Royal Worcester Thimbles
 
During the 1840s a new hard, white unglazed porcelain, known as "statuary porcelain" and later as "Parian" because of its marble-like quality, was first produced by Spode.  Royal Worcester began making thimbles during the mid 19th Century.  From 1860 to 1939 they used 'parian' which is smooth with a creamy colouring. The thimbles were hand painted. 
 
Later Royal Worcester began to use Bone China which is very white and translucent.  One of the first fine bone china thimbles produced for the collectibles market was made by Royal Worcester in 1974.  It is known as the 'Bridal' thimble and is is one Royal Worcesters most recognisable thimbles.  It was not hand painted  but was decorated by means of a decal. 
 
Thimble collecting became more popular throughout the 1970's and 1980's and Royal Worcester phased out their handpainted thimbles.  Early in 1980 their decal thimbles became collectible items in their own right and very popular with collectors.
 
Royal Worcester produced their last decal thimbles in 1985. With the exception of thimbles that were made under commission they only produced decal thimbles' for about 11 years. 
 
Sadly after 255 years of producing fine porcelain the Royal Worcester factory has now closed in Worcester in England. Their manufacturing base in now in Sri Lanka.
                                                             Facts taken from an article by
                               Sue Gowan, Australia