Dalip Saund, the first Asian-American Member of Congress, gave away thimbles (among other campaign items) during his first run for Congress in 1956. In addition to a background in party politics, Saund served four years as an elected judge. He earned a reputation as a first-rate legal mind, going head-to-head with practiced attorneys. Saund’s judgeship became a huge part of his identity and a springboard to national office. When he ran for the House, he ran as “Judge Saund,” the name on this thimble.
