Originally, these small, protective devices worn on the fingers were used simply for pushing a needle through fabric or leather. They have since evolved beyond being solely practical tools into being symbols of status, collectibles and objects of personal expression. [Ed: Rose gold monogrammed thimble, anyone? See image.]

The earliest known thimbles date back to Roman times. They were made from bronze. However, archaeological finds suggest that sewing thimbles may have existed in some form as early as the Han Dynasty in China (202 BCE – 220 CE).

By the Middle Ages, thimbles were more common in Europe. They were primarily made from bronze or brass and were essential tools for tailors, seamstresses and household workers. During the Renaissance, thimbles became increasingly decorative and were often made of more expensive materials such as silver. Wealthy women would have thimbles engraved or decorated with jewels.

The Victorian period saw a major expansion in the production of thimbles, particularly in England and other parts of Europe. Thimbles were now being mass-produced thanks to the Industrial Revolution, but they remained popular as gifts and keepsakes, given as tokens of affection or as part of sewing kits. They were often included in trousseaus (wedding gifts) or gifted to girls learning to sew.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thimbles began to be used as promotional items. Companies would imprint their logos on thimbles. This practice contributed to the rise of thimble collecting, known as digitabulism. Thimbles were produced to commemorate significant events, like royal coronations, national celebrations and even World Wars. Porcelain, silver, and pewter thimbles became popular as collectors sought out limited edition designs.

Today, thimbles remain highly collectible, with antique and rare thimbles fetching high prices at auctions. Collectors focus on material, origin, design and historical context, seeking thimbles made from gold, silver, porcelain or rare early metals.

Also, do you remember the thimble piece from the classic board game Monopoly? It was introduced as a piece in 1935. Over the years, it has developed an iconic reputation and its own fanbase. When it was retired from the game in 2017 during a redesign, it sparked a public outcry. [Ed: Some protests are very specific.] Due to popular demand, the thimble was reinstated in later versions of the game.

Finally, please don’t confuse thimbles with thimblettes! Although they look somewhat thimbley, the latter are generally made of rubber and are used for leafing through or counting documents, bank notes, tickets or forms. The dimples on the surface of a thimblette are inverted to provide better grip.

Story Idea: Caitlin
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References

wikipedia.org/wiki/Thimble
bbc.com/news/newsbeat-38994529

Images

1. Titanium thimble in action at countycomm.com
2. 17th century Jacobean silver thimble
3. Collection of antique thimbles via manmadediy.com
4. 19th century French mother of pearl thimble at Palais Royal
5. Victorian 14K antique rose gold thimble with monogram. Credit: marketsquarejewelers.com
6. Thimble variations via quiltsocial.com
7. Heavy duty brass thimble at countycomm.com
8. Thimble collector in Ringgold
9. Charles Horner sterling silver large thimble tumbler, 1948
10. The thimble piece for Monopoly
11. A three metre high sculpture of a giant thimble resting on a stack of buttons, commemorating the garment district in Toronto. Photo credit: Michael Dolan
12. Turning pages using a thimblette. Photo credit: Frank C. Müller