Thimble is an important tool in hand sewing and embroidery to protect the finger when pushing needle through fabric. Silver thimbles were often given as gifts as special personal items. By the 1970's when this was made, a silver thimble was more decorative than utilitarian as silver is a soft metal and holes easily.

Example of an attractive thimble designed by an Italian architect turned jewellery maker.

Silver thimble with narrow upper dimpled band and dimpled top, middle floral pattern band and small plain band at base

five pointed star 132 AR (Italian Registration for Giovanni Raspini), 800 (in oval), Italy

italian sewing tool decorative thimble

Sterling silver thimbles were a valued needlework tool and a presentation case kept them safe from damage and loss

Important item in era when hand sewing predominated. Thimble case to protect the thimble, an essential and valuable tool

Triangular green leather covered thimble case with brass clip and lining of

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Silver thimble made in America c 1880's when there was still a huge amount of domestic sewing down by hand and a thimble was an essential tool to protect the finger tip when pushing a needle through fabric. Sterling silver thimbles were special for their precious metal and this one came into the collection in a presentation box (T 513 1)

Simons Bros of Philadelphia, PA USA were a very large jewellery manufacturing company which started c 1840's, with successful mechanisation the firm was able to increase production and sell its products in the booming 1870-1880's and is still in business in 2024.

Sterling Silver Thimble with dimpled top half and panelled base

4 (size) on panel on lower band. Inside apex: Cursive S in a shield = Simons trademark