The Thimble: From A To Z
A thimble is a cover that fits over the finger to shield it when pushing a needle when embroidering or sewing. The word, derived from Middle English, literally means "thumb shield".
The thimble has a long recorded history. The oldest existing thimble is Latin, found in the ruins of Pompeii. It is made of bronze. Still, the Etruscans, who came before the Romans, are known to have made other thimbles. Primitive thimbles of bone and leather without doubt also existed because thimbles have been used by every known civilization. These thimbles did not survive.
Throughout history, thimbles have changed in a number of ways. Both the materials used and the means of production have changed. Thimbles have gained new uses and become primarily decorative and collectible rather than merely practical. Pioneer 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, material became more finely woven and sewing became more refined. Thimbles became thin walled. These thimbles were usually made of brass and imported from Germany, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, unique methods of producing thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were first made from sheet metal. This new style of thimbles also contained fancy motifs. The cap was separate and attached to the cylinder later. The new thimbles were taller and the top was flatter.
During the 16th and 17th centuries Holland became the new seat of thimble manufacturing. However, in the late 17th century, John Lofting moved thimble manufacturing toEngland where the brass industry was currently established. He began to produce thimbles in a scale unheard of before. Then, 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 each year. But he too succumbed to change and thimble manufacturing moved to Birmingham, England by 1800. The composition of brass also upgraded 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 insignificantly 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 for the most part decorative, collectors interest 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 elaborate design. New series of thimbles are being issued to commemorate everything from football teams to Disney characters. Every tourist destination offers memorial thimbles to tourists.
Thimble collecting is an extremely well-known hobby worldwide. Plenty thimbles are honestly priced and readily available. Men, women and children collect them. Some collectors are interested in the history of thimbles while others collect them for their decorative value. The unpretentious 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 sound tools ever invented, born of necessity.
Here's How To Collect Old Thimbles For Enjoyment And Income
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's How To Make Hard Cash Selling Collectible 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.
The Antique Sewing Thimble - Purchasing Antique Thimbles Or What To Look For
Read what you need to know about antique sewing thimbles before you buy any collectible thimbles. You get a brief history of thimbles and when and where they they originated. The article clearly explains what materials thimbles are made of and describes designs that are still in use today.
An Introduction To Antique Thimble Collecting
This article is about the journey to collect antique thimbles. It is a collector's dream to find the most of their items and to make it unique to his or her needs. It tells of an author's love for thimbles and how these little items complete her life.
What Is: A Thimble?
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?
Obtaining Most Excellent Traditional Coin Evaluation 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 About Antique Coin Evaluation: What Is It Actually Valued?
There are many ways to find out the true value of an antique coin but the most popular way is to receive an an antique coin appraisal, either through a collector or an antique dealer.
Learn About Coin Ranking: Ways To Decide The Value Of Your Coins
Coin grading is very important because it will help you determine the condition of your coins and their probably value. When it comes to coin collecting, people who know how to spot rare coins that are still in very good condition always have an edge.