File:Post Medieval, Incomplete silver thimble (FindID 566984-431410).jpg

The thimble is incomplete as it was constructed in two parts: sides and the domed top. Only the lower body / sides are present, as the domed top is lost, presumed lost in antiquity. The body itself is crushed almost flat and the seam is split. The sides are decorated with a cast grid of square depressions (pits for the needle). Within this grid, is a repeating floral design, made from a four petaled flower, joined to another by two opposed curved lines.

At the base is a poorly preserved and worn inscription contained within a plain band. The inscription reads: LOVE + [ ]ERT EV saltire. No makers mark appears present.

The thimble measures 21.87 mm tall, 18.51 mm wide and 11.7 mm thick. The walls of the thimble are 0.70 mm thick. It weighs 5.8 g.

Other two piece thimbles such as this example have been recorded on the PAS database including SUR-B665D3, WILT-D47DF7, NMS-AAFFC2 and HESH-752695. All are considered to be 17th Century in dating, and therefore considered to be potential Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996 and should be reported.

Silver thimbles were used increasingly by the European nobility and gentry during the 17th Century but surviving examples are rare given that thimbles were much used and, when worn, were likely to have been melted down for their bullion value. In England, silver thimbles are documented as having been donated by women on the Parliamentary side to be melted down during the Civil War. Even later 17th Century English silver thimbles are rare, with few pieces in the national collections in The British Museum and the Museum of London.