P.H. Vogel & Co | Silver-Plated 'Just a Thimbleful' Spirit Measure | 1½ oz | England | Mid-20th Century

P.H. Vogel & Co | Silver-Plated 'Just a Thimbleful' Spirit Measure | 1½ oz | England | Mid-20th Century

A measure for spirits, shaped like a thimble and stamped with its own excuse.

P.H. Vogel & Co. of Birmingham made novelty spirit measures in the form of oversized sewing thimbles, in both silver plate and sterling silver. Stamped "JUST A THIMBLEFUL", they pair a familiar household object with a joke about drinking. The design appears on pieces attributed to the 1930s and continued in later production.

The measure is a tapering cylinder with a rolled rim. The lower two-thirds are covered in the close dimpling of a real thimble. A plain band above it, edged with fine beaded lines, is stamped "JUST A THIMBLEFUL" in capitals. The interior is plated. The base is stamped "P.H.V. & Co", "MADE IN ENGLAND" (last letters rubbed) and "1½ OZ".

The measure is in good condition, with visible wear to the silver plating, exposing copper around the rim and in patches on the underside. The base also shows scattered dark spots and light surface scratches, with minor marks to the plain upper band. The inscription and textured decoration remain well defined, and there are no dents or splits.

Key Details

• Maker: P.H. Vogel & Co., Birmingham, England
• Form: thimble-shaped spirit measure
• Inscription: "JUST A THIMBLEFUL"
• Capacity: 1½ oz (as stamped)
• Material: silver plate over copper, with copper visible where the plating has worn
• Marks: "P.H.V. & Co", "MADE IN ENGLAND", "1½ OZ"
• Date: mid-20th century (attributed)
• Dimensions: height 5 cm
• Weight: 36 g
• Condition: good; plating worn to copper at the rim and in patches on the base; small spots and light scratches to the base; minor marks to the upper band; no dents or splits
• Buyer profile: collectors of barware and cocktail accessories, thimble collectors, and anyone looking for a gift with a sense of humour

Collector Appeal

With its playful inscription and oversized thimble form, this English spirit measure brings together two collecting interests: barware and sewing-related curiosities. The marked maker and stamped capacity add interest, and its small size suits a cabinet or a collection of novelty drinking measures.

One thimbleful, as the measure says, and not a drop more.