Parasol

Manufacturer G. Fox & Company American

1800's

Parasols, such as the one featured with orange satin canopies and the bakelite handle, are quintessential examples of the 1800s. This particular parasol is of very high quality.

The G. Fox Company patented its Paragon ribs in 1852, and the key feature of the ribs was their U-shape (rather than a tubular form), which allowed the mechanism to close much more closely to the shank. This construction overtook all other types of mechanisms after that point. The handle on this parasol is beautifully carved.

The Paragon umbrella became the most sought-after umbrella of the nineteenth century. It was designed to last, not throw away, and was an important fashion accessory at the time.

*note one of the ribs is bent but it's still functions properly.