DESCRIPTION
This is a classic, antique silver thimble and turned wooden or treen holder dating to the second half of the 19th century. The thimble is of a relatively rare design and features a decagonal (10 panel) rim. There is traditional punched dot / honeycomb decoration to the top and upper part of the shaft whilst alternate panels on the rim are engraved with various images such as an owl and comets, a sprig of leaves. Two of the blank panels have been engraved with the initials R and P , another has the size 8.
The thimble probably dates to between 1860 and 1880 but there is no date or maker’s mark. This is because prior to new regulations in 1884 most small items of British Sterling Silver did not carry hallmarks as they weighed less than the required amount for assaying. Hence, there are no marks . However, both Horner (Design no 586) and Fenton made thimbles of this shape at some point. A similar but hallmarked thimble dated 1888 is illustrated on page 9 of The Thimble Society of London Magazine – Summer 1988 . Another dated 1893 can be seen in the H&S Foskett section at thimbleselect.com.
The thimble is complete with a very attractive, 19th Century wooden holder which was used to protect it when not in use. The holder comprises turned boxwood in two parts with screw fitting.
A superb quality thimble and holder for discerning collectors!
Please also see my other thimbles available for sale.
CONDITION
Thimble: Excellent condition with no holes, dents or splits.
Holder: Very good condition. There is one larger and two or three smaller chips to the base and marks to the upper main section. However, these are simply commensurate with its age and use.
MEASUREMENTS
Thimble height: ¾”/20mm
Holder length: 2⅜”/60mm
TERMS
Payment by Paypal only
Will be well packed for shipping within UK or worldwide
Will combine shipping costs for more than one item