Thimble collecting is a hobby that is gaining popularity. Today there are many choices available that allow thimble collectors to personalize their collection.
Did you know there is a name for people who collect thimbles? They refer to themselves as digitabulists. The history of the thimble dates back to ancient times. The first primitive thimbles were made of wood, bronze, bone, tin, and ivory. Many of these thimbles did not have a top. The needle was pushed through the material by using the side of the thimble. During the Victorian era, thimbles were a popular gift for men to give their loved one. Most of these thimbles were made of silver or gold. It was a common tradition for the bottom of the thimble to be cut off and used as a wedding ring if the two later married. In the 1940's and 1950's, many advertisers chose to promote their products through thimbles. Some of the most sought after advertising thimbles contain images of food and soft drink products. Most of these thimbles are considered limited editions and are of higher value if in good condition. Although thimbles are not used as much for practical purposes today, there are many more types and styles around for collectors to enjoy. The majority of thimble collectors are women but they vary greatly in age. Many women acquire an interest in thimble collecting from their mother, grandmother, or other female relative. As ironic as it may seem, not all thimble collectors are sewers. Some people simply enjoy the hobby of collecting these interesting little pieces.
It is relatively easy to start a thimble collection. You don't need a lot of money to begin purchasing thimbles. Flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, and antique shops are good sources for locating thimbles. Often you can find attractive thimbles for a few dollars. Thimbles can also be purchased online through companies or auction sites. However, before purchasing any item online make sure you have ample knowledge of the product. Just because someone says an item is worth a certain amount or was manufactured on a certain date doesn't mean it is true. Research the item as much as you can before making a purchase. It is best not to purchase anything too expensive at first. Have a good look around at all that is available. Many modern day thimbles are for collecting only. They are not made to withstand much wear. A good example of this is porcelain thimbles.
One of the first things you should decide when starting your collection is what type of material the thimbles should be made of. Do you like the look of brass, gold, silver, pewter, tin, or porcelain? The type of material used will also affect the price of the thimble. Decide how much you want to spend on your collection and how much time you want to invest in it. A lot of the fun of thimble collecting is researching where and when a certain thimble was manufactured. Some people choose to base their collection around a specific manufacturer. Once you have chosen a material type for your thimbles, the next step is to base your collection around a certain theme. There are numerous possibilities available. You can collect thimbles as souvenirs from vacation trips. If you are a bird or flower enthusiast, you many want to only purchase thimbles that contain birds or flowers. If you do not wish to spend much time hunting for thimbles, there are many companies that offer sets of thimbles to collectors. Often they allow you to purchase the items one at a time and pay for them over an extended period of time.
If you would like more information on thimble collecting, check out the books available at your local library or join a club that provides resources for thimble collectors. Often these groups will publish newsletters that offer special deals for members to purchase thimbles or books related to thimble collecting. Although thimbles are not used as much in our daily lives as before, they still have a special place in the homes of many modern day collectors.
