Enamel Thimbles

The word “enamel” in our context refers to one coating (usually shiny) over another surface. The enamel we’re referring to is the form called vitreous enamel. This is the result of the fusion of powdered glass to a metal base through the process of heating or firing. At a high temperature (usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius) the powder melts and flows and then hardens as a smooth coating over the metal.

Once cooled, the enamel needs to be polished to achieve a glassy finish. It can also be applied as a paste and can be transparent or opaque when fired.

Vitreous enamel has many wonderful properties: it’s smooth, hard, chemically inert and can take on bright, jewel like colors that last through the ages. The primary drawback is its tendency to shatter or crack when struck or when the metal base is bent. This is probably the reason we have no examples of enamel thimbles prior to the 18th century, even though we have

written records of some made as early as the 1500s.

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Vintage Ant. 925 HOLLAND Sterling Enamel Dutch Windmill Floral Thimble, # 7	PayPal	-	$22.99	7h 27m
Antique Vtg. J.A.HENCKELS Sterling Germany Enamel Guilloche Windmill Thimble # 8	PayPal	2	$34.75	8h 19m
HEARTWOOD CREEK Jim Shore Enameled Metal Sewing 4020600 FLORAL THIMBLE	PayPal	-	$9.07	11h 22m
HEARTWOOD CREEK Jim Shore Enameled Metal Sewing 4020601 QUILT PATTERN THIMBLE	PayPal	-	$9.07	11h 24m
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Brass Cloisonne Enamel Thimble Extra Tall Bird Design - Beautifully Made!	PayPal	-	$7.99	11h 33m
Vintage Cloisonne Enamel Metal Collector Thimble Goldtone	PayPal	-	$4.99	13h 29m
Vintage Sterling Silver & Enameled #8 Thimble	PayPal	2	$11.09	14h 43m
VINTAGE THIMBLE SET - POPEYE & OLIVE OYL BRASS ON ENAMEL 2 THIMBLES MINT COND.	PayPal	1	$9.95	15h 38m
Vtg.HENCKELS Sterling Germany Enamel Guilloche "Children Frolicking" #8 Thimble	PayPal	-	$32.99	1d 9h 26m