File:A post medieval copper alloy thimble dating 16th - mid 17th century (FindID 579568).jpg

English: A post medieval copper alloy thimble dating 16th - mid 17th century. This thimble has a domed top and fine, regular, circular punching. The punches cover the peak and there is a break in the punches at the junction between the peak and the walls where there is a double, linear, circular border. The punches then continue approximately two thirds of the way down the walls with an incised line forming a border below. Below the incised line there is a decorative line of stamped triangles, then a plain border and finally two more rows of stamped triangles; the upper row are smaller triangles than the others with the points facing down and the low row are larger triangles with the points facing up; followed by an incised line. The punches are very worn, almost completely worn away in some areas, on the top of the thimble more punches have been created. These punches are larger and cruder than the original punches. The punches appear to have been created in rows of 4, set at angles to each other creating an irregular sub-circular pattern. There is a little distortion to the rim but this may have occurred post depositionally.

Similar thimbles are illustrated in Margeson (1993:188 fig139) and Egan (2005:132 no. 643), these examples are listed as being made in Nuremburg during the 16th century with the ones from Norwich being found in a mid 17th century rubbish pit. The reworking done on this example suggests the thimble was used over an extended period and the quality of the initial decoration suggests this thimble may also be from Nuremburg.

Dimensions: length: 16.59mm; diameter at peak: 12.47mm; diameter at base: 15.19mm; weight: 5.38g.

Reference: Margeson, S.1993. Norwich Households: The Medieval and Post-Medieval Finds From Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-1978. East Anglian Archaeology Report No. 58

Egan, G. 2005. Material Culture in London in an Age of Transition. MoLAS Monograph 19. English Heritage: London.