Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License:
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Unique ID: NARC-6A257F
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete copper-alloy Thimble of Medieval date (AD 1300-1500). The object has a circular base with fairly parallel sides which curve towards the top where they form the crown, creating a dome. A series of irregular spiralling pits extend from the crown towards the base where they terminate with no indication of a border.
The metal has a light green slightly pitted patina.
Height: 20.23mm, Diameter: 20.21mm, Thickness: 2.22mm, Weight: 8.2g
Similar objects have been recorded on the database as YORYM-777ADD, YORYM-D8FBB3, and YORYM-E59D79.
Thimbles have been in common use in England from the 14th century onwards and Geoff Egan (2010, p.265) states that no Medieval thimble indisputably dating from before the 14th century has been found in England. They were originally used to protect the finger used to push a needle through sewing material and were commonly used by dressmakers and tailors. From the circa 16th century onwards silver thimbles were regarded as an ideal gift for ladies and have become gifts and collector's items made of a variety of materials including base and precious metals, and china. The pits on the surface of thimbles were originally created by the technique of hand punching, though in the mid-18th century they were machine-made.
Egan, G., 1998 The Medieval Household: Daily Living c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London) London: The Stationery Office.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Quantity: 1
Height: 20.23 mm
Thickness: 2.22 mm
Weight: 8.2 g
Diameter: 20.21 mm
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Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Hand made
Completeness: Complete
4 Figure: SP8824
Four figure Latitude: 51.90759615
Four figure longitude: -0.72219731
1:25K map: SP8824
1:10K map: SP82SE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.