Antique Painted Tunbridge Ware Thimble Egg

Sterling Silver Thimble * Circa 1820

This little egg is early painted Tunbridge Ware and was made in Tunbridge Wells (Kent) England between 1800 and 1820. The light-colored wood has been hand painted around the sides with fine red, green and black lines. The side has a label that says "A Brighton Trifle". The top unscrews and inside is a tall sterling silver thimble.

A corner of the label is chipped and it has some surface wear, but the painted lines are still bright. It's in overall nice condition with no chips, cracks or other damage. It measures about 2 1/4" long and 1 1/8" in diameter. The silver thimble is an early English one and it tests solid sterling silver. It is about an American size 9 (15.8 mm diameter opening). It has very fine knurling and is in excellent condition, crisp and in round with no holes, dents or other damage. Some needlework tools in this early painted Tunbridge ware are shown on pp. 95-96 of Nerylla Taunton's book "Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries".

Despite the name, this organization is for people who collect needlework tools And thimbles. It's the largest collector’s group in the world focusing on these wonderful little pieces of history.

The membership benefits are outstanding. They have a convention every two years where you'll have a chance to attend great programs and meet others sharing your interests. The next one is in San Antonio, TX in September of 2026. You will receive an excellent quarterly magazine, the "Bulletin". The member's sections of the website have dozens of research articles, hundreds of fake and repro items to beware of and price guides. There is also a chat room where you can ask questions and get expert feedback about your collection. Check them out today at thimblecollectors dot com.