POST MEDIEVAL THIMBLE

1750

A post medieval copper alloy thimble with steel top dating to the second half of the 18th century. This thimble has a a circular, steel top and the body is copper alloy. Both the steel top and the body of the thimble are covered with circular indentations in a ring pattern. There is a double band of decoration comprising small rectangular stamps and a rounded rim. There are no maker's marks. The shape of the thimble is slightly distorted and some of the indentations perforate the thimble walls.McConnel (1999:29) writes: "in the second half of the 18th century, metal thimbles began to be made in one piece using a technique known as the 'deep drawn' method. 'Deep drawing' shapes the thimble from a small, flat, round disc which is hammered into a dye or mould. This method of projection was largely responsible for pushing the trend towards taller slimmer thimbles which needed in some cases to be reinforced, for instance, with the introduction of steel tops." A similar example is also recorded on the PAS database see CORN-B1D656.Dimensions: length: 24.89mm; diameter: 21.58mm; weight: 4.00g.Reference: McConnel, B. 1999. The Collector's Guide to Thimbles. Bracken Books; London.