVER ENAMEL THIMBLE JEWELRY 5 ps US $59.99 |
 RUSSIAN FINIFT SILVER ENAMEL THIMBLE JEWELRY 5 ps US $59.99 |  Story of the Thimble book Gold Sterling Silver Vintage US $42.46 |
 RUSSIAN FINIFT SILVER ENAMEL THIMBLE JEWELRY 9 ps US $109.99 |  Waite Thresher Sterling Silver Utilitarian Thimble US $9.99 |
 Simmons Sterling Silver Landscape Thimble US $9.99 |  Waite Thresher Sterling Silver Folk Art Thimble US $27.00 |
 A VERY PRETTY ENGLISH SILVER THIMBLE WITH FLOWER DESIGN US $16.17 |  VINTAGE STERLING SILVER THIMBLE HEARTS FLOWERS DESIGN US $9.99 |
 AN ENGLISH SILVER THIMBLE BIRMINGHAM 1916 US $16.16 |  A VERY PRETTY ENGLISH SILVER THIMBLE BIRMINGHAM 1916 US $16.17 |
 A VERY PRETTY ENGLISH SILVER GILT THIMBLE US $5.34 |  Silver Plated Heavy 7 Thimble Stand by Gresco US $12.49 |
 silver thimble sterling silver british US $49.99 |  VICTORIAN SILVER THIMBLE CHARLES HORNER CHESTER 1887 8 US $46.20 |
 VICTORIAN SILVER THIMBLE LONDON 1904 5ANOTHER THIMBLE US $1.52 |  OLD HANDMADE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER THIMBLE US $19.99 |
 Pretty Alpaca Silver Thimble made in Mexico US $12.99 |  VINTAGE SILVER BRACELET CHARM SCISSORS THIMBLE MOVES US $12.31 |
 Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble Ready to Read 2 nib US $.39 |  Old sterling silver thimble turquoise US $9.99 |
 BEAUTIFUL UNIQUE STERLING SOLID SILVER THIMBLE US $12.31 |  OLD VINTAGE THIMBLE MOP STERLING SILVER GREEN JADE US $19.99 |
 Towle Sterling Silver Shot Glass Just A Thimble Full US $99.95 |  ottoman sterling Silver Thimble US $75.00 |
 AUTHENTIC SILVER SCISSORS THIMBLE CHARM Fits ALL pt25 US $4.99 |  Vintage Solid Sterling Silver Thimble Ecuador Souvenir US $9.99 |
 THIMBLE SILVER METAL W ENAMEL SAN DIEGO ZOO US $3.99 |  c1900 STERLING SILVER THIMBLE Rd No 210799 PATENT US $26.42 |
 HALLMARKED CHESTER STERLING SILVER THIMBLE NICE US $26.42 |  2 vintage Simon Brothers Thimbles SBC 710 Silver Color US $8.95 |
 STERLING SILVER PATENT THIMBLE c1900 in EC No 6 US $26.42 |  STERLING SILVER THIMBLE NIFTY MAKE No 10 EC US $51.70 |
 EARLY STERLING SILVER THIMBLE not perfect CHARACTER US $26.42 |  Aksel Holsmen Sterling Silver Guilloche Enamel Thimble US $23.50 |
 LOT 3 OLDER CHARLES HORNER SILVER CLAD DORCAS THIMBLES US $27.33 |  STERN GOLD BANDED STERLING SILVER PANELS THIMBLE US $40.00 |
 sterling silver sewing thimble US $4.99 |  Sterling Silver Gabler Gem Stone Glass Top Thimble US $31.01 |
 Sterling Silver Brass Thimbles Pewter Enamel Box US $9.99 |  VINTAGE GOLD STERLING SILVER THIMBLE US $15.00 |
 GORGEOUS FRENCH STERLING SILVER BASKETWEAVE THIMBLE US $41.00 |  ITALIAN GOLD BANDED SILVER THIMBLE SIX RED STONES US $20.50 |
 AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER PLAIN SEWING THIMBLE US $29.00 |  AUTH 925 STERLING SILVER VINE DERRIS SEWING THIMBLE US $38.00 |
 AUTH 925 STERLING SILVER DUCKLING DUCK SEWING THIMBLE US $37.00 |  1880s Sterling Silver KMD Gold Odd Scroll Band Thimble US $11.49 |
 AUTHENTIC 925 SILVER SAIL BOAT SHIP WINDJAMMER THIMBLE US $41.00 |  VINTAGE ENGLISH STERLING SILVER THIMBLE US $7.69 |
 AUTHENTIC 925 STERLING SILVER ELEPHANT SEWING THIMBLE US $38.00 |  1880s Sterling Silver Simons Abstract Rosette Thimble US $21.50 |
 Sterling Silver Grapes And Leaves Thimble Engraved ML US $9.99 |  rare antique jahneckes case 10 thimble sterling silver US $154.95 |
 1890s Sterling Silver Waite Thresher Birds Thimble US $27.00 |  1880s Sterling Silver Simons Draping Angels Thimble US $9.99 |
 1900s Sterling Silver Simons Wedding Band Thimble US $12.04 |  Sterling Silver Thimble Scissor Fancy Feather Case US $8.50 |
 Sterling Silver Reeded Fancy Large Scrolls Thimble US $7.99 |  1880s Sterling Silver Simons Chain Design Thimble Sz 12 US $9.99 |
 RARE ANTIQUE SEW THIMBLES GUIDE PORCELAIN SILVER JEWELS US $39.00 |  LARGE VINTAGE GOLDSMITH STERN STERLING SILVER THIMBLE US $10.49 |
 Silver Thimble US $1.99 |  Sterling Silver Grape Leaves Vine Thimble Engraved EM US $9.99 |
 ANTIQUE STERN BROS STERLING SILVER THIMBLE DAISYS US $9.99 |  Vintage Sewing Thimble Sterling Silver 1940s Charm US $9.99 |
 IMPOSING ANTIQUE STERN BROS SILVER THIMBLE DIAMONDS US $9.99 |  Sought After Early 1860s Coin Silver Thimble Size 9 US $9.99 |
 SIMONS GOLD BANDED STERLING SILVER SCROLLS THIMBLE US $30.00 |  GERMAN ENAMEL WHITE DAISIES STERLING SILVER THIMBLE US $40.00 |
 US CAPITOL THIMBLE SILVER WASHINGTON DC IN CASE US $2.50 |  Solid Silver Thimble Maltese Cross US $1.52 |
 VICTORIAN SILVER Thimble CHESTER 1892 US $15.39 |  ANTIQUE ORNATE SILVER MOUNTED NEEDLE CASE THIMBLE US $24.81 |
 CHARLES HORNER STERLING SILVER THIMBLE CHESTER 1913 US $10.01 |  1890 Sterling Silver Stern Bee Thimble Engrave Eva 1909 US $9.99 |
 RARE ANTIQUE SILVER THIMBLE LEVEN FIFE SCOTLAND HM 1933 US $12.77 |  Portugese 835 Oporto Silver Thimble Cockerel US $7.69 |
 SEWING QUILTING THIMBLE 3D 925 Sterling Silver Charm US $7.95 |  VINTAGE DANISH NORWEGIAN SILVER ENAMEL THIMBLE US $24.64 |
 STERLING SILVER SIZE 16 THIMBLE BIRMINGHAM 1913 US $10.78 |
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Singer Professional Series Heavy Duty Scissors Set 5-1/2" & 8"- List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $2.47  |
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SINGER-Slip Stop Thimbles. These nickel plated steel thimbles feature a safety ridge on top to keep the needle from slipping. Perfect for quilting; needle arts and more. This package contains two thimbles: small (7/14mm & 8/18mm)... |
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Large New Sterling Silver Classic Etched Sewing Thimble Sale Price: $13.00 |
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This is a Sterling Silver Classic Etched Thimble measuring 7/8" tall x 7/8" wide. It is crafted of genuine .925 sterling silver. 7/8" tall x 7/8" wide Bottom Opening is 11/16" Wide Marked .925 |
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12 Bali Bead End Caps Cones Thimble Antique Silver Sale Price: $17.13 |
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12 Antique Silver Plated Bali End Caps Great for Beading, Craft Projects, Craft Enthusiasts & Making Necklaces, Bracelets & Earrings. This is a new set of 12 pewter Bali end caps with an antique silver finish... |
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Eye Color - # 18 ( Silver Thimble ) Sale Price: $51.00 |
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Gives brilliant colors for your eyelids Soft texture & easily glides on Enhances natural beauty & dimensions of your eyes Makes you look chic & glamourous To use: Apply to eyelids with clean fingertip or brush |
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Paul & Joe Eye Color - # 18 ( Silver Thimble ) - 2.7g/0.09oz List Price: $29.00 Sale Price: $25.10 |
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Gives brilliant colors for your eyelids Soft texture & easily glides on Enhances natural beauty & dimensions of your eyes Makes you look chic & glamourous To use: Apply to eyelids with clean fingertip or brushProduct Line: Paul & Joe - Eye Color - Eye ColorProduct Size: 2... |
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Thimbles Set (silver) by Vernet Sale Price: $16.95 |
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Complete 8 Thimble Set With this set of thimbles, you can perform multiplications, vanishes and penetrations. The Silver Magic Thimbles are specially designed and consist of pairs of thimbles nested inside each other... |
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Thimbles Set Vernet silver |
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Complete 8 Thimble Set With this set of thimbles you can perform multiplications vanishes and penetrations The Silver Magic Thimbles are specially designed and consist of pairs of thimbles nested inside each other Great for the classic Thimble effects or your own routines |
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Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble (Ready-to-Read. Level 2) List Price: $3.99 Sale Price: $1.49 Used From: $0.01 |
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Betsy Ross wants to prove to her brother that she can do whatever he can -- but she ends up proving something to herself instead. Recommended in Laura Berquist Second Grade Syllabus Author: Stephanie GreenGrade: K and up Pages: 32 pages, paperback Publisher: Simon Schuster ISBN: 0-689-84954-0 |
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