THIMBLE

A silver artefact which is probably a sewing-ring that would have been used in a similar way to a thimble. Dimensions: weight 6.00g, thickness 0.58mm - 0.68mm, current height 22.93mm, diameter 16.22mm tapering to 15.38mm. This artefact is formed from sheet silver bent round to form a cylinder and has a visible vertical solder line. The bottom 1.56mm is plain and undecorated. This is topped by a single row of small punched dots that form the lower border of a band 2.54mm thick edged above and below by a thin incised line. This band contains the lettering '+THI+FRINDE+TO+BEE'. At the top of the cylinder it appears that there was originally a second band of lettering also edged on the lower edge by a thin incised line. The lower parts of incised lettering can just be seen at the very top of the cylinder cut through transversely indicating that the artefact was originally taller in height than it is now. At least one '+' stop can be identified. The area between these two bands of lettering are decorated with four oval fields each bordered by a plain band 2.48mm wide with a thin incised line set 0.23mm in from each edge. These bands are held together by horizontal oval reels 4.13mm x 2.28mm of identical design to the border bands. An oval reel set vertically is positioned across the border bands at the top and bottom of each of the oval border bands. Each of the oval fields and the sub-triangular fields, between them and the bands of lettering, are in-filled with indented pimples. The inner surface is smooth and undecorated. There is no evidence of any hall-mark symbols on this thimble. It is interesting to note that the solder does not reach either end of the cylinder, as it stops a maximum of 0.70mm from the edge. This artefact might have been a tall thimble, with the domed top now missing if it was not a sewing-ring. Alternatively the artefact might have been used as a decorative ferrule on a riding crop or similar item. The Treasure Department based at the British Museum think that this artefact is likely to date from the early to mid seventeenth century and such would qualify as a potential treasure item.