Antique silver thimbles are a miniature collector's dream, especially those with fine detail and workmanship. They are prized as miniature works of art.
Thimbles are miniature works of art and collectors of all things miniature love these pieces for their fine detail, especially the Victorian silver thimbles. This can be an expensive collection.
The Thimble in History
A Roman bronze thimble was used in Pompeii nearly 2000 years ago. Another Roman thimble was found at St Albans, England, a place known to the Romans as Verulamium. In the late 17th century a Dutch maker produced thimbles with dimples or pits to keep the needle from slipping.The earliest silver thimbles or those made before the mid 19th century were indented or pitted by hand, so it's easy to date older thimbles by the imperfections of the indentations that keep the needle from slipping.
Silver Thimble Collections
The most sought after silver thimbles are those with depictions of creatures, both mythical and realistic, as well as those with depictions of people, cherubs and landscapes. Some collectors have very focused silver thimble collections. They may look for specific makers or collect only those from a certain time period. Or, they may only collect souvenir silver thimbles. The art was in the attention to detail, and the best silver thimbles were beautifully enhanced.Solid Silver thimbles were rarely made because the material was not thought to be strong enough to keep the needle from puncturing through it. 19th century designer, Charles Horner began to make them with a steel foundation, covered with silver and these are generally known as Dorcas.
The German Silver Thimble
The German silver thimble is often prized for it's fanciful detailing around the rim which may include flourishes of flowers or birds. The German silver thimble can be more valuable to a collector than the English thimbles.A Price Guide to Antique Silver Thimbles
Most antique silver thimbles sell for less than $100, but there are some valued much higher. Those commemorating royal events of the 19th century can sell for as much as $1200 or as low as $500. Charles Horner silver thimbles can sell for as much as $500. There is an 1845 Silver Gilt Thimble made by Yapp and Woodward of Birmingham valued at over $5000.Rarity, maker and condition all play a role in valuing thimbles as with anything collectible or antique. Collectors should do their research before spending a fortune on these little works of art.
