Here's a good one...
Excavations at a historic site in Sitka, Alaska (dating 1820-1840)
resulted in a huge collection of whats-its. But we also are curious
about some of the artifacts of known use. One such object is a small
brass thimble which had leather around it. The leather was clearly cut
then sewed so as to fit snugly on the thimble. Our research so far has
revealed no information about this technique. Is it specific to certain
trades or crafts - such as leather working or cobbling?
There was a large collection of cut leather and mongered shoes. There
were also thousands of textile fragments and cut scraps, but the main
function of the site appears to have been metal working (copper, iron
and lead).
Any way, any leads would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Margan Grover
Alaska State Parks
Office of History and Archaeology
Castle Hill - Noow Tlein Archaeology Project

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