Ornate Carnelian Domed Silver Thimble w/ Hallmark!

[Erik in NJ]

Ornate Carnelian Domed Silver Thimble w/ Hallmarks!

Here's my favorite find from the farm field adjacent to the 13th century church in Devon. This was a real surprise for me and has only been lightly cleaned with mild dish soap and water so far. This very ornate silver thimble is domed with a hand carved carnelian stone which is flawless--nary a scratch! There are hallmarks on it, one of which is an anchor (see image) and the other I cannot make out. It is beautifully designed from head to toe and probably belonged to the lady of the manor in the area. It does not appear that it's ever been used. There's a slight blemish near the shield from movement in the ground during the 100s of years it was there and otherwise is perfect. I'm assuming it's Victorian era, but perhaps some of the English here will shed some light on it as well as the hallmark. I have never found a thimble before and this was one heck of a first for me! Thanks for viewing!

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Cry Of The Eagle: History And Legends Of The Cherokee Indians And Their Buried Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[plymouthian12]

WOW very nice i love finding thimbles

 

[SusanMN]

Absolutely beautiful. Great find!

 

[testing123]

wow, that thing is gorgeous, and looks like it was built like a tank!

 

[TENNESSEEGAL]

Oh my gosh!! I'd rather find that than a gold ring! Thats the first one Ive seen with an insert. So beautiful! I havent found a thimble yet. That sure is one heck of a first!

 

[jewelerguy]

that one is beautiful. congrats!

 

[JanThorCro]

That is beautiful.

 

[BixbyTreasure]

That is beautiful, when you decide you are tired of it, you can come lose it in my yard.

 

[Erik in NJ]

Thank you so much to everyone that has posted so far!! To me this thimble is "museum quality" and one of my favorite finds in over 12 years of detecting. I really appreciate your kind words!

 

[TNGUNS]

That is the kind of find that keeps me out there. Love the coins and CW relics but that is the kind of unique find that makes it worth while. For me anyway. Congrats and hope you take the time to investigate it further. Would love to know the age and origin etc. Saw the good ole USA flag on your profile. If you went to the UK to metal detect I would say that made the trip.

 

[staydetuned]

Absolutely beautiful find. Even plain silver thimbles excite me, but this thing is exquisite. It really gets the imagination going, and paints a vivid picture of wealth and social class. Awesome find!!

 

[Sooper Dave]

Awesome! That's some great detail for such a simple object. It seems that kind of detail on the simple things is what makes the "old stuff" so cool. Great Find, Way to go!

 

[mamabear]

Oh my gosh!! I'd rather find that than a gold ring! Thats the first one Ive seen with an insert. So beautiful! I havent found a thimble yet. That sure is one heck of a first!

I agree with Tenngal. that is an amazing find. It's in such good shape!

 

[Argentium]

Outstanding find !!! I know I've never seen a thimble with a stone included - I agree with a Victorian period of manufacture . You know our
UK friends will be taking us to school on this one . I love this find !!!! Argentium.

It occurs to me that the anchor - should be the city mark for Birmingham- do you see a date letter -or any
other marks ?

 

[Mackaydon]

Here's a similar one; allegedly from Sweden in the 1880s.
Gorgeous Antique Silver Thimble with Carnelian Stone Top - "Minne" from redmoonantiques on Ruby Lane
Don.......
Edit: And this one, possibly from Germany in the 1890s:Beautiful Thimbles / Silver thimble, carnelian top. Cir 1890,probably german

 

[Chisos]

If you're in England, call the Victoria and Albert museum in London. Bet they can tell you a great deal. Also, that is museum quality. Very, very nice. There is a similar one for sale on Ruby Lane antiques for $165, but your thimble is nicer.

 

[Jarl]

Now that is a Cadillac thimble there! Wish list!

 

[Tenspeed]

What a beautiful find! I would love to find a silver thimble. One as pretty as yours is just a bonus.

 

[leprechaun]

Really awesome thimble, have never had the pleasure of finding one, its on my wish list.

 

[rossman85]

you can swap out your thimble in your monopoly game for that nice one! lol