The umbrella, cane, riding crop and miscellaneous accessories Appreciation thread

[MalfordOfLondon]

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

Anyone know anywhere that sells men's umbrellas for shorter people? Most places only seem to so 25" or 27" frames whereas I need something more like 21-22", the only ones I can find that are the right length are all women's ones

If money is not a big issue - have a bespoke one made.
http://www.james-smith.co.uk/

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by StephenStyle

If money is not a big issue - have a bespoke one made.
http://www.james-smith.co.uk/

Hmm, that website doesn't mention anything specifically about bespoke that I can see? Do you know how much it would cost? I guess Brigg would also do bespoke if asked but I don't really want to spend more than about £250. I'm tempted to just buy a womens one and hope nobody notices

 

[Manton]

I don't think you necessarily need one bespoke. Smith is famous for cutting the shafts to order on a lot of their umbrellas. I have ordered two over the phone, and each time they asked me my height, and then sent me what they thought was the right length. I was happy both times.

 

[Holdfast]

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

Anyone know anywhere that sells men's umbrellas for shorter people? Most places only seem to so 25" or 27" frames whereas I need something more like 21-22", the only ones I can find that are the right length are all women's ones

Go to James Smith & have one cut down to your size while you wait. No upcharge, if I remember rightly.

I didn't pay attention to frame size to be honest, but I'm about 5'5" or 5'6" and got a brolly from them that's the right length for me.

 

[Lucy J]

I guess this is to do with how you carry it when its closed, or whether you want it as a walking stick. I have two Briggs (a 27" cherry wood solid and a 30" curved handle golfer) and tend to carry mine half way along, when they are furled, ensuring I dont stab any other pedestrians - and the big cover helps keep more rain off. Of course, heels are an issue for me as well, and depending on my shoes I can be anything from 5ft 8 to over 6ft so a ladies 21inch would be pretty petite!!

I agree though with the posters who have said that James Smith will cut to size if that is what you want...

 

[Vintage Gent]

Polished maple umbrella from James Smith & Sons that I bought on a recent trip to the UK.

The store on New Oxford:

The inside of the store, much as it was in the 1800s:

Helping me find the right umbrella:

The final product, at home:

 

[binge]

Just curious, but how did you bring it home to the US? On my return flight from London two months ago, umbrellas were strictly verboten carry-on. The security officer seemed offended that I didn't know it was considered a dangerous weapon in the cabin. I had to check mine.

 

[fkl118]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

The final product, at home:

That's a great looking umbrella. Be careful with the handle on the tile floor though!

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

Polished maple umbrella from James Smith & Sons that I bought on a recent trip to the UK.

Very nice. Thanks for all the pics, it's great to see them.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by binge

Just curious, but how did you bring it home to the US? On my return flight from London two months ago, umbrellas were strictly verboten carry-on. The security officer seemed offended that I didn't know it was considered a dangerous weapon in the cabin. I had to check mine.
I've found inconsistency among the airlines on carrying umbrellas on board. Unfortunately, I now leave mine at home.

 

[Vintage Gent]

Originally Posted by binge

Just curious, but how did you bring it home to the US? On my return flight from London two months ago, umbrellas were strictly verboten carry-on. The security officer seemed offended that I didn't know it was considered a dangerous weapon in the cabin. I had to check mine.
The staff at James Smith (for a nominal fee) packaged the umbrella securely so I could check it with my baggage. Although British Airways did a number on the package, the umbrella came out of the box with nary a scratch.

 

[fcuknu]

I really need a good umbrella...

 

[CharlesAlexander]

What a great thread. I wish I could get a nice umbrella, but I always end up losing them.

 

[chorse123]

Originally Posted by CharlesAlexander

What a great thread. I wish I could get a nice umbrella, but I always end up losing them.

A nice (and expensive) umbrella has a way of reminding you.

 

[MalfordOfLondon]

Originally Posted by CharlesAlexander

What a great thread. I wish I could get a nice umbrella, but I always end up losing them.

I think you only lose them if they're not anything special or expensive - you're not that bothered about it so much. If you had a really nice umbrella I doubt you'd misplace it!