Re Guest Jack Campin
There is another more insidious thimble to be found in the better class establishment....
I once went into a haberdasher's shop and politely asked for thimbles.
The elderly assistant asked , even more politely if I required "gentlemen's or Ladies, sir?"
When I assured him of my manly aspirations he produced strange thimble shaped objects - with no ends!!!! Apparently gentlemen use the side of the finger so they dont need ends...
When I explained my needs more fully the reply was a rather pained " Oh sir!!"
His rather small stock of ladies thimbles were far to small, or should I say petite, for my short fat fingers.

Brrrrr ratta tatta tock tock ting to you all.

Andy