New England is on track for one of the wettest summers since record keeping began, so it is only natural that we should turn our attention to that foul-weather necessity, the UMBRELLA.
Evident in ancient Egypt and China, the umbrella (from the Italian for "little shadow") was originally designed as a protective canopy against the burning rays of the sun. No one is certain when the first folding, or collapsible, devices were invented, but it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that continuing refinements in materials and design made them more affordable and popular, first on the Continent, then in England.
The terms "umbrella" and "parasol" had long been used interchangeably, but by the Victorian era, a functional division had occurred: gentlemen used umbrellas to shield their ladies and themselves from the rain, while ladies used their parasols to protect themselves from the sun. Umbrellas were sturdier, water-repellent affairs, while parasols evolved into fashionable, lightweight conveniences made of papers, silks, etc. and festooned with feathers, ribbons, and lace.
Also considered fashion accessories were canes and walking sticks, and they are included here because all are related. Canes are generally considered walking sticks, but with handles, while umbrellas and parasols are akin to the "system" or "gadget" sticks/canes that perform double-duty.
System/gadget sticks are generally the most collectible since they are the most difficult to find with all the parts intact and functioning. These sticks could house everything from guns and swords to perfume, cigars, medical instruments, and even horse-measuring rods. Even the KGB is reported to have used sticks/umbrellas in the 20th Century to deliver lethal doses of poison to their adversaries!
In the case of umbrellas and parasols, it is always desirable that at least the mechanism be in working order. Fabric, of course, does deteriorate over time, and though it is a plus to find a specimen with the fabric intact, the value is not as adversely affected as it would be by a broken or missing part.
In addition to condition, values of sticks are very dependent on design and materials used. Is the knob or handle made of gold or silver, tortoiseshell or Bakelite? Is it plain or ornately carved? Is the umbrella dome or pagoda shaped? All these, and more, are important considerations to serious collectors.
Dating a find is not always easy due to the paucity in historical records, but whalebone spokes usually date an umbrella or parasol to before 1850, when metal spokes began to be introduced. There are also numerous other factors involving cross-sections of spokes, ferrule lengths, and makers' marks that can help with dating and identification, and which you can learn more about by consulting the recommended resources listed below,
Antique Cane World (link) - Official site of the International Association of Antique Umbrella and Cane Collectors. Check out the Links, Forum, and Show-n-Tell pages.
CaneQuest (link) - For "antique cane and walking stick enthusiasts." A most informative site that covers everything from how to determine whether you have a tortoiseshell or Bakelite stick to caring for antique ivory.
european-umbrellas.com (link) - Site offers History, Lexicon, Use and Care, more.
Parasols: Dating, Buying, and Restoring (link) - "La Couturière Parisienne" has a valuable page with numerous tips on collecting parasols.
Umbretiquette (link) - Umbrella manners at Umbrellastand.com.
The World's Only Umbrella Cover Museum (link) - Over 600 covers are on display on Peak's Island, Maine. (Funny "Virtual Exhibit" labels.)
About the author:
Michele Alice is EcommerceBytes Update Contributing Editor. Michele is a freelance writer in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts. She collects books, science fiction memorabilia and more! Email her at makalice @ adelphia.net eBay ID: Malice9
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