When Were The First Commemorative Thimbles Issued?
The first silver thimbles were uncovered in Ancient ruins. The chief function of a thimble is to be worn on the thumb or index finger while mending, as a guard to care for the finger that is pushing the needle. Nonetheless, silver thimbles have other uses as well. Thimbles have been used to measure scotch and ladies of the night wore them to rap on customer's windows.
Thimble collectors are called digitabulists. They may collect thimbles made of a mixture of materials including steel. Many of these thimbles are known as a dual collectible. This means they appeal to more than one group of serious collectors. Thimbles have intrigue to people who collect choice and ornate sewing items, while sterling silver thimbles appeal to people who collect valuable metals.
In addition to their silver content, sterling silver thimbles are prized based on a number of other factors. These are pattern, event commemorated, series, condition and age. Thimbles are fashioned by variety of companies. Each company is identified by its unique mark or trade mark. In 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park, London. All sorts of companies made sterling silver thimbles to honor it and this spawned a couple of new categories of collectible thimbles, commemorative and advertising.
A variety of specialized types of sterling silver thimbles are popular with collectors. One such thimble is the Dorcas. Since silver is softer than steel, a silver thimble can be penetrated by a steel needle unless the cap is lined with steel. Thimbles are also made in a series such as the 50 states or Kentucky Derby Winners. These series can be very popular with serious thimble collectors who try to acquire a whole set. Considerate cleaning will make an old sterling silver thimble more attractive and desirable to collectors.
Special cases are made to exhibit a thimble collection. Sterling silver thimbles have provenance and both intrinsic and decorative value. This is what has made them so cherished with collectors for the last two centuries.
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