3" FORGED DRILL, FOR LEATHER? WOOD? AND COOL THIMBLE, "THO ABSENT EVER DEAR"

[muddpuppy]

3" FORGED DRILL, FOR LEATHER? WOOD? AND COOL THIMBLE, "THO ABSENT EVER DEAR"

Howdy all. These two relics were recovered from a home site found on a 1862 map and not on the 1875 map. It was difficult to locate, few targets including iron and is in high corn stubble about 300 yards from the nearest access. I will wait until next season to return, after beans. The drill is 3" and has a brass handle(I think, looks lead'ish, but very hard). Any ideas on it's purpose is appreciated. I was able to find examples of the thimble from a few of archeological excavations and EBay, apparently mid 1800s, but little on the origin of the phrase "Tho Absent Ever Dear". Keep Swinging!!

 

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[against the wind]

Cool finds,,
I found a thimble on E-bay that was sold. It was listed as a Victorian Keepsake, 1860.
It has the same inscription.

 

[jhumbert40]

Just my opinion,but the other thing you may have there is some thing like a key to open sardine cans..lol Thats what it looks like to me... Not sure they even had that back then ,but you never know...Great finds by the way...Seems like that place may have a lot more relics for you... Good Luck ..

 

[pa plateau hiker]

It's a tool used to start screw holes in wood. I'm sure there is a correct name for, but I don't know what it is.

 

[muddpuppy]

Thanks pa plateau hiker. I found the name Gimlet. Gimlets were also used to bore out the cannon fuse hole or vent in order to clear residue. ˈ
ɡimlət/
noun
[COLOR=#878787 !important][/COLOR]

• 1.
  a small T-shaped tool with a screw-tip for boring holes.
  
  
  

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on the thimble and drill