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{{Short description|Protective cup used during sewing}} {{About|the protective shield worn on the finger or thumb|the wire rope termination device |Wire rope#Thimbles}} [[File:Fingerhut.jpg|thumb|A thimble]] [[File:Fingerhueter-1568.png|thumb|{{lang|de|Der Fingerhüter}} ''(Thimblemaker)'' from {{lang|de|Das Ständebuch}} by [[Jost Amman]], 1568]] A '''thimble''' is a small pitted cup worn on the finger that protects it from being pricked or poked by a needle while [[sewing]]. The [[Old English]] word {{lang|ang|þȳmel}}, the ancestor of thimble, is derived from Old English {{lang|ang|þūma}}, the ancestor of the English word ''thumb''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/hmwhm/thimble|title=thimble - Word Histories and Mysteries - Credo Reference|website=Credoreference.com|access-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> ==History== ===Pre-17th century=== As the purpose of a thimble is to prevent discomfort while sewing by providing a barrier between fingertips and the blunt end of a needle, it is likely that the earliest thimbles were created closely following the invention of sewing.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hill |first1=E. |date=1995 |title=Thimbles and Thimble Rings from the Circum-Caribbean Region, 1500-1800: Chronology and Identification |journal=Historical Archaeology |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=84–92 |doi= 10.1007/BF03374210|jstor=25616355 |s2cid=163977710 }}</ref> According to the United Kingdom Detector Finds Database,<ref name="ukdfd.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/pages/thimble.html|title=Thimbles - ukdfd|website=www.ukdfd.co.uk|access-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> thimbles dating to the 10th century have been found in England, and thimbles were in widespread use there by the 14th century. Although there are isolated examples of thimbles made of precious metals—[[Elizabeth I]] is said to have given one of her ladies-in-waiting a thimble set with precious stones—the vast majority of metal thimbles were made of [[brass]]. Medieval thimbles were either cast brass or made from hammered sheet. Early centers of thimble production were those places known for brass-working, starting with Nuremberg in the 15th century, and moving to Holland by the 17th. {{Gallery |align=center |File:Early cylinder.jpg|A very early hand-dimpled soldered cylinder thimble. |File:14c Nurnberg thimble.jpg|Cast 14th century thimble. |File:I4c brass Nurnberg thimble.jpg|Deep drawn Nürnberg thimble. 16th century. }} ===17th century and later=== [[File:Lofting type.jpg|thumb|150px|Lofting type brass thimble]] In 1693, a Dutch thimble manufacturer named [[John Lofting]] established a thimble manufactory in Islington, in London, England, expanding British thimble production to new heights.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RmM9AQAAIAAJ&q=carbonic+oxide|title=Scientific American|date=1869-06-19|publisher=Munn & Company|pages=387|language=en}}</ref> He later moved his mill to Buckinghamshire to take advantage of water-powered production, resulting in a capacity to produce more than two million thimbles per year. By the end of the 18th century, thimble making had moved to Birmingham, and shifted to the "deep drawing" method of manufacture, which alternated hammering of sheet metals with annealing, and produced a thinner-skinned thimble with a taller shape. At the same time, cheaper sources of silver from the Americas made silver thimbles a popular item for the first time.<ref name="ukdfd.co.uk"/> Thimbles are usually made from [[metal]], [[leather]], [[rubber]], [[wood]], and even [[glass]] or [[Porcelain|china]]. Early thimbles were sometimes made from [[whale]] [[bone]], [[horn (anatomy)|horn]], or [[ivory]]. Natural sources were also utilized such as [[Connemara marble]], [[bog oak]] or [[mother of pearl]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2023|reason=Marble is not exactly a common material. was this supposed to be an adornment?}}. Advanced thimblemakers enhanced thimbles with semi-precious stones to adorn the apex or along the outer rim. Rarer works from thimble makers utilized [[diamond]]s, [[sapphire]]s, or [[rubies]]. [[Cabochon]] adornments are sometimes made of [[cinnabar]], [[agate]], [[moonstone (gemstone)|moonstone]], or [[amber]]. Thimble artists would also utilize enameling, or the [[Guilloché]] techniques advanced by [[Peter Carl Fabergé]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thimbles.zzl.org/Faberge.html |title=Fabergé Thimbles |access-date=2012-12-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225070921/http://thimbles.zzl.org/Faberge.html |archive-date=2012-12-25 |work=More about Thimbles |author1=Isbister, Magdalena |author2=Isbister, William}}</ref> ==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> ==Known thimble makers== [[File:Thimble Toronto April 2010.jpg|thumb|A 9-foot high sculpture of a giant thimble resting on a stack of buttons, commemorating the garment district in [[Toronto]]]] Most of these thimble makers no longer create thimbles. {{Div col|colwidth=12em}} * Avon Fashion Thimbles * Wicks (Inventor USA) * A Feaù and René Lorillon (French) * [[Charles Horner (jeweller)|Charles Horner]] (UK) (1837–1896) * Charles Iles (UK) * Charles May * Anthony Stavrianoudakis (GR) * Gabler Bros (German) * Henry Fidkin (UK) * Henry Griffith (UK) * James Fenton (UK) * James Swann (UK) * Jean Levy (France) * Johan Caspar Rumpe (Germany) * Ketcham & McDougall (USA) * [[Meissen]] (German) * Roger Lenain (French) * Samuel & Foskett (UK) * Simons Bros Co (USA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simonsbrothers.com/|title=Simons Brothers Company: Jewelry Manufacturers|website=Simonsbrothers.com}}</ref> * Stern Bros & Co (USA) * Uyu (USA) * Waite-Thresher (USA) * Webster (USA) * William Prym (Germany) {{div col end}} ==Thimblette== [[File:Gummifinger (fcm).jpg|thumb|Turning pages using a thimblette.]] [[File:Sewing palm (AM 1969.12-4).jpg|thumb|Right handed roping palm]] '''Thimblettes''' (also known as rubber finger, rubber thimbles and finger cones) are soft thimbles, made predominately of rubber, used primarily for leafing through or counting documents, bank notes, tickets, or forms. They also protect against [[paper cut]]s as a secondary function. Unlike thimbles, the softer thimblettes become worn over time. They are considered disposable and sold in boxes. The surface is dimpled with the dimples inverted to provide better grip. Thimblettes are sized from 00 through to 3.{{clarify|date=September 2018}}<!-- according to what measuring system? My thimblettes are sized 6 --> A [[finger cot]] is a smooth rubber "glove finger" used to protect the finger or the item being handled. {{anchor|Sailmaker's palm}} ==Sewing palms== A variation on the thimble used by [[sailmaker]]s and leather workers is the '''sail palm''', also known as ''sailor's palm'' and ''sailmaker's palm''. There are two variations, ''seaming palm'' which is used for light work, such as sewing canvas together and ''roping palm'' which is built for heavier work, such as sewing canvas and rope together.<ref name="abokdj">{{Citation|last=Ashley|first=Clifford W.|title=[[The Ashley Book of Knots]]|orig-year=1944|year=1993|publisher=Doubleday|location=New York|isbn=0-385-04025-3 | pages=20–22}}</ref><ref name="Army2013">{{cite book|author=United States Government US Army|title=Technical Manual TM 4-42.21 (FM 10-16) General Fabric Repair July 2013|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VW-vAAAAQBAJ&pg=SA7-PA3|date=3 September 2013|publisher=ebook Publishing Team|isbn=978-1-4923-2099-9|pages=7–3}}</ref> This item consists of a pitted hard plate set into a stiff leather band that is worn around the palm of the hand, with the plate resting against the [[Metacarpophalangeal joint|first joint of the thumb]]. It is used by grasping a needle between the thumb and indexing finger, with the eye end of the needle against the pitted plate, and pushing the needle with the entire arm. Most palms are hand specific to give the user a better fit. <ref name="Smith2012">{{cite book|author=Hervey Garrett Smith|title=The Arts of the Sailor: Knotting, Splicing and Ropework|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4h7QsxJ8JyoC|date=8 August 2012|publisher=Courier Corporation|isbn=978-0-486-13268-6}}</ref> This design permits the sewer to exert a great amount of force when pushing thick needles through very tough materials such as sail cloth, canvas or leather. <ref name="Casey1996">{{cite book|author=Don Casey|title=Canvaswork and Sail Repair|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WI__lvheIRkC|date=1 June 1996|publisher=McGraw Hill Professional|isbn=978-0-07-013391-4}}</ref> ==Cultural references== In the [[Parker Brothers]] board game ''[[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]]'', first published in 1935, the thimble was one of the eight traditional metal game pieces used to mark a player's position on the game board. However, this piece was replaced in new versions of the board game from August 2017 following public consultation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38994529/thimble-playing-piece-dropped-from-new-monopoly-game|title=Thimble playing piece dropped from new Monopoly game - BBC Newsbeat|date=16 February 2017|website=Bbc.co.uk|access-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> In 2022, Hasbro again consulted the public on the removal of a current playing piece and the reintroduction of a previous one. The public voted for the return of the thimble, replacing the T-Rex.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2022 |title=Thimble Returns & T-Rex Extinct: The New Monopoly Token Line Up has been announced! |work=Rich Uncle Pennybags |url=https://richunclepennybags.co.uk/thimble-returns-t-rex-extinct-the-new-monopoly-token-line-up-has-been-announced |access-date=December 10, 2024}}</ref> ==Auction records== On December 3, 1979, a London dealer bid the sum of $18,000 USD for a dentil shaped [[Meissen porcelain]] thimble, circa 1740, at [[Christie's]] auction in Geneva, Switzerland. The thimble, just over {{convert|0.5|in}} high, was painted in a rare lemon-yellow color about the band. It also had tiny harbor scene hand painted within gold-trimmed cartouches. The rim was scalloped with fired gold on its bottom edge. The thimble now belongs to a Meissen collector in Canada.<ref>Holmes EF. Thimble Notes and Queries, 1992; '''14''': 13</ref> ==Additional pictures== <gallery> File:Post-medieval thimble, Sewing ring (a) (FindID 544385).jpg|16th–17th century English copper sewing ring File:17c UK silver.jpg|17th century English silver File:Brass Jacobean thimble.jpg|17th century Jacobean brass File:Silver Jacobean thimble.jpg|17th century Jacobean silver File:French gold thimble.jpg|18th century French gold File:Filigree thimble with glass bottle.jpg|18th century silver filigree with scent bottle File:Silver fingerguard.jpg|19th century Dutch fingerguard File:Tunbridge wooden thimble.jpg|19th century English Tunbridge (wood) File:French mother of pearl thimble.jpg|19th century French mother of pearl – Palais Royal File:Souvenir thimble of Abbotsford.jpg|20th century English souvenir – Abbotsford House File:Norwegian enamel (flower).jpg|20th century Norwegian enamel (basse-taille) – David Anderson File:Russian filigree thimble.jpg|Pre-revolution Russian silver gilt filigree File:Russian gold.jpg|Pre-revolution Russian gold File:William Powell.jpg|20th century Royal Worcester – William Powell painter File:Swedish gold.jpg|20th century Swedish gold File:Sewing girls.jpg|20th century French silver – F Vernon 'Sewing girls' File:Norwegian enamel thimble.jpg|20th century Norwegian enamel (guilloché) </gallery> ==References== {{Reflist}} ==Further reading== *Bridget McConnel. A Collector's Guide to Thimbles. Secaucus, New Jersey: Wellfleet Books, 1990. *E. F. Holmes. A history of thimbles. London: Cornwall Books, 1985. *J. J. von Hoelle. Thimble collector's encyclopedia. Illinois: Wallace-Homestead Book Company, 1986. *E. Zalkin. Zalkin's Handbook of Thimbles & Sewing Implements, 1st ed. Willow Grove: Warman Publishing Co., Inc., 1985. *M. Isbister, W. H. Isbister. [https://sites.google.com/site/moreaboutthimbles More about thimbles]. ==External links== {{Commons category|Thimbles}} * [http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/201205/little.thimble.big.journey.htm ''Little Thimble, Big Journey''] illustrated article on thimble history *[http://www.fabergeresearch.com/thimblesframe.php Fabergé thimbles] *[https://insilscientific.com/ article on types of cellulose extraction thimbles]. *[https://insilscientific.com/glass.html article on the uses of Glass micro fibre thimbles] {{sewing}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Sewing equipment]] [[Category:Embroidery equipment]] [[Category:Fingers]] [[Category:Handwear]] [[Category:Personal protective equipment]]
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