Umbrella repair in U.S.?

[DocHolliday]

Apparently it's exceptionally difficult to get an umbrella repaired these days ...

I have a vintage Fox umbrella that needs a new wooden tip. I've contacted Fox, but they won't send me a tip, saying I'd have to send them the umbrella. Of course, they won't provide a repair estimate and want $80 just to ship the umbrella back to me. So immediately I'd be in for at least $100. Add the price of the repair and I could probably buy a new Smith umbrella instead.

Anyone know of any good umbrella repair places in the U.S.? NYC, Washington, or Boston? Or any place else I can try?

(I've already tried Classic Luggage, in hopes they knew of a repair place, but they said they can only repair Briggs.)

 

[Drinkwaters]

Gilbert Center
154 East 8th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11218
(p) 212-741-9650
(c) 917-692-2078

He is the authorized repair man for Brigg but he recently restored a very old umbrella for us and it looks terrific!

Best Regards,

Gary

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by drink8648

Gilbert Center
154 East 8th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11218
(p) 212-741-9650
(c) 917-692-2078

He is the authorized repair man for Brigg but he recently restored a very old umbrella for us and it looks terrific!

Best Regards,

Gary

Thanks, Gary! I found your old post on this, but his Web site didn't seem to be working. I was a bit afraid he had gone out of business. But I'll try him by phone.

 

[chorse123]

Apparently Rain or Shine (http://rainorshine.biz/) is a reorganized Uncle Sam umbrellas, a store on 57th street where Gilbert Center worked, if articles on line are to be believed. According to something I read, Center handles repairs for Rain or Shine offsite. You could ask them. It may be easier to go through them if you're out of town.

 

[DocHolliday]

Sorry to bump this old thread, but I wanted to update it in case anyone else goes searching on this topic in the future.

I contacted Rain or Shine, but they are in the process of moving and their repairman was unavailable both times I called. Ultimately, they directed me to ... Gilbert Center. I reached him by phone today, and he immediately knew exactly what I needed. Unlike with Fox (and, it briefly appeared, Rain or Shine), I didn't even need to send him my umbrella.

I only had the pleasure of talking to Mr. Center for a few minutes, but it was clear how encyclopedic his knowledge of umbrellas really is. He identified the maker of my umbrella simply by the description of my problem. Very impressive.

Thanks for the help, all.

 

[LabelKing]

I hope he has an apprentice.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I hope he has an apprentice.

I fear he doesn't. He described himself as "the last one left."

 

[rangla33]

I posted on another thread recently, Mr. Center is still in business and can be reached at 917-692-2078.

By the way, Rain or Shine is definitely not Uncle Sam's. Definitely, definitely not.

 

[dogfacedbiz]

I just contacted Gilbert Center. Still in business. Thank you very much.

 

[lordjeebus]

Gilbert Center is still active in 2015! He should be over 90 years old now.

 

[ThinkDerm]

Gilbert passed away July 2017. RIP

 

[Kent Wang]

Anywhere in the US to repair umbrellas? In London, there are a few options. Currently we're sending all our umbrellas back to the manufacturer in Italy or UK for repairs, which is quite expensive.

 

[Kent Wang]

Bump

 

[letsgofire]

Any places in Chicago?

 

[RJman]

Bump

Is Gilbert Center in NY still alive?