A hand-punched bronze thimble dating from around the 15th century A.D.

 

Derived from the earlier 'beehive' type, this 500yr old thimble would probably have been produced in a local smithy, as a large-scale, copper-alloy working industry had yet to develop in England.

 

Much like spindle-whorls and lead palm-guards, thimbles are common 'cloth-working' implements often found by metal detectorists. This particular item was discovered in North Norfolk, UK.