A group of 10 parasols, late 19th century – early 20th century

comprising: a silk and lace parasol with  jewelled pink gold textured handle, maker's mark EK probably for Erik Kollin, St Petersburg, circa 1890, with protective cover, 91cm., 35 7/8 in. long ; a silver-mounted brown silk parasol, retailed by Brigg, the silver handle, Charles Dumesnil Ltd, London, 1889, formed as a fish with green glass inlaid eyes concealing a scent spray mechanism, the collar engraved: V from Louise & MacDuff, bamboo handle, 97cm., 38 1/7 in. long ; a pink silk parasol, Ben Cox & Sons, with simulated tortoiseshell shaft, handle and ferrule ; four black parasols, one with a lapis lazuli and gilt-metal handle, 90cm., 35 ½ in. long, one applied with Battenberg lace, the handle carved to simulate a horse chestnut and its husk, with protective cover, 94.5cm., 37 ¼ in long ; one with tortoiseshell ferrule with gilt-metal handle and horn mount, 96cm., 37 ¾ in long ; one applied with black lace, with simulated rattan handle,  93cm., 36¼in long ; three cream parasols with bamboo handle, one, 91cm., 35 7/8 in ; one ‘Paragon’, made by S. Fox & Co Ltd, with bamboo handle and gilt-metal mounts, 100cm., 40in long ; one with bamboo handle, lined with navy silk, 90.5cm., 35 ½ in. long, in a leather case with metal plaque engraved ‘H.R.H. Princess Victoria’ 

Parasols all in reasonably good condition with minor splits and discoloration to shades. The handle of the thin rattan parasol with rubbing to gilding, the Russian parasol would benefit from professional cleaning and was probably previously enamelled, the chest handle example has scraping and discoloration to shaft, collar and handle. The leather box is travel stained at the lid and unstitched at one end and also missing central fastening.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The second parasol with the inscription: 'V from Louise & MacDuff' was certainly given by Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife (1867-1931), daughter of King Edward VII, to her sister Princess Victoria (1868-1935). Louise had married that same year, in 1889, Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife, at the Private Chapel in Buckingham Palace. Two days after, he was created Duke of Fife and Marquess of Macduff by Louise' grandmother, Queen Victoria.
The business Charles Dumesnil Ltd was established in 1879 by Charles Henry Dumesnil in Soho where he is listed as a general mounter, specialising in 'toilet sets and dressing case fittings in gold, silver and enamel;  photo frames of the higher class [...] and orders [that] have been carried out for the retail trade for royalty, many crowned heads of Europe and Indian Rajahs. [...] Of the many items noted, are of special interest: two silver mounted parasols, the scent-spray handles in the form of a rabbit or donkey head, London, 1904' (mentioned by John Culme, The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, 1838-1914, 1987, Vol. II, p. 129).