Metal Sewing-Thimbles Found in Britain

Read, Brian

Archaeopress Archaeology（2018/07発売）

• 製本 Paperback:紙装版/ペーパーバック版／ページ数 102 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9781784919450
• DDC分類 688

Full Description

This is the first reference book that deals specifically with all types of sewing-thimble made from copper-alloy or silver, or either of these metals combined with iron or steel, and found in Britain: also included is a seemingly rare gold specimen. Domed, ring-type and open-top (here the latter classed as a new type) sewing-thimbles are described, among them unusual examples and others previously absent from the known record. From Britain the earliest reliable dating for these humble yet fascinating tools is between c.1270 - c.1350, and continues through the medieval and early post-medieval period and into the 18th and 19th centuries. Dating from at least the 17th century, subjected to detailed attention is the largely neglected sailmakers' and sailors' palm-iron, a heavy-duty tool made from either iron, steel or copper alloy. Also described are the two known types of silver or copper-alloy finger guard, an 18th - 19th century tool used in conjunction with finer sewing-thimbles. The majority of sewing-thimbles and other sewing-tools catalogued here are credited to metal-detectorists or members of The Society of Thames Mudlarks, who also use metal-detectors. To show constructional detail, each object is archaeologically drawn. This information is essential for metal-detectorists, archaeologists, museum curators, sewing-tool collectors and dealers, or anyone with an interest, seeking to gauge the type or age of any particular sewing-thimble or palm-iron.

Contents

Notes on Illustrations; Foreword; Metal Sewing-Thimbles; Metal Ring-Type Thimbles; Metal Domed Thimbles; Metal Open-Top Thimbles; Metal Finger-Guards; Metal Palm-Irons; Metal So-called Palm Guards; Bibliography