15th century thimble & fabric

[hammered]

15th century thimble & fabric

I managed to get out for an hour or so just before lunch today. The temp was about 2C, but the sun was shining and there was no breeze, although the ground was a bit soggy. For the first 45 minutes or so I was just finding bits of lead and a few buttons, then, on the homeward leg, I got a good strong signal and at about 6 inches out popped this beautiful medieval thimble . When I got home and cleaned it I was surprised to find a small piece of fabric rolled up inside it. I took photos' and sent them to the UKDFD and they confirmed the age and the fact it is quite rare to find fabric still intact inside them. This is one item I will donate to the museum .


The thimble in the ground


Side view of thimble with fabric


Top view

UKDFD link http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=28798&cat=9&limit=recent&date=1129667380


hammered

 

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Very cool find mate! Love the old material found within, just amazing!
What's it made of bronze or copper?

 

[shaun7]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Fantastic

I wonder what the fabric was for Maybe somebody's finger was too small

Amazing how it's still there

 

[hammered]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Very cool find mate! Love the old material found within, just amazing!
What's it made of bronze or copper?

Thanks mate .Officially it is copper alloy, which as far as I'm aware means bronze.

Fantastic

I wonder what the fabric was for Maybe somebody's finger was too small

Amazing how it's still there

Thanks shaun, I was totally amazed too, there is very little damage and it was hard packed with clay. Maybe that was what preserved the fabric . I have the fabric in a little ziplock bag until I can get to the museum tomorrow


hammered

 

[shaun7]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Very cool find mate! Love the old material found within, just amazing!
What's it made of bronze or copper?

Thanks mate .Officially it is copper alloy, which as far as I'm aware means bronze.

Fantastic

I wonder what the fabric was for Maybe somebody's finger was too small

Amazing how it's still there

Thanks shaun, I was totally amazed too, there is very little damage and it was hard packed with clay. Maybe that was what preserved the fabric . I have the fabric in a little ziplock bag until I can get to the museum tomorrow


hammered

They could probably get an exact date from the fabric, that would be good.

 

[Silver Searcher]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric



That's a great find Ian and intact to never get sick of seeing them come from the ground

SS

 

[HISPAN]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Fantastic

I wonder what the fabric was for Maybe somebody's finger was too small

Amazing how it's still there

Yes the linen cloth was to fit well within the thimble on one finger too small .....
The radiocarbon( C14) dating method is the most reliable way to know the age of organic samples ,but only give an approximate date not the actual date of manufacture .... The old Thimbles were used for hundreds of years till they out broke. then the thimble could be manufactured in the 10th century and reused in the 15th century ....
Greetings!

 

[cntrydncr1]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

awesome thimble and how incredible that it had fabric with it! congrats on the great find

 

[hammered]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Reminds me of my early days when I throw away a piece of medieval fabric like yours which was in a strap-end - proved they used other material other than leather. It can be dated & was more valuable than the strapend. Make sure its properly conserved (but I'm sure you knew that). The right people will be pleased to handle that one

Hi Cru, I have the fabric in 2 mini grip (zip-lock) bags, I also didn't let it dry out, that would be bad. I don't know if my local museum has the financial budget for conservation, I will call them before I go there. If not, I might call Colchester museum.


hammered

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Wow Ian, that is really cool to find the fabric too!

 

[theviking]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Killer find! And with fabric.. Amazing, thanks for the view.

 

[hammered]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

That's a great find Ian and intact to never get sick of seeing them come from the ground

SS

Thanks Colin , it may not be gold or silver but this is now one of my favourite finds and definitely my favourite thimble. Maybe we should start a thread titled "Post your best thimble" .

 

[shaun7]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

That's a great find Ian and intact to never get sick of seeing them come from the ground

SS

Thanks Colin , it may not be gold or silver but this is now one of my favourite finds and definitely my favourite thimble. Maybe we should start a thread titled "Post your best thimble" .

I've got a nice one

 

[KRAZYHORSES]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

nice!! a little time capsule enjoy the hobby scott

 

[hammered]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

That's a great find Ian and intact to never get sick of seeing them come from the ground

SS

Thanks Colin , it may not be gold or silver but this is now one of my favourite finds and definitely my favourite thimble. Maybe we should start a thread titled "Post your best thimble" .

I've got a nice one

I've set the thread up so you can go and post now

nice!! a little time capsule enjoy the hobby scott

Thanks scott, and happy hunting to you .


hammered

 

[joeyfresh]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

How in the world did that fabric survive. Amazing find!

 

[Erik in NJ]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Next you're gonna try to make us believe that 1977 US cent that you found wrapped inside the fabric is medieval too! (just taking the mickey out of you mate - in fun ("just kidding" for us Yanks)

That's a stellar find!! Do you think the copper in the thimble helped preserve the fabric inside? Keep us informed as to what the museum has to say!

Best, Erik

 

[hammered]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

Next you're gonna try to make us believe that 1977 US cent that you found wrapped inside the fabric is medieval too! (just taking the mickey out of you mate - in fun ("just kidding" for us Yanks)

That's a stellar find!! Do you think the copper in the thimble helped preserve the fabric inside? Keep us informed as to what the museum has to say!

Best, Erik

Thanks Erik , as soon as I get an answer from the museum I will post it .


hammered

 

[Iron Patch]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

That is something else and talk about beating the odds.

 

[DMN]

Re: 15th century thimble & fabric

That's a rarity, to be sure! Would be interesting to find out its particulars, like how it was woven, the type of material, was it a local weave or brought from another locale; the list goes on. Hope you can pass on the info, providing the museum does to you and you are willing for us.

Once again, stellar.