A thimble is a cap that fits over the finger to protect it when pushing a needle when darning or sewing. The word, derived from Middle English, literally means "thumb shield".

The thimble has a lengthy recorded history. The oldest existing thimble is Roman, found in the ruins of Pompeii. It is bronze. Nevertheless, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, are known to have made other thimbles. Crude thimbles of leather and bone quite possibly also existed because thimbles have been used by every known culture. These thimbles did not survive the centuries.

Throughout history, thimbles have evolved in a number of ways. Both the materials used and the means of production have changed. Thimbles have gained new uses and become fundamentally decorative and collectible rather than merely practical. Pioneer thimbles had to be sturdy because homespun fabric was coarse and needles were rough and unfinished. It was difficult to push the thread through the fabric so a strong, thick bronze or iron thimble, called a "skep"�, was required to prevent injury.

By the 15th century, cloth became more finely woven and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thin walled. These thimbles were commonly made of metal and imported from Germany, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, new methods of producing thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were made from sheet metal. These new thimbles also contained decorative motifs. The cap was separate and attached to the cylinder later. The new thimbles were taller and the top was flatter.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries Holland became the new seat of thimble production. However, in the late 17th century, John Lofting moved thimble production toEngland where the brass-working industry was currently established. He began to assemble thimbles in a scale unprecedented before. Then, he moved his assembly plant to Great Marlow, and used water power to double production.

By the early 18th century, he was producing 2 million thimbles per year. But he too succumbed to progress and thimble manufacturing moved to Birmingham, England by 1800. The fabrication of brass also upgraded during this period. A brand new formula made it more malleable and suitable for a different manufacturing process called "deep drawing" � that used less metal. This lowered the cost.

We are all aware that sewing is the primary use of the thimble. But did you know that a inappreciably larger thimble, usually two ounces, was used to measure spirits? And did you know that 19th century prostitutes used them to tap on their clients windows and Victorian schoolmistresses used them to knock recalcitrant students on the head?

Although they have become for the most part decorative, collectors interest in modern thimbles has not decreased. Thimbles originally created in silver are being reproduced in pewter thanks to new processes, developed in the 1950s that allow more elaborate design. New series of thimbles are being issued to commemorate everything from football teams to Disney characters. Every tourist destination offers souvenir thimbles to tourists.

Thimble collecting is an extremely cherished hobby worldwide. Plenty thimbles are fairly priced and readily available. Men, women and children collect them. Some collectors are interested in the history of thimbles while others collect them for their decorative significance. The unpretentious thimble has become a star. Some admire its humble origins and some its new found incarnations. It is still one of the most versatile and practical tools ever invented, born of necessity.

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