Vintage view: Collectable thimbles

THIMBLES are intimate, feminine little objects, which despite their small size, utilitarian nature, and often low monetary value, are faithfully collected by needle-crafting fans and anyone with an eye for a detailed, lovely object with the added elixir of daily use.

Their design has not really changed since the Bronze Age, when thimbles were made of bronze, leather, or wood in a domed cup to cover vulnerable finger tips during sewing.