Antique Figural Silver Needlework Compendium/ Thimble * Germany * Circa 1800

This rare silver compendium is in the form of a gentleman’s leg. It is solid silver and is heavy and solid for its size (weighs 23.5 grams). It has silver marks on the sole. One is a “12”, the German 12 löthiges mark for 750/1000 pure silver. The other is the maker’s mark. The thimble on top unscrews and underneath is a bobbin for thread. That unscrews and a needle case is below that. These sliver compendiums were popular in the late 18th and early 19th century but this is the only one I’ve ever seen that has a figural shape. One in the more usual shape is shown on p. 26 of Nerylla Taunton’s book Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries. I’ve also included a picture of one below.

The leg has wonderful details. The buckled shoe is below a stocking engraved with textured designs. The pantaloons are buttoned at the sides. The tall thimble is about an American size 9 (15.5 mm diameter opening) but narrows quickly and would fit smaller fingers. The condition is excellent with no holes or damage and everything screws together perfectly. It measures 4 1/4″ high.