The Evolution of Thimbles Through Time
Thimbles, despite their humble and practical origin, have become a collector’s item through the course of history. What started out as a simple metal cap intended to protect the finger from needle pricks steadily became a treasured collectible and gifting accessory. The thimble has a lot of history behind it and has gone through a number of transformations both in its intended use and the material with which it is made. The oldest record of a thimble being used comes from the Etruscans, who made bronze thimbles, and the oldest thimble in existence today was found in the ruins of Pompeii. The modern version of the ornate thimble, however, was originally made in England in 1695. It was a bell-shaped piece of metal worn on the thumb, earning its name, thumb bell. Throughout the course of history, thimbles have been used as a means to discipline children in Victorian schools, as a measure of alcohol in the 19th century, and as donations to the British government during the first world war.