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