Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 12/12/2005

Question
This thimble seems to be a leather working thimble because it has a very small pointed tip on the top end. It has a seam on the bottom side where it was put together. The component is very thin metal and may be a steel alloy of some type but I'm not sure.
What intrigues me is the trade mark T and a small captal D before the date May 13.1858.
Am I correct in assuming this is a leather working thimble and are you familiar with this particular type of thimble? Also can I assume that with a trade mark it was factory made?
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
Bruce Norwood

Answer
Hello Bruce.  Any chance you can send me a digital picture?  bacchino@twcny.rr.com  I have a book of 52 US thimble patents and I don't find the date you cite.  Could the "Td" actually be "Rd" which would make it English.  If you can send a picture, I may be more helpful.  Barb