Brass Thimble
| This article discusses the history of brass thimbles. It explores the reasons brass was not used for thimbles until the 16th century, discusses the progress in manufacturing and materials used, and closes with a discussion of modern brass thimbles. |
Thimbles
Thimbles have been used for many centuries, but
brass thimbles did not come into use until sewing changed in the 16th
century. Early garments were sewn from coarse fabrics with rough
needles. It required effort to push the needle through and a stronger
bone, leather or metal thimble was required. When fabrics became lighter
and sewing more ornate, smaller needles were used and thimbles were made
of brass. During the middle ages, silver was not commonly used for
thimbles.
During the middle ages, precious metals were not commonly used for
thimbles so the primary metal was brass. Although some brass thimbles
were manufactured in England, most were manufactured in Nuremberg, where
a number of other brass items were made.
In the middle of the 16th century, better quality brass was developed at
Nuremberg, production methods were improved, and decorations began to be
added to thimbles. Thimbles of this period were made in two parts, the
body and the cap, which were soldered together. The indent pattern was
applied to the sheet metal before the thimble was formed.
By the 17th century, brass thimble manufacture moved to Holland which
remained the primary exporter of thimbles until England took over,
largely due to the genius of one man. John Lofting, a Dutch
industrialist opened a factory in Islington, England and began large
scale production in 1693. At capacity he manufactured more than two
million thimbles per year, all brass. Some were exported to the New
World. Although primarily manufactured for sewing, thimbles were also
popular with fur trappers who used them to trade with the Indians.
During the 18th century, Birmingham took over the brass thimble industry
by copying Lofting’s thimbles. During this period, both manufacturing
processes and the quality of the metal increased once again. The newly
composed brass was more malleable during the manufacturing process.
In the 19th century the price of brass thimbles went down due to mass
production. The thimbles produced at this time are thinner with definite
rims and indentations in the crown.
Brass thimbles prior to the 20th century did not carry size marks. Small
size thimbles were made for children. However, don’t picture the
charming child wearing her brass thimble and learning to sew at her
mother’s knee. Child labor was not outlawed until the mid-1800s.
Many attractive brass thimbles are still made today.
Some are signed and dated by artists. Attractive and highly polished,
they enhance any collection. However, unlike the brass thimbles
of bygone days, they are not meant to be used.