Repoussé Cherub/Putti Motif Sterling Silver Thimble
Sewing Tool / Vanity Object · Unknown Continental or American Manufacturer; possibly Simons Bros. Co. or a German silversmith like Simon Rosenau given the high-relief style.
Pattern: Cherub/Putti Figural Repoussé; Victorian Revival style.
Type
Sewing Tool / Vanity Object
Maker
Unknown Continental or American Manufacturer; possibly Simons Bros. Co. or a German silversmith like Simon Rosenau given the high-relief style.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). Most likely solid construction rather than plated.
Dimensions
Standard size 9 or 10 thimble. Approximately 2.0 - 2.5 cm in height and weighing 4 - 7 grams.
Description
An exquisite example of figural silverwork, this thimble features a lively scene of cherubs in high relief. The oxidation in the recessed areas provides a dramatic contrast, highlighting the depth of the chasing. Such pieces were often gifted as symbols of affection or 'love tokens'.
Key Features
360-degree figural relief, prominent '925' purity mark, and heavily oxidized 'antique' finish characteristic of the Romantic Revival period.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). Most likely solid construction rather than plated.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized high-relief repoussé and chasing. Features a continuous frieze of winged cherubs or putti in a garden landscape. The base features a plain polished band.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '925' indicating sterling silver purity. An adjacent indistinct mark appears to be a small maker's symbol or a regional assay branch mark, possibly a 'fish' or 'bird' silhouette common in European hallmarks.
Construction Details
Likely die-struck and then hand-chased to sharpen detail. The top (apex) would be knurled/dimpled for needle grip, while the body is seamed or deep-drawn.
Functional Features
Knurled top for preventing needle slippage; reinforced bottom rim for structural integrity during heavy sewing tasks.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Functional grip provided by the dimpled texture on the apex of the thimble.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality repoussé work with good anatomical detail in the figures. The seam is well-hidden within the pattern, indicating professional workshop standards.
Authentication Indicators
The '925' mark is consistent with modern silver standards. The wear pattern on the raised surfaces of the cherubs' limbs indicates genuine age and handling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Germany or USA. Germany (Hanau) was famous for 'pseudo-historical' repoussé work, while Philadelphia (Simons Bros) dominated the high-end American thimble market.
Era & Period
Late Victorian or Edwardian style (c. 1890-1915), though the '925' stamp suggests a 20th-century production or a Continental export piece.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1930. The clarity of the '925' stamp and the casting quality suggest early-to-mid 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of domesticity and decorative arts; thimbles were prized status symbols in 19th-century sewing circles.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible tarnish in the crevices (intentional oxidation). The rim shows minor surface scratches but remains circular and not crushed. No visible needle-piercing damage.
Value Estimate
$45 - $85 USD depending on the clarity of the maker's mark and specific regional demand.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and a small amount of silver cream. Avoid silver 'dips' which would strip the attractive oxidation from the recessed details and ruin the visual depth.
Similar Pieces
Simons Bros. 'Cupid' thimbles have similar themes but often feature a different rim profile. Charles Ihorner (UK) thimbles would feature British hallmarks rather than a simple '925' stamp.
Interesting Facts
In the Victorian era, silver thimbles were one of the few 'socially acceptable' gifts a man could give to a woman who was not his wife, as they were seen as practical tools.