Ancient Roman Bronze Thimble - 28 mm (No reserve price)
02
days
09
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08
minutes
07
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Current bid
€ 19
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €19 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €14 | |
| €1 |
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An Ancient Roman bronze thimble, 28 mm high, with a closely dimpled surface and concentric grooves.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Roman Bronze Thimble with Decorative Dimpled Surface
Culture / Period: Roman Imperial Period
Date / Period: Circa 1st–4th century AD
Material: Bronze / Copper Alloy
Dimensions: 28 mm
No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid.
Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 1019
According to the previous owner, the object had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands. The date on which it entered that collection is unknown.
The previous owner, B.N. from Schiedam (the Netherlands), stated that the object had been in his collection, although the date of acquisition was not provided.
The current owner (S.N.J. S.) purchased the thimble from B.N. in Schiedam, the Netherlands.
No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner.
Background Information:
This bronze thimble features a rounded, closed top and a cylindrical body covered with numerous closely arranged circular indentations. These dimples provided a secure surface against which the end of a sewing needle could rest, helping to prevent slipping when pushing the needle through resistant materials. The upper section is further distinguished by concentric decorative grooves.
Thimbles and related finger protectors belong to the long history of textile production and needlework. In the Roman world, sewing was an essential activity associated with the manufacture and repair of clothing, household textiles, leather goods and other everyday materials. Such work was carried out in domestic settings as well as specialised workshops.
Roman textile production formed an important part of the economy, with garments and fabrics manufactured, repaired and traded throughout the Empire. Skilled craftspeople employed needles made from bone, bronze and iron, alongside various tools designed to assist with sewing and fabric preparation.
Bronze thimbles were produced using established metalworking techniques, with the characteristic indentations applied to provide a practical gripping surface. However, fully enclosed, densely dimpled thimbles are particularly well documented in medieval and later European contexts. Consequently, the Roman attribution of this example should be regarded as provisional without a secure archaeological context or closer typological comparison
Roman Bronze Thimble with Decorative Dimpled Surface
Culture / Period: Roman Imperial Period
Date / Period: Circa 1st–4th century AD
Material: Bronze / Copper Alloy
Dimensions: 28 mm
No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid.
Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 1019
According to the previous owner, the object had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands. The date on which it entered that collection is unknown.
The previous owner, B.N. from Schiedam (the Netherlands), stated that the object had been in his collection, although the date of acquisition was not provided.
The current owner (S.N.J. S.) purchased the thimble from B.N. in Schiedam, the Netherlands.
No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner.
Background Information:
This bronze thimble features a rounded, closed top and a cylindrical body covered with numerous closely arranged circular indentations. These dimples provided a secure surface against which the end of a sewing needle could rest, helping to prevent slipping when pushing the needle through resistant materials. The upper section is further distinguished by concentric decorative grooves.
Thimbles and related finger protectors belong to the long history of textile production and needlework. In the Roman world, sewing was an essential activity associated with the manufacture and repair of clothing, household textiles, leather goods and other everyday materials. Such work was carried out in domestic settings as well as specialised workshops.
Roman textile production formed an important part of the economy, with garments and fabrics manufactured, repaired and traded throughout the Empire. Skilled craftspeople employed needles made from bone, bronze and iron, alongside various tools designed to assist with sewing and fabric preparation.
Bronze thimbles were produced using established metalworking techniques, with the characteristic indentations applied to provide a practical gripping surface. However, fully enclosed, densely dimpled thimbles are particularly well documented in medieval and later European contexts. Consequently, the Roman attribution of this example should be regarded as provisional without a secure archaeological context or closer typological comparison
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st-2nd century A.D.
Name of object
Thimble
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
28 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
