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A thimble is a cover that fits on the finger to protect it when pushing a needle during darning or sewing. The word, derived from Middle English, literally means "thumb shield".

The thimble has a an extended history. The oldest existing thimble is Latin, found in the city ruins of Pompeii. It is bronze. However, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, are known to have made bronze thimbles. Primitive thimbles of leather and bone certainly also existed because thimbles have been used by every known civilization. These thimbles didn't survive the centuries.

Through the years, thimbles have evolved in a number of ways. Both the materials used and the means of production have changed. Thimbles have gained new uses and become fundamentally decorative and collectible rather than merely practical. Early thimbles had to be sturdy because homespun fabric was coarse and needles were rough and crude. It was difficult to push the thread through the cloth so a strong, thick bronze or iron thimble, called a "skep"�, was required to prevent injury.

By the 15th century, fabric became more finely woven and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thinner. These thimbles were usually made of copper alloy and imported from Nuremberg, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, original methods of manufacturing 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. The new thimbles were taller and the top was flatter.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth century Holland became the new seat of thimble manufacturing. However, in the late seventeenth century, John Lofting moved thimble production to Islington, England where the brass-working industry was already established. He began to produce thimbles in a scale unknown before. Later, he moved his assembly plant to Great Marlow, and used water power to and doubled production.

By the early eighteenth century, he was producing 2 million thimbles annually. But he too succumbed to progress and thimble making moved to Birmingham, England by 1800. The fabrication of brass also improved during this period. A brand new formula made it more malleable and suitable for a different manufacturing method called "deep drawing" � that used less metal. This dropped the cost.

We are all aware that sewing is the primary use of the thimble. But did you know that a slightly larger thimble, usually two ounces, was used to measure spirits? And did you know that 19th century prostitutes used them to tap on their clients windows and Victorian schoolmistresses used them to knock recalcitrant students on the head?

Although they have become largely decorative, collectors interest in modern thimbles has not decreased. Thimbles originally created in silver are being reproduced in pewter thanks to new processes, developed in the 1950s that allow more detailed design. New series of thimbles are being issued to commemorate everything from football teams to Disney characters. Every tourist destination offers memorial thimbles to tourists.

Thimble collecting is an very cherished hobby worldwide. Many thimbles are reasonably priced and readily available. Men, women and children collect them. Some collectors are interested in the history of thimbles while others collect them for their decorative importance. The lowly thimble has become a star. Some admire its humble origins and some its new found incarnations. It is still one of the most versatile and sound tools ever invented, born of necessity.

What Is: A Thimble?
This article focuses on answering the following questions. What is a thimble? When did thimbles originate? What are their uses? Who collects thimbles? Why are sterling silver thimbles popular with collectors? What makes a sterling silver thimbles collectible? When were the first commemorative sterling silver thimbles issued?

Do You Want To Know What Are The Different Plans Of People Who Collect Coin
Coin collecting has been around for centuries, initially as amassing wealth and then finally as putting together different kinds of coins for the sake of their value as collectors' items.

Antique Thimbles - How To Invest In Or Buyer Beware, Scams Abound
Read what you need to know about antique sewing thimbles before you buy any collectible thimbles. You get a brief history of thimbles and when and where they they originated. The article clearly explains what materials thimbles are made of and describes designs that are still in use today.

Researching Info About A Gold Thimble Or Reports On Gold Thimbles? This Is The Internet Website For You
In the mid 1800's, gold thimbles, were used by the upper class of society as jewelry, a fashion accessory to be worn at major social events. They were used by both men and women, although the majority of users of gold thimbles were women.

Making Cash Retailing Collectible Thimbles
This article is about selling collectible thimbles. This article will step you through the process of selling thimbles. Some people may not know how to go about selling thimbles on the Internet; this step by step guide will hopefully help you get the most money for your thimbles.

Do You Want To Know The Shops Where You Could Visit To Buy An Old Silver Coin Pendant?
If you are interested in something as unique as an antique silver coin locket, then you may think that it will be difficult for you to be able to find one. However, the opposite is actually true.

Investors And Serious Collectors Alike Like The Kilo Silver Coin Collections
A good way to invest in bullion and collect coins at the same time is to buy some of the larger kilo silver coins. These large issues are very sought after as they are limited in issue and high value silver content being.999 pure silver.

Some Information About Coin Grading: Ways To Decide The Worthiness Of Your Coins
Coin grading is very important because it will help you determine the condition of your coins and their probably value. When it comes to coin collecting, people who know how to spot rare coins that are still in very good condition always have an edge.