A Ladies 'Paragon' Parasol, by S. Fox & Co.
SOLD
Origin: English
Period: Twentieth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1910
Length: 35 inches
Handle Length: 6 inches
Canopy Diameter: 37.5 inches
The wooden shaft styled to imitate bamboo, with a porcelain and gilt metal handle, the finely crafted porcelain handle with an attractive scene of a young maiden in a naturalistic landscape, with hand-painted gilt and white flourishes on a green ground. The nylon canopy, probably later, is stretched over the Fox patent U-shape frame (with original label), which has an attractive foliate terminus.
The Paragon Umbrella frame was patented by Samuel Fox in 1852, which featured a U-section of string steel that was far superior to any competitor. To satisfy increasing demand, in 1860, Samuel Fox had established a works at Amiens, France, to manufacture umbrella frames. The Paragon umbrella became the most successful, and sought after, umbrella of the nineteenth century, and forged a reputation for quality.
Created at a time when parasols and umbrellas were important fashion accessories, designed to last, not throwaway items found in bargain bins, or stuffed into handbags.This is in as good a condition as when first made (save for perhaps a tiny bit of tarnish to the frame), and is as functional, and attractive, as ever. Can you ever go to the races again without it?