The silver thimble recently discovered.
It can also be a tricky craft; one that many have unintentionally pricked their finger from.
The 17th-century silver tool provides insight into the romantic culture of the day.
The silver thimble recently discovered. (Photo:National Museum Cardiff)
To be honest, my cousin (who is also my detecting partner) was a little jealous!
Naturally, this find piqued Edwards interest.
I like to think about who used it, he admits.
A thimble-maker depicted in 1568. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)
Was it used in the castle I could see over the way?
Did someone get in trouble when it was lost?
Im very happy that Ive been able to share it with the rest of you.
Thimbles are fascinatingpieces of history, reflecting craftsmanship and social relations of the day.
This particular thimble is made of silver, two pieces soldered together centuries ago.
It likely dates to between1682 and 1740.
It bears an incised basket-like pattern all around the word surface.
According toARTnet’s Verity Babbs, the inscription means (in modern parlance) like enduringly, love forever.
This is a posy inscription.
These were common decorative motifs on rings, often given between lovers.
A thimble-maker depicted in 1568.
