Editing Thimble (section)

==As collectibles==
Originally, thimbles were used simply solely for pushing a [[sewing needle|needle]] through [[textile|fabric]] or leather as it was being sewn. Since then, however, they have gained many other uses. From the 16th century onwards<ref>{{cite book |author=Holmes E.F. |title=A history of Thimbles |location=London |publisher=Cornwall Books |date= 1985}}</ref> silver thimbles were regarded as an ideal gift for ladies.

[[File:Meissen thimble.jpg|thumb|150px|Meissen 'keepsake' thimble. 18th century]] 
Early Meissen porcelain and elaborate, decorated gold thimbles were also given as keepsakes and were usually quite unsuitable for sewing. This tradition has continued to the present day. In the early modern period, thimbles were used to [[Measurement|measure]] [[Distilled beverage|spirits]] and gunpowder, which brought rise to the phrase "just a thimbleful". [[Prostitution|Prostitutes]] used them in the practice of thimble-knocking where they would tap on a window to announce their presence.<ref>Dreesmann C. A thimble full.… Utrecht/Netherlands:  Cambium, 1983.  pp.75.</ref> Thimble-knocking also refers to the practice of [[Victorian era|Victorian]] schoolmistresses who would tap on the heads of unruly pupils with dames thimbles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Thimbles-Not-as-Simple-as-they-Seem-319258.html |title=Thimbles: Not as Simple as they Seem - Fun Facts, Questions, Answers, Information |work=Funtrivia.com}}</ref>

Before the 18th century, the small dimples on the outside of a thimble were made by hand punching, but in the middle of that century, a machine was invented to do the job. A thimble with an irregular pattern of dimples was likely made before the 1850s. Another consequence of the mechanization of thimble production is that the shape and the thickness of the metal changed. Early thimbles tend to be quite thick and to have a pronounced dome on the top. The metal on later ones is thinner and the top is flatter.

Collecting thimbles became popular in the UK when many companies made special thimbles to commemorate the [[Great Exhibition]] held in [[the Crystal Palace]] in [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], [[London]].
In the 19th century, many thimbles were made from [[silver]]; however, it was found that silver is too soft a metal and can be easily punctured by most needles. [[Charles Horner (jeweller)|Charles Horner]] solved the problem by creating thimbles consisting of a steel core covered inside and out by silver, so that they retained their aesthetics but were now more practical and durable. He called his thimble the [[Dorcas]], and these are now popular with collectors. There is a small display of his work in [[Bankfield Museum]], [[West Yorkshire|Halifax]], [[England]].

{{gallery|align=center
|File:Exhibition of All Nations 1851.jpg|Silver thimble commemorating the [[Great Exhibition]]
|File:Dorcas thimble.jpg|Dorcas thimble
}}

Early American thimbles made of whale bone or tooth featuring miniature [[scrimshaw]] designs are considered valuable collectibles. Such rare thimbles are prominently featured in a number of New England Whaling Museums.<ref>The Hunt Collection, Washington Historical Society, Washington, Connecticut.</ref>

During the [[World War I|First World War]], silver thimbles were collected from "those who had nothing to give" by the [[British government]] and melted down to buy hospital equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findingshakespeare.co.uk/a-history-of-the-humble-thimble|title=A history of the humble thimble - Finding Shakespeare|work=Finding Shakespeare|date=16 May 2016 }}</ref> In the 1930s and 1940s glass-topped thimbles were used for [[advertising]].

Leaving a [[sandalwood]] thimble in a fabric store was a common practice for keeping [[moth]]s away.<ref>Holmes EF.  A history of thimbles.  London:  Cornwall Books, 1985. pp. 128.</ref> Thimbles have also been used as [[love-token]]s and to commemorate important events. People who collect thimbles are known as digitabulists. One superstition about thimbles says that if a person has three thimbles given to them, they will never be married.<ref>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t72.e1436 "THIMBLE"] A Dictionary of Superstitions. Ed. Iona Opie and Moira Tatem. Oxford University Press, 1996. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Westminster College (PA). 28 August 2012</ref>