Vintage Carved Ivory Thimble by John von Hoelle

This unusual thimble was hand carved of ivory by Jon von Hoelle. It is the thimble shown on p. 126 (#574) of his book the New International Edition of “Thimbles Collector’s Encyclopedia”. He says (on p. 123) that he had carved about 100 of these, all different. He shows some of them on pp. 126 and 231. The book was published in 1986 so that helps date this piece. The collection I’m selling it from bought 4 from him.

This thimble has a beautifully pierced band and an unusual squared off top. It’s about an American child’s size 5 (13.5 mm diameter opening) and it measures 7/8″ high. The condition is perfect with no chips, cracks or other damage.