Parasol

Date1820-1840

OriginEurope (made in); America, Kentucky, Jefferson County (used in)

MediumIvory, bone, copper alloy, wood, baleen, and iron alloys

DimensionsOverall: 33 1/2in. (85.1cm)

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-251

DescriptionAn umbrella frame made with a folding bone handle. The shaft is made of painted wood with a turned brass runner which lifts the stretchers and rib into place. A spring loaded clip holds the brass runner in place. Each of the stretchers are made from steel and the ribs are made from baleen. All but two of the bone tips are missing off the stretches. The lower turned brass slide moves up and down the shaft of the umbrella to allow the handle to fold. The end tip is made from turned bone. No evidence survives from the cover.Label TextIn February 1807, Catharine Paul advertised to her Richmond customers that she was about to leave town. For those looking to stock up on sun shading accessories, she advised "that the balance of her stock, consisting of Parasols, superior to any in this city, together with a variety of umbrellas of all descriptions, also Oil Cloth Cloaks, Hat Covers, &c" would be sold at a reduced price.Provenance1820-1840, Mary Ann Baird [1809-1894] (Louisville, KY); 1894, passed by descent to Nancy Baird Thompson [1848-1935] (Louisville, KY); 1935, passed by descent to Margaret Creel [1884-1974] (Petersburg, VA); 1962, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)