The thimble has a an extended past. The oldest existing thimble is Latin, found in the ruins of Pompeii. It is made of bronze. Even so, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, are known to have made other thimbles. Rough thimbles of leather and bone likely also existed because thimbles have been used by every known civilization. These thimbles did not survive.
Through the years, thimbles have evolved in many of ways. Both the the means of production and the materials used have changed. Thimbles have gained new uses and become fundamentally decorative and collectible rather than merely practical. Ancient thimbles had to be sturdy because homespun fabric was coarse and needles were rough and crude. It was difficult to push the thread through the fabric so a strong, thick bronze or iron thimble, called a "skep", was required to prevent injury.
By the fifteenth century, cloth became more finely woven and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thin walled. These thimbles were in most cases made of copper alloy and imported from Nuremberg, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, innovative methods of producing thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were first made from sheet metal. These new thimbles also contained decorative motifs. The cap was sometimes separate and attached to the cylinder later. This new style of thimbles were taller and the top was flatter.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth century Holland became the new seat of thimble manufacturing. However, in the late 17th century, John Lofting moved thimble manufacturing to Islington, England where the brass industry was now established. He began to turn out thimbles in a scale unknown before. Next, he moved his factory to Great Marlow, and used water power to and doubled production.
By the early 18th century, he was producing about two million thimbles per year. But he too succumbed to progress and thimble manufacturing moved to Birmingham, England by 18 hundred. The fabrication of brass also changed during this period. A new formula made it more malleable and suitable for a different manufacturing method called "deep drawing" that used less metal. This lowered the cost.
We are all aware that sewing is the fundamental 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 19th 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 generally decorative, collectorsintrigue in modern thimbles has not decreased. 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 memento thimbles to tourists.
Thimble collecting is an extremely well-known hobby worldwide. A great number of thimbles are honestly priced and easily for sale. Men, women and children collect them. Some collectors are interested in the history of thimbles while others collect them for their decorative importance. The humble 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 down-to-earth tools ever invented, born of necessity.
The Little Thimble: Explained
This article explores the evolution of thimbles beginning with the Etruscans and proceeding to modern times. It discusses the changes to thimble materials and manufacturing processes. It describes the origins of thimbles as a manufactured collectible and the state of thimble collecting today.
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How To Make Hard Cash Selling Collectible Thimbles
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