Accession Number

2008.005.040

Description

A sterling silver thimble with a scrolled rim. There is a narrow gold indented line above the rim. Above that is a hand-painted enamelled crest depicting a reclining lion with the word "Luzern" written below. The rest of the body is covered in knurling. The mark of Gabler Bros is in the inside top of the thimble.

Narrative

Thimbles are designed to protect the fingers and give increased leverage while pushing a needle through fabric. In the Victorian period, thimbles were often highly decorative and used as collectible as well as practical items. 

The Gabler Bros. was a thimble factory in Germany founded in the late eighteenth century. The Gabler Bros. trademark was an abstract eight-pointed daisy moulded on top of the thimble. "Luzern" refers to Lucerne, Switzerland.

History of Use

The donor was a collector of needlework items and left this to Craigdarroch as part of a large bequest of sewing tools.

Date

circa 1900

Dimensions

2.3 x 1.2 cm

Material

Metal, silver; Metal, gold; Enamel

Technique

Tooled; Painted; Fired

Country of Origin

Germany