Antique Thimble 'Thumble' Cast Brass & Iron ca 1800's Top Is Open

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$12.0
Original/Reproduction
Antique Original
Material
Cast Iron & Brass
Country/Region of Manufacture
Unknown
Unit Quantity
1
condition
Used
This thimble, noted as a 'Thumble' by a family note on its history, is said to be made of cast iron and brass. The family also indicates it was made in 1877 and belonged to the grandmother at that time. The note with this information and more is shown in one of our pictures and will be included with the 'thumble'.  

Curosity had us looking on line about the history of thimbles. The following excerpt was found at this location: New Pathways into Quilt History written by Kimberly Wulfert, [link removed by eBay]     We appreciate being able to share this detail with you. 

'Early thimbles had to be sturdy because homespun fabric was coarse and needles were rough and unfinished. It was difficult to push the thread through the fabric so a strong, thick bronze or iron thimble, called a "skep," was required to prevent injury. Each thimble was shaped individually by pounding metal into a mold. The dimples in these early thimbles were applied by hand and are uneven. These primitive, shallow thimbles were dome shaped and had no rim. Some had a hole in the top to stabilize them during the casting process. It was hard to keep them on the finger and the metal bled and colored the sewer's hand.

By the 15th century, fabric became more finely woven and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thinner. These thimbles were usually made of brass and imported from Nuremberg, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, new methods of producing thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were made from sheet metal. The new thimbles also contained decorative motifs. The cap was separate and attached to the cylinder later. These new thimbles were taller and the top was flatter.

Another type of thimble called a "sewing ring" or tailors' thimble was also produced during this time. It was a shallow thimble with no top. This type of thimble is used when the needle is pushed through the fabric with the side of the finger rather than the tip.'

This item doesn't register a weight on our scale.
Approximately 3/4" in diameter at the bottom and 5/8" at the open top end.

We cannot see any markings on the inside.
Attracts a magnet.

A unique item with a family story line, albiet a bit confusing, that's too interesting to ignore. We just had to pass it along. This item would be a great conversation piece in a sewing room or collection of thimbles. Or maybe 'you' have additional information from seeing this type of thimble before. 
Just a fun item.