19th Century Umbrella with Silver Handle, Excellent Condition

Antiques : Accessories

 

Late 1800's to early 1900's black umbrella with wood shaft and an amazing 10 3/4" long repousse silver handle! This looks like a piece an Astor, Rockefeller, or Vanderbilt would have used. We believe this to be a Samuel Fox, England, piece as we recently acquired several Fox umbrellas: one was marked, and while this one doesn't have the Fox label attached, the mechanism and frame are identical. Fox invented the "modern" umbrella in the mid 1800's, using his engineering knowledge and metal works factory to improve on the straight-spoked parasols that were used at the time. This umbrella is in excellent condition and works perfectly; there are no rips or tears to the silk, while the open/close mechanism functions beautifully and the loop and button closure is intact and also is in great working order. The silver handle is 10 3/4" long and repousse'd with flowers and feathers, even has a cartouche in the center for monogramming (it has never been monogrammed). We cannot find a maker's mark on the silver, so we will assume it is silverplate though it polishes like sterling and smells like sterling. If it's sterling, then the fortunate buyer will be getting the bargain of the century! Overall length is 37", and the umbrella is 35" in diameter when open. A fantastic find!

Item ID: UB-8713