Name/Title
ThimbleEntry/Object ID
2023.033.012Description
Metal thimble used to protect a finger from pokes from a needle when sewing.Context
From a article entitled the history of thimbles at https://thimblesforyou.com/blogs/special-items/the-history-of-thimbles
The earliest thimble was Roman, made of bronze and found at Pompeii. A Dutch metal worker made a thumb-bell in 1695 -- worn on the thumb and shaped like a bell. Originally used for pushing a needle through fabric or leather, thimbles came to have other uses such as measures for spirits or by school teachers to tap the heads of unruly students.
Early thimbles tended to be thick and have a "pronounced dome." Later, the metal was thinner and the top flatter. In the 1800s, many thimbles were made of silver, but needles could piece it, so Charles Horner used a steel core covered inside and out with silver.Collection
Jeremy Walsh CollectionDimensions
Height
5/8 inDiameter
1/2 inLocation
Location
Rolling Rack
Unit 2Room
Museum Storage RoomCategory
StorageMoved By
Nancy RemsenDate
October 16, 2025Notes
Box 3 is currently out on loan, the thimble will be temporarily housed in Box 2Location
Box
Box 3Rolling Rack
Unit B, Shelf 2Room
Museum Storage RoomCategory
StorageMoved By
Kelly BartlettDate
October 16, 2025Notes
Currently in Box 2Condition
Overall Condition
GoodDate Examined
Apr 9, 2024Relationships
Related Places
Place
County
Addison CountyState/Province
Vermont* Untyped Place
VergennesExhibitions
Exhibition
Home ExhibitNotes
Home exhibit summer to winter 2025Created By
Nancy RemsenCreate Date
March 14, 2024Updated By
Kelly BartlettUpdate Date
January 6, 2026