The first sterling silver thimbles were discovered in Roman ruins. The basic function of a thimble is to be put on the index finger or thumb while sewing, as a guard to give protection to the finger that is pushing the needle. However, silver thimbles have other uses as well. They have been used to measure booze and prostitutes wore them to rap on client's windows.

Thimble collectors are called digitabulists. They may collect thimbles made of a mixture of materials including sterling silver. Some of these thimbles are known as a dual collectible. This means they appeal to more than one group of collectors. Thimbles have charm to people who collect vintage and decorative sewing items, while sterling silver thimbles appeal to people who collect valuable metals.

In addition to their silver content, sterling silver thimbles are prized based on a number of other factors. These include age, pattern, event commemorated, series and condition. Sterling silver thimbles are fabricated by multitude of companies. Each company is identified by its unique mark or pattern. In mid 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in London. Various companies made silver thimbles to commemorate it and this spawned two new categories of collectible thimbles, advertising and commemorative.

A couple of specialized varieties of silver thimbles are popular with collectors. One such thimble is the Dorcas. Because silver is softer than steel, a silver thimble can be punctured by a steel needle unless the thimble is reinforced with steel. Thimbles are also made in a series such as the Kentucky Derby Winners or the 50 states. These series are very popular with collectors who try to achieve an entire set. Rigorous cleaning will make an ancient sterling silver thimble more attractive and desirable to certain collectors.

Special cases are made to exhibit a thimble collection. Sterling silver thimbles have provenance and both decorative and intrinsic value. This is what has made them so popular with collectors for the last two centuries.

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