I had to learn to use a thimble too. I liked the plastic ones years ago that you drop in hot water but they have changed. I had a metal, brass I think, thimble that I absolutely loved wore a hole slap through the top. Cannot find another that fits right. This one is one I got with a bunch of stuff off ebay . It says England 10 on it.It has a little rim around the top to keep the needle from slipping off. The leather ones I can only use for a short period of time before there are holes in them. I do have one that is a home made leather with some of the hair still on it. I cannot bring myself to even put it on my finger. ewww!! It also came in a lot I got years ago off ebay.