The line of demarcation between the parasol and the umbrella is constantly diminishing as the parasol becomes more practical and the umbrella takes on more fashionable features. This tendency is so pronounced in the new season lines that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish whether a particular style is intended to be an umbrella or a parasol.
Among the features which are common to both are the wrist ring or loop, the fancy ferrule and the heavy club end. In the latest offerings composition rings in white or in colors to match the new silks are a fashionable feature. These rings are usually run through the straight wood handle so as to provide the necessary element of service. Frequently they are made more effective by the introduction of a ring of the same material in the ferrule. The vogue for the leather loop continues a feature. In the straight strap effect, as well as in the more fancy braided form, it is much employed, being especially prominent on medium short, rather thick, leather-covered or malacca handles.
In the newest parasols the trimmings are usually confined to the inside so as to preserve the fashionably tailored contour. Frequently a lining in a contrasting color or design is introduced, especially around the ferrule end, and more than likely the ribs are covered to match. When outside decorations are employed they are usually of an exceedingly simple character. Rich coloring is a dominant feature of both the parasol and the umbrella lines. The lighter shades are preferred in parasols, but the newest umbrellas present color combinations to a sensational degree.
In the eighteenth century Daventry was the centre of the whip-making industry in Northamptonshire, which can be easily understood when we remember that the little town formed the junction of four important main roads over which was a constant flow of traffic, for it is stated that no less than eighty mail and stage coaches passed through Daventry daily. In 1809 there was still, according to the report furnished to the Board of Agriculture, a considerable whip manufactory at Daventry, "in which, I am informed, some good properties have been acquired. Two master-manufacturers each employ an outrider and a number of workmen." That its importance as a whip-making centre continued as far as the second decade of the nineteenth century seems to be shown by a curious action at law undertaken by the corporation of the town against one John Dickens. Dickens, not being a freeman of the borough of Daventry, commenced business in the town as a whip manufacturer. The corporation, relying on a charter, 1575, demanded that he should either relinquish his business or become a freeman of the borough. Dickens refused to do either, and the corporation proceeded against him, claiming £500 damages. The case was brought to trial in March, 1825, and resulted in a verdict for the plaintiffs, damages one farthing.
With the introduction of railways and the gradual removal of coaches from the road Daventry’s whip industry declined, boot manufacturing gradually taking its place. By the year 1847 there were only two whip-makers in the town.
In 1874, Messrs. H. Sharp & Sons were the sole representatives, and a few years later they removed their business to the village of Floore, where they still continue.
About 1840 Mr. Henry Major commenced business as a whip manufacturer in Northampton. He had been working for a few years for a Mr. Crawley of Wollaston, a whip-maker of then many years’ standing, whose business, continued by his son, was relinquished in 1856. Mr. Major had learnt his trade at Salisbury, and had a thoroughly practical knowledge of all its branches, as also has his son, Mr. George Major (born 1841), who still (I906) continues the business inherited from his father.
In the year 1861 Mr. Thomas Crawley started whip-making in Peterborough. He was the son of Mr. William Crawley, who was born at Bedford in 1836, who served his apprenticeship under a Mr. George Crawley in that town (to whom, though of the same name, he was not related).
He afterwards went as improver to Messrs. Dickens Bros. of Daventry, a very noted firm in those days. Returning to Bedford he commenced business on his own account, but shortly removed to Eaton Socon (Bedfordshire). In 1857 he purchased the business of Mr. W. Crawley of Wollaston, and combined the two businesses at Eaton.
In 1860, his son Thomas J. Crawley relinquishing the business of whip-making in favour of the saddlery trade, Mr. W. Crawley moved to Peterborough, and with his son Charles Edward founded the business of Crawley & Son.
Mr. W. Crawley died in 1869, leaving the business to his son Charles Edward, by whom it is still continued with the help of his sons John W. and Charles Edward, junior, under the title of Crawley & Sons.
Of late years the business has been considerably extended, whips being sent not only to all parts of the United Kingdom, but shipped in large quantities abroad. The name of Crawley appears in the whip trade from the year 1806.
Source: The Victoria History of the County of Northampton - Edited by the Rev. R.M. Serjeantson M.A. and Sir William Ryland Dent Adkins B.A., M.P. - 1906
This possibly may be the same John Leckie that entered his mark 'JL', contained within an oblong punch with clipped corners, with the Glasgow Assay Office in 1845.
Brown Folding Umbrella Company - Lynn, Mass. - 1910
'NUBRELLA'
An Umbrella Which Packs into a Grip.—A new folding umbrella is shown in the accompanying illustration that can be readily carried in the satchel or pocket. It is called the "Nubrella" and comes packed in a cloth case as pictured, 15 inches long. The operation of putting the Nubrella together is simple. Removed from the case it is in three parts, the covered frame and two sections of the rod. First, the small end of the middle rod is placed in the tube end of the upper section and turned so that the spring latch snaps into position, locking these sections of the rod together. The same thing is done with the handle section, which engages in the lower end of the middle rod. The ribs, which are folded backward, are then pulled down into place by drawing down the runner band exactly as would be done in closing any umbrella. The cover unfolds into position as the ribs are drawn down. Having closed the umbrella the runner band is pulled down still further. This acts on the rods by sliding an inner tube in the ribs across the under side of the hinges, locking the ribs straight. Then the umbrella is opened like any other. The rods and ribs are of steel and the cover of taffeta. The bandies come only in plain knobs, as hooks would prove bulky. The W. W. Harrison Company of New York City have the selling agency for the country, but exclusively for New York. The umbrella is manufactured by the Brown Folding Umbrella Company of Lynn, Mass., which also sells throughout the country except New York, where the W. W. Harrison Company have sole rights.
Source: Men's Wear - 8th July 1908
Brown Folding Umbrella Company, Lynn, Mass., incorporated. Capital, $1,000. Incorporators: President, George A. Creighton; treasurer and clerk, Albert M. Creighton, Herbert H. Brown; Arthur J. Brown.