Antique / Vintage S. Fox & Co. Ltd Paragon Gentleman’s Umbrella – Silk Canopy – Wooden Crook Handle

A superb traditional British gentleman’s umbrella featuring an S. Fox & Co. Ltd. Paragon frame, complete with the original-style “PARAGON” plaque with fox emblem and separate “S. FOX & Co LIMITED” maker’s plaque.

S. Fox & Co. of Sheffield was one of Britain’s most important historic umbrella-frame manufacturers and became particularly renowned for its Paragon umbrella frames. Based on the construction, materials, fittings and overall appearance, this example is believed to date from the early to mid-20th century, approximately 1920s–1950s, with a pre-WWII date considered quite possible.

Details

Maker/Frame: S. Fox & Co. Ltd.

Range/Frame: Paragon

Origin: British / Sheffield manufacture

Era: Early–mid 20th century, believed c.1920s–1950s

Style: Traditional gentleman’s full-length umbrella

Handle: Substantial polished wooden crook / curved handle

Shaft: Long polished wooden shaft

Canopy: Black fine woven fabric, believed to be silk or silk-rich fabric based on its appearance, sheen and weave

Frame: Traditional metal Paragon rib and stretcher construction

Mechanism: Manual opening with traditional metal runner and spring catch

Branding: PARAGON plaque featuring the fox emblem

Additional branding: S. FOX & Co LIMITED plaque attached to the frame

Colour: Black canopy with rich brown wooden handle and shaft

Construction: Traditional individually attached rib/canopy construction

Condition

A lovely surviving period example showing genuine age-related patina and wear.

The wooden crook handle has areas of finish wear, scratches and marks consistent with many decades of handling and use. There is further age-related wear to the shaft and tarnishing/oxidation to some of the metal fittings.

The canopy remains present and displays beautifully, with general age-related wear appropriate to a vintage/antique textile. The umbrella opens and the traditional frame and mechanism remain intact as pictured.

The wear has deliberately not been polished or restored, preserving the character and patina of the piece.

An increasingly unusual survivor and a wonderful piece of British umbrella-making and Sheffield manufacturing history, equally suitable for a collector of antique umbrellas, walking sticks and gentleman’s accessories or as a distinctive period display piece.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition, construction, maker’s plaques and age-related wear.

Dating and identification are based on the visible S. Fox & Co. Ltd./Paragon markings and construction. The canopy is believed to be silk or silk-rich from its appearance and weave but has not been laboratory/fibre tested.