Thimble Rare Salmon Skin & Gilt – COA included

Description

An extraordinary, highly collectible novelty thimble wrapped in genuine textured black-and-silver salmon skin with a brilliant gold-plated/gilt interior and rim. Issued in July 1990 by the famous Thimble Collectors' Guild in Biggar, Scotland, this unique piece comes complete with its original Certificate of Authenticity (COA). A standout addition for any serious sewing memorabilia or numismatic-adjacent novelty collector.

Overview

This is a remarkably preserved, highly unusual collectors' item: the "Salmo" Thimble, manufactured from an innovative byproduct of the Scottish salmon farming industry. Released over three decades ago in July 1990, it features an incredible overlapping, scale-like texture of real fish skin, dyed in a striking black and silver pattern.

The interior and protective rims are beautifully finished in a bright, reflective gold gilt, providing a stunning contrast to the organic, dark exterior texture.

The Backstory: The Thimble Collectors' Guild

This piece was distributed by The Thimble Collectors' Guild, which was famously established by Arthur Bell at the historic Thistle Mill in Biggar, Scotland. Operating heavily through the late 1980s and 1990s, the Guild was renowned for experimenting with exotic, highly controversial, and unique organic materials (including a notorious run of kangaroo-hide thimbles). Because these organic-wrapped series were produced in limited quantities and required specialized craftsmanship to bind the skin to the core, intact survivors with their paperwork are exceptionally scarce today.

Condition Report

Exterior Skin: Excellent vintage condition. The natural fish scales retain their distinct layered, overlapping texture and distinct black-and-silver variegation.

Gilt Base/Interior: Mirror-bright gold finish inside. Very minor, natural age-related handling wear on the top cap and bottom rim as expected, but zero structural damage, deep scratches, or dents.

COA Paperwork: Complete and fully legible with clean text and crisp decorative borders (shows light handling folds consistent with age).

Authenticity:

I guarantee this thimble to be authentic.

•  I do not sell home made replicas.

Terms & Conditions

• Do not bid on this item if you do not intend to honour your commitment to buy.

Shipping & Handling:

• Packaging: The thimble will be securely packed to prevent damage during transit.
• Dispatch: Orders are typically processed and handed over to the courier within 3 business days of cleared payment.
• Tracking: A tracking number will be provided immediately upon dispatch.