THIMBLE

A complete Post Medieval copper alloy thimble (17th century). The thimble has a wide margin between the base and the pits which is decorated with a stamped pattern. The pattern has a border of stamped annulets above and below. The pattern comprises a circular motif stamped to form a band of decoration where each stamp slightly overlaps the last. The stamp comprises a central annulet within a lozenge-shaped border within a ring of pellets. The pits are drilled in a spiral and they cover the peak. The pits are even and none perforate the walls or peak of the thimble; although the pits covering the peak have bent the metal making the pattern visible on the internal surface of the peak. There is a maker's mark stamped at the beginning of the spiral or pits just above the decorative pattern. The mark is a closed 4. Possibly indicating this thimble was made in Nuremberg. The copper alloy has no patina.

Dimensions: length: 23.39mm; thickness of the wall: 0.66mm; diameter at base: 18.89mm; weight: 3.15g.

Identification and dating by Tony Pilson and Ian Smith based on foreshore context

Reference: Holmes, E. 1988. Sewing Thimbles. Datasheet 9. Finds Research Group 700-1700 Datasbeets 1-24. 1985-1998. Reprographic Unit, University of Oxford