Victorian Ostrich feather Parasol Help please

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alonesolo

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I purchased this and have been doing a lot of research.

It has me totally confused. The black ostrich feathers are telling me edwardian but I can't find anything like it in any of my catalogs. Whats different is the handle and shape for that period. Also edwardian parasols were longer than this.

I did some research and found that shorter parasols were around in the mid 1800's mine is 23 inches. Also the folding handles date to 1860. Metal ribs were started being used in 1851. I have metal ribs.

Okay so here it is Laquered wood handle with metal slide in the middle for folding with a small metal hinge like piece inside the handle. The top tilts also underneath the metal ribs there is another metal slide. The silk is shattered underneath. And there is also tulle used. The shape is not a real domed shape its more on the flat side. The silk is also cut in a scalloped shape on the edges. Top has a wood ball finial (?) Also the bottom of the handle is a wooden ball.

<img src=http://www.innernet.net/pcameron/para1.jpg>
<img src=http://www.innernet.net/pcameron/para2.jpg>
<img src=http://www.innernet.net/pcameron/para3.jpg>
<br> This is the metal slide and hinge
<img src=http://www.innernet.net/pcameron/para4.jpg>
<br> I also wondered if this was for maybe a carriage for a woman in mourning. But can't find too much info on mourning parasols. They were used but can't find where they would use the orante feathers.
Thanks for any help you can give me
Pauline
 
It's beautiful and very unusual. I wish I had information to share with you! I'm sure someone else will be able to tell you. :)

Laura
 
Hold on, Pauline. I have an accessory book with parasols in it. Let me look and I will be back.
 
I found a tilt top, small folding one 25 inches in diameter and 25 inches in length with ball handle that dates to early Victorian.

It says that parasol length for the period 1835 to 1865 was on average 22 to 28 inches, with a cover diameter of 16 to 22 inches. It also states...Among the more unusual were feather covered or feather trimmed parasols. They have one pictured from Godey's Lady's Book, May 1871. It is not all feathers but feather trimmed. They say that is is unlikely that many would survive to today.

And further...Another hinged aspect of the parasols for this time was the tilt top, allowing the parasol to tilt at the top of the stick. Most folding stick parasols will date before 1865. A rarely seen "Sylphide" parasol, patented in 1844, had a spring at the end of the handle so the parasol could be closed with one hand. Also after 1865 the length became longer.

Also...By 1866 we see a change in parasol style as stated in the 1866 <i>Queen</i>. "The sticks are much shorter than formerly and the handles extremely thick." The handles decorated with animal forms were popular in the 1870s and into the 1880s we see natural knobbed and gnarled handles of wood.

Hope this helps. I skipped around and probably have really confused you.

This is from my book <u>Ladies' Vintage Accessories</u> by LaRee Johnson Bruton.
 
I don't have anything else to add...

but I have never seen one of those "in person" Pauline, thanks for sharing this.

I can see where you would think "mourning"...i am so used to picturing these in white for some reason.
 
Thank you everyone esp Linda for all the great info and for taking the time to look it up for me. I will have to look for that book!
 
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