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THIMBLE
Unique ID: IOW-7E8237
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A post-Medieval silver thimble (c. 1600-c. 1700 AD). Treasure case no. 2011 T738.
The rim is partially missing and the indentations on the sides and domed crown are regular. It has a frieze above the rim of repetitive fleurs-de-lis interrupted by a small panel containing two hearts. Both hearts are supported by putti. Above the hearts are the maker's initials: R I.
20.9mm (height); 18.5mm (width); 16.3mm (thickness). Weight: 3.61g. The walls are very thin.
A thimble with a similar design and the same maker's mark has been recorded from Brighstone, Isle of Wight. (PAS: IOW-B0F192).
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.
Notes:
Newport, Isle of Wight: silver thimble (Treasure: 2011 T738; (IOW-7E8237)
Date: c. 1600-c. 1700.
Discovery: Found by David Mortimer-Kelly while metal-detecting in November 2011 and recorded by Frank Basford (Isle of Wight FLO).
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Metal content: The find contains a minimum of 10% silver and predates 1711. It thus qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of precious metal content and age.
Frank Basford, Finds Liaison Officer, Isle of Wight, November 2011.
Class:
Closed
Inscription:
R I
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Returned to finder, 21/01/2012
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2011T738
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 20.9 mm
Width: 18.5 mm
Thickness: 16.3 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 1st November 2011
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2011-4-467; Treasure case no. 2011 T738
Treasure case number: 2011T738
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Hand made
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Newport
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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