Research into the archive shows that it is unlikely thimbles were made here before about 1972. Since about 1979 more interest was shown in ceramic thimbles and it may have been a response to this that caused the Spode production of this range to be developed. Production continued of this large range until about 1985/6 when it substantially decreased.

The thimbles were produced in bone china and were originally made by the 'jolleying' process but later by slip casting. They were 1" high (2.5cm). Shape number K1389 had a fluted side and embossed top and was introduced in 1972. In 1979 a plain shape was introduced with shape number K1542.

About 70 patterns are listed and some are detailed below and include designs introduced in the early 1800s as well as more recent and well-loved Spode patterns. A thimble display stand was also available. In 1985 the cost of a Spode bone china thimble was £1.85

A selection of patterns produced:

Butterflies, Cameos, Christmas Tree, English Birds, Floral Beige, Floral Blue, Flowers Girls, Fruit Ladies, Kite Flying, Painting, Plants, Small Tortoiseshell, Tropical Birds, Blue Italian, Rural Scenes (blue or pink), Tower (pink), Willow (blue), Woodman (pink), Balmoral Sprays, Birds, Campanula, Country Village, Marlborough Sprays, Mikado, Mulberry, Oriental Bird, Posy, Queen's Bird, Spring Clover, Summer Meadow, Trapnell Sprays and a set of 12 thimbles for the Twelve Days of Christmas.

In the 1970s a range of miniatures was produced under the name of Spode Gems and a thimble was produced as part of this range . Also commemorative thimbles were made for occasions such as the marriage of the Prince of Wales; the christening of Prince William; the 30th anniversary of the coronation and special commissions for individual organisations and retailers.

With thanks to Robert Copeland

A jolley is a machine for making hollowware. A jigger is a machine for making flat ware.