CHARITIES

An evocative artefact of one of the most successful British charities of the Great War. The Silver Thimble Fund was founded by Hope Elizabeth Hope Clarke of Wimbledon in 1915, and run from her house. Damaged trinkets made of precious metals, including 60,000 silver thimbles, were collected and melted down, paying for fifteen ambulances for the front and other medical transportation and equipment. The recipient is Mrs. Evelyn Julia Allan, listed in 1918 in the London Gazette as Honorary Secretary, Chelsea Division, British Red Cross.

All three items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Laid down on two leaves removed from a letterbook. All three on funeral paper, and all three in a secretarial hand. ONE: 1p., 12mo. Unsigned. Headed 'Governesses' Benevolent Institution | Home, 47 Harley Street'. It reports the resolution of the 'Home Committee', 11 March 1902, 'the decease of Mr. Klugh having been reported': 'The Ladies' Committee wish to express their deep sympathy with Mr.

16mo, 24 pp. Stitched. Text clear and complete. On aged and lightly-spotted paper. Topics, under nine headings, on pp.1-9, include the 'Aims and Methods' of the Society, constitution, 'Workers', 'Training for Social Work', 'Application for Help', 'Inquiry Department'. Pp.10-15 gives a list of different charity organisations in London, with names of officials, opening hours and other details. Pp.16-17 carry a list of borough offices of 'Metropolitan Mutual Registration of Assistance'. Pp.19-22 carries a 'List of District Committees and Offices.

12mo, 8 pp. Stapled. In original grey printed wraps. Text clear and complete. On aged paper and in spotted wraps.

The society's letterhead has a circular engraving, 1 1/2 inches in diameter, of Jesus and a fallen woman, surrounded by the quotation ':JESUS SAID UNTO HER, NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE: GO, AND SIN NO MORE.' It describes the Society as 'Being "THE LONDON FEMALE PENITENTIARY," founded at Pentonville, 1807, and "THE GUARDIAN SOCIETY," founded 1812, for the RESCUE, RECLAMATION, and PROTECTION of BETRAYED and FALLEN WOMEN from all parts of the United Kingdom, and now united under one management." 1 page, 8vo. Grubby, with staple marks and a closed tear affecting two words of text.