The Gentleman's Umbrella

[Montrachet]

It's dismal outisde—the wind and rain are ceaseless. On days like today, I carry my trusty Windbrella, the original model with wooden shaft and crook handle. It has served me well for about five years now and has withstood the fiercest weather Chicago and London have been able to throw at it.
However, I am always shocked by the number of people out and about with shabby, broken umbrellas. That flapping loose canopy and exposed ribs are not keeping any rain off of you! Your umbrella is broken. Do you not see that Walgreens you're walking right past where you can get a new one for $3? Why is this accessory treated with such disdain? What are some of the SF umbrellas of choice?

 

[fcuknu]

I dont know if I would call a Windbrella a gents umbrellas.

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by fcuknu

I dont know if I would call a Windbrella a gents umbrellas.

- B

 

[Drydis Greis]

http://www.european-umbrellas.com/brigg/brigg.php. Take your pick.

 

[Lovellum]

You've stepped into the lions den, Montrachet.

 

[Orgetorix]

I'm gonna call

on this one.

 

[Montrachet]

Originally Posted by Drydis Greis

http://www.european-umbrellas.com/brigg/brigg.php. Take your pick.

I'm not too sure. Look at the tips on those where the ribs hold the edge of the canvas. Those are just caps, which are made by giving the canvas a twist around the metal and then pinching the cap on like a clamp or staple. That's where it's going to come apart. What is better, is when the hem running along the edge is extended and sewn or tied through the caps which are then affixed to the ribs. This way the tension is spread along the strongest elements, rather than just gripping the middle of the fabric itself. However, the tempered steel frame of these umbrellas would certainly cut it in any conditions. The frame usually only a problem in those foldaway aluminum minis though.

 

[blackbowtie]

Who has heard of this umbrella? And if it's unknown, how do I tell that it's good quality? I have to confess that I'm quite seduced by the handle.

 

[JesseJB]

Get Barneys ones.

Classic. Durable. Gent-esque.

 

[fcuknu]

Originally Posted by Montrachet

I'm not too sure. Look at the tips on those where the ribs hold the edge of the canvas. Those are just caps, which are made by giving the canvas a twist around the metal and then pinching the cap on like a clamp or staple. That's where it's going to come apart. What is better, is when the hem running along the edge is extended and sewn or tied through the caps which are then affixed to the ribs. This way the tension is spread along the strongest elements, rather than just gripping the middle of the fabric itself. However, the tempered steel frame of these umbrellas would certainly cut it in any conditions. The frame usually only a problem in those foldaway aluminum minis though.

Briggs are some of the best made umbrellas in the world. A 10 Rib brigg will go up against most anything. Comparing a Brigg to your umbrellas is like comparing Timberlands to Lobbs. Of course You can beat the **** out of Tims, but come on...

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by fcuknu

Briggs are some of the best made umbrellas in the world. A 10 Rib brigg will go up against most anything. Comparing a Brigg to your umbrellas is like comparing Timberlands to Lobbs. Of course You can beat the **** out of Tims, but come on...

My 1970s Talarico for Harrods will eat a Brigg, and then make fertilizer. Metal fittings made by a munitions foundry, no longer with us. A crook made for caning:

Some of the marrow remains in case of natural disaster, and you want to have a relief from cannibalism.

(And no: that is not my photo nor are those my linens.)



- B

 

[fcuknu]

you ever try ordering an MT umbrella from the US? impossible.

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by fcuknu

you ever try ordering an MT umbrella from the US? impossible.

They're not as good anymore anyway.

Where are your WAYWRN shots?


- B

 

[fcuknu]

I should start again.... Im gonna get this with a nice cornel stick

 

[Lowndes]

I wish this country had a good umbrella shop, something like James Smith. I am in need of a great umbrella but would prefer to pick it out in person. Also, that exchange rate isn't great.