Fine Antique Silk and Black Lace Carriage Parasol Attributed to M. Cazal Paris

Fine Antique Silk and Black Lace Carriage Parasol, Attributed to M. Cazal, Paris, mid-19th century, the folding parasol with branch coral handle carved to depict grapevines, a lizard resting on one branch, a parrot on another, carved coral parrot finial with ivory base, and ivory pole set with cabochon coral studs, engraved gold-tone metal mounts, and two ribs terminating in carved coral hands suspending beads, lg. 27 in., apparently unsigned, in original box with paper label. Note: The famous manufacturer M. Cazal at 27 Boulevard des Italiens was known for his highly elegant and unique canes and umbrellas. He supplied parasols to the Empress Eugenie, and exhibited at the 1855 Exposition Universelle where he was awarded a Medaille de Premiere Classe. In 1839 Cazal patented a parasol spring, a mechanism found in most of his parasols. The parasol is overall quite good for its age, but does NOT stay open- the mechanism is not working. The black lace is good, but there is minor pulling and fraying. The interior silk is discolored, there is foxing, evidence of old repairs, tears and fraying at edges. Tears to area around mechanism. A couple of to interior silk. Moldering. Ivory pole with discoloration. Ivory finial with crack running through the length of the piece, but stable. The tips of the spokes formerly were set with coral hands suspending coral beads, but currently only two are present. Coral has typical pits natural to the material, but is overall without issues. Box Read more…