Thimble

Accession Number1986.008.0021

VesselNuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)

Datecirca 1600

DescriptionA domed, silver thimble of tapering-cylindrical form once protected a wearer’s fingertip as a needle was pushed through cloth or other materials during sewing. The indentations on the top of the thimble helped to secure the end of the needle so it would not slip during this process. These dozens of indentations have been individually punched. A decorative floral of leaf pattern is engraved on the sides of the piece. The fact that this thimble is made of silver and the similarity of the engraving to that found on other American-made items from the 1622 galleons suggests that it, too, was made in the colonies, likely South America.