MOP Mother of Pearl Parasol Handle With Rolled Gold, Victorian Era

Antiques : Parasol Handle : Umbrella Handle : Cane Handle

 

Probably a gift from a loving suitor to a fashionable lady of the late 1800's, this handle has survived until today unlike the parasol itself. No lady would have ventured out in those past days without her parasol. It was an important accessory along with her jewelry, her gloves and her hat.

This handle measures 9.25" long which puts it earlier than the turn of the 19th century. After the 1900's into the Edwardian era parasols were longer and therefore the handles were longer. The shape on this handle is distinctive, tapering in width from 1.50" down to 1/2" and measuring a depth of approximately 1/2".

The rolled gold is heavily and beautifully chased in scrolls, flourishes and fan shapes. The mother of pearl is applied in 'chunks' that are quite thick. On the middle piece of gold there is a cartouche where you can add your initials as the original lady did not put hers there. All three gold pieces bear the mark 'rolled gold'.

What more can I tell you about this handle except....its lovely!

Item ID: ph2002

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Joanne