Rights Holder: Somerset County Council
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THIMBLE
Unique ID: SOM-B7B656
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Copper alloy late Medieval or early Post-Medieval sewing ring. The ring has fairly straight sides, angled outwards and slightly more flared towards the base. The base has a thick, slightly projecting rim around the outside. This, together with the thick walls and the absence of any folds around the base, suggests that the object is cast rather than stamped. The indentations are arranged in concentric circles, and appear to be made by hand, as most are slightly deeper on the upper side. It survives in good condition, but is fairly worn and a few holes have appeared where the indentations have been punched too deeply. Holmes (1999, p.1) suggests that ring type thimbles were in use in Britain from c.1450. Furthermore, those with sides slightly splayed at the bottom, such as this one, tend to be earlier in date (ibid. p.3). However, because the sides of this example are only slightly splayed and the design is quite uniform, it may date towards the end of this tradition. It is probably not much later that mid 16th century in date, as the indentations begin to often take the form of a spiral during this century. Diameter: 20.39mm, Height: 13.74mm, Thickness at base: 18.34mm Weight: 5.01g
Class: ring
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1450
Date to: Circa AD 1550
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 18.34 mm
Weight: 5.01 g
Diameter: 20.39 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 13th May 2009
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Entry 020478
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Somerset (County)
District: Mendip (District)
To be known as: Wells
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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