Antique jeweled thimble FULLY hallmarked with egyptian symbols gold and silver jeweled wedding band

The first thimble ( also called Necessaries) was made in England was in 1695 by a Dutch metal worker named Lofting. It was called the " thumb- bell," because it was worn on the thumb when in use, and shapped like a bell. The shape eventually changed, but the name, softened into thimble, still remains. Originally, thimbles were used solely for pushing a needle through fabric or leather as it was being sewn. However they have since gained many other uses and mythologies. In the 1800s they were used to measure spirits (hence the phrase "just a thimbleful"). Women of the night used them in the practice of thimble-knocking where they would tap on a window to announce their presence. Thimble-knocking also refers to the practice of Victorian schoolmistresses who would tap on the heads of unruly pupils with dames thimbles. Thimbles have also been used as love-tokens and to commemorate important events. Records show that Queen Elizabeth gave jewel encrusted thimbles to her ladies in waiting. This thimble has golden cabs around the bottom like a jewel encrusted wedding ring. The bottom is 24kt gold plate ( inside as well) and the top is sterling. This is fully hallmarked with these markings : 10 ( thimble size I think) 925 ( sterling) , Germany and then what looks like two egyptian figures standing side by side ( the hallmark for the maker) . Here is an interesting piece of trivia about these german thimbles: One of the biggest suppliers of thimbles in the world was the the company Gebrueder Gabler in Schorndorf. They sold more than 4000 different types of thimbles in 18 different sizes and kept an on-hand inventory of over seven million silver thimbles. Each month one railroad car of thimbles was delivered to Russia alone. The company manufactured thimbles for 140 years until the heirs lost interest in the business. Using all his money, My father bought the company and made it ready for production. Two weeks after the publication of the product catelog a fire destroyed the entire plant. Such a rare etruscan beauty this antique thimble is!!!In very good condition too! It measures 1" tall x 3/4" wide. . VintageSparkles offers Layaway on all our pieces regardless of which site it comes from.All layaway payments will need to be in the form of a check or money order only. Please remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are full of old history and charm. Please use photos to make your decisions and read our policies prior to buying so you can have an excellent experience with us.