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Silver Thimble and Leather Case
Silver Thimble and Leather Case
Silver Thimble and Leather Case
Silver Thimble and Leather Case

Silver Thimble and Leather Case

Retailer (Aberdeen, 1871 - 1902)
Silversmith
Date1887
Object NameThimble
Mediumsilver, leather, velvet, satin
ClassificationsApplied Art
AcquisitionPresented in 1976 by Mrs Marr.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS002242
About MeThimbles protect the finger while pushing a needle through cloth. This thimble was bought locally from Andrew Malcolm who sold luxury watches and jewellery from his shop at 13 Union Place, Aberdeen, between 1886 and 1890.

The punched hallmarks struck on the rim show clues of the thimble's origin. Registered at the Birmingham Assay Office, this 1887 piece was most likely made by Joseph Cook, who was based in Birmingham and who was a known maker of thimbles.

The high-value thimble is small and so a special container was needed to keep it safe to hand. It is in its original hook fastening case with a hinged lid that lifts. The thimble is supported by the velvet rest. The specially shaped box has the name of the retailer printed on the white silk lining inside the lid.

The thimble was made from a sheet of silver curled up into a cylinder. It has a band rolled at the base, to prevent the needle slipping. This flat turnover rim is the simplest form to create.

The dimples and grooves on the thimble catch the needle eye and keep it from slipping. The handmade indentations on this floral-patterned thimble have been ‘chased’, where the metal is pushed aside with a tool rather than cut out and metal removed.

Thimbles made of silver are relatively soft and constant needle pressure caused damage. This thimble has several scratches and signs of use, and no doubt saw many fascinating needlework projects over the years.