Help me choose a vintage umbrella (picture included)

[Brian Sheridan]

I have the chance to purchase one of the below umbrellas. It is hard to decide so I am asking the Lounge for help.

They are all Fox Paragon umbrellas. I believe they have steel shafts though.
So far, I really can't decide between 1, 3 and 4 but 5 looks great too.

As described:
All are approx 90cms in length, 1. this is a faux buffalo horn handle with a
varnished wooden section, black canopy. 2. this is black ebonized handle
with an address chain with a paisley canopy. 3. this is a faux horn handle
with a Malacca section and a dark brown canopy with a check pattern. 4.
this is a stitched snakeskin? handle with a black canopy. 5. this is a
stitched leather handle with a dark brown canopy

Thanks!

 

[Feraud]

I like # 1 & 3 but the faux horn is a turn off.

 

[Spitfire]

I would go for #5.

 

[Paisley]

Choose an umbrella in proportion to your body. A big man with a little umbrella just doesn't look quite right.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

Ummm, I'm an average sized man. 5'10" 175 lbs.

 

[maggiethespy]

I think 3 is a very good looking umbrella, but I like 5 as well.

 

[Tomasso]

Choose an umbrella in proportion to your body. A big man with a little umbrella just doesn't look quite right.

Are you referring to the size of the canopy or the overall length of the brolly?

 

[Brian Sheridan]

Does it matter the canopy of #5 is dark brown?

#4 looks in better shape but it's handle is "snakeskin." But isn't snakeskin usually a patterned leather?

They are all from the 1960's.

Thanks for the opinions so far. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I like #4 the most. It's black, which is, IMO, the only color that an umbrella's fabric should be (for a man). It looks more comfortable (and less slippery) to hold than #s 1 and 3. It doesn't have the ancient madder/paisley design that's found on #2's fabric.

.

 

[Paisley]

Are you referring to the size of the canopy or the overall length of the brolly?

I am thinking of how it looks when it's open. A big or tall person needs a big umbrella.

 

[Lefty]

5.
All the other handles are faking it.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

5.
All the other handles are faking it.

Unfortunately, the canopy on number 5 is faking it. I am leaning towards Marc's opinion that the canopy has to be black for a man.

 

[Geesie]

I'd go for #1. #2 if it weren't paisley.

 

[Elizabeth.F]

I would go for 2 or 5.

 

[Lily Powers]

I like the unique look of the handle on #1, and it appears to have a sleek button/snap closure on the canopy It's sounds silly to say that a leather handle (#5) might wear or look dirty (rain, natural oils from a bare hand) since these 40+ year-old items seem to be in good shape, but that's something I'd consider. Bottom line: you would look very handsome carrying #1!

 

[Tomasso]

Canopies:

After I had black covered (twice), I added navy blue and dark green. A friend has a Brigg with an ash handle and a charcoal canopy. It's a good looking brolly, IMO.


I'm thinking of switching out one of my blacks for charcoal.......

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I'm thinking of switching out one of my blacks for charcoal [canopy].......

Must amend my earlier statement: IMO, charcoal looks as good as (if not better than) black for men.

.

 

[Charlie Huang]

I would go for 2 but the chain is off putting to say the least. 5 is the one I would go for but the joint is off putting as well. Personally, I do not care for steel tubed umbrellas; solid stick or fit ups are the way forward.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

Thanks for all of the comments.

The seller reneged on selling me one, preferring to put them all on Ebay. After seeing what they go for, I can't blame him.

I was able to win an auction for a vintage Fox Paragon umbrella that I believe is much better than the ones originally offered. Though I paid a tad more than I would have liked, I think it looks like a better umbrella.

 

[Foofoogal]

I was going to say #4 but the one you ended up with is nice also. Umbrellas are one thing you cannot go cheap on and expect to get one worthwhile. A good one and a bad one are miles apart.