THIMBLE

A complete, silver, post medieval thimble dating to AD.1650-1720. The thimble to formed from a two-piece construction consisting of a conical body that is surmounted by a domed top-plate. The body of the thimble is formed from a strip of sheet metal wrapped around to form a cylinder with the top added. Most of the surface of the thimble is covered in a series of small raised annulars with the exception of the forward, lower half which is decorated with a scroll cartouche engraved with the owner’s initials E H. The cartouche is accosted by foliate forms underneath and is supported by an opposing standing bird at each end. Centrally above the cartouche is the makes initials S (P), the second letter is heavily worn so there should be an element of caution in its identification.

This style of  thimble is a well documented treasure find and commonly dates to the late 17^th century see LANCUM-966A0E (2018T319), SUSS-DEBF5A (2017T963), SUR-FC437D, (2015T502).

Record LANCUM-966A0E records

Silver thimbles were used increasingly by the European nobility and gentry during the 17th Century but surviving examples are rare, given that thimbles were much used and, when worn, were likely to have been melted down for their bullion value. In England, silver thimbles are documented as having been donated by women on the Parliamentary side to be melted down during the Civil War. Even later 17th Century English silver thimbles are rare, with few pieces in the national collections in the British Museum and the Museum of London.

Several similar thimbles with designs and various maker's marks have gone through the Treasure process and been dated to the 17th century such as IOW-7E8237 (2011 T738) and IOW-B0F192 (2009 T249), both from the Isle of Wight, the latter also pierced, SUSS-23D845 (2011 T14) from East Sussex and LIN-556645 (2016 T465) from Lincolnshire.