Carved coquilla nut thimble holder and silver thimble

In the 18th and 19th centuries the Brazilian coquilla nut was carved into an impressive range of ornamental items - snuff boxes, nutmeg graters, bell pulls and umbrella handles. This basketform thimble holder probably dates to the middle of the nineteenth century c. 1840-60. It is just under 5 centimetres tall but has very detailed carving to the base and lid. It is in remarkable condition for its age and the lid fits perfectly. There is something incredibly appealing about these small tactile objects. Inside there is a bright blue fabric housing for the silver thimble. The blue fabric is showing its age in places but remains intact and in fair condition. The thimble is unmarked so I'm assuming silverplate but given that small sterling items did not need to be hallmarked until the 1880s it may well be sterling and simply predate the requirement for hallmarks. It is slightly out of round but otherwise in perfect condition with a lovely band of etched decoration and space for the owner to have their initials engraved if desired. 

Please look closely at the photographs as they form part of the description and ask if you have any questions at all.