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Vintage 1960s Kendalls Leicester Mod Abstract Umbrella Amber Lucite Handle Newey
£58.00
Overview
- Type: Vintage 1960s Mod Fashion Umbrella / Mid-Century Boutique Rainwear Parasol
- Brand / Maker: Highly Probable Kendall & Sons (Leicester, England Heritage Linens)
- Hardware Branding: Newey (Birmingham, England) Stamped Closure Button
- MPN: Does Not Apply (Vintage bespoke estate fashion piece)
- Place of Origin: Manufactured in Leicester, United Kingdom (East Midlands Manufacturing Hub)
- Style: Authentic 1960s Mod Culture / Carnaby Street Boutique / Leicester Textile History
- Colour: Multi-Tone Earthy Abstract Palette (Rich Rust Orange, Deep Chocolate Brown, Burnt Umber, Ochre, and Cream Highlights), complemented by an Optical Light-Shifting Marbled Amber Lucite Handle
- Design Era: High-Mod 1960s Golden Era (Verified textile and handle material diagnostics)
- Material: Premium Heavy-Set Synthetic Silk-Weave Poly-Canvas, Precision Chromed Steel Ribs, Polished Metal Shaft, and a Three-Dimensional Light-Catching Marbled Lucite Grip Block
- Set Includes: One (1) Complete Vintage 1960s Umbrella Outfit: Featuring the integrated elasticated expansion band, an authentic textured white-metal Newey accent button, and a thick braided brown nylon wrist loop strap
- Features: Striking Multidirectional Geometric Brushstroke Pattern, Highly Optical Chatoyant Handle, Secure Double-Tier Spoke Spiders, High-Gloss Chrome Ferrule Tip, Heavy-Gauge Inner Tensioning Springs
- Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition (An exceptionally clean, beautifully preserved fashion accessory; the outer canopy fabric remains bright, crisp, and structurally taut, entirely free from liquid water staining, storage fading, perimeter scuffs, or pin-hole punctures; the interior chrome spoke assembly is remarkably clean with minimal surface age-toning and no bent structural arms; the marbled Lucite handle is smooth and scratch-free; elasticated tie-band retains excellent stretch recovery)
- Size and Capacity: Elegant elongated walking silhouette; measures approximately 33.5 inches in total linear length from the tip of the ferrule down to the base of the handle block, opening out to a generous protective canopy diameter tracking across a standard 36-inch width line.
Dating & Historical Context
This stunning piece of vintage British fashion rainwear serves as a beautiful reflection of the bold, avant-garde textile design movements that redefined London's Carnaby Street and the East Midlands during the high-Mod era of the 1960s. Sourced locally from a Leicestershire estate auction alongside a matching period twin, this specimen carries strong regional heritage ties linking it to Leicester’s own Kendall & Sons Ltd. Operating a major dedicated factory block off Charles Street and St James Street up until the late 1970s, Kendall's was the premier name in rainy-day style, deploying eye-catching painterly fabrics that treated umbrellas as essential boutique clothing statements. This canopy features a gorgeous, multi-layered abstract geometric print that beautifully mimics the slubbed texture of premium raw silk.
The hardware and handle composition on this model boast excellent regional manufacturing pedigree. The geometric block handle is crafted from premium 1960s Lucite, displaying a beautiful internal chatoyancy that shifts color, shimmers, and glows with intense golden contrast when exposed to changing natural light. The elasticated wrap band fastens around a distinct, textured white-metal button clearly stamped with the iconic "Newey" hallmark. Based in Birmingham’s historic factory quarter, Newey was the gold standard for closures in the British garment trade, regularly supplying high-grade snaps to the nearby Leicestershire workshops. Finding a 1960s specimen in this pristine, functional state represents a magnificent find for collectors of vintage textiles, mid-century fashion history, or television studio prop masters looking for flawless authenticity.
Description
An exceptionally visual, tactile, and practical acquisition for collectors of 1960s Mod fashion, film studio wardrobe stagers, or everyday vintage enthusiasts, this elegant walking umbrella is loaded with character. The canopy fabric is remarkably soft to the touch, offering a luxurious silk-feel exterior texture while maintaining a dense, rain-resistant weave. Supported by a robust steel pantograph framework, the umbrella glides open smoothly with a reassuring mechanical click, deploying a beautifully balanced canopy that features a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of warm, autumnal brushstrokes.
Expert Identification & Design Features:
- Leicester Kendall's Lineage: Backed by clear regional auction provenance, connecting this high-grade piece directly to Leicester's legendary Charles Street umbrella manufacturing history.
- Stunning 1960s Mod Canvas Art: Features a dynamic, multidirectional block-print layout in rich rust, brown, and ochre tones to complement a classic vintage trench coat layout.
- Optical Amber Lucite Handle: Fitted with a highly stylized, square-profile Lucite block handle that showcases incredible internal multi-colour depth and light-catching swirls when viewed in natural daylight.
- Authentic Newey Birmingham Button: Finished with the officially branded metal snap stud on the closure wrap, verifying high-grade British component sourcing.
- Heavy-Duty Chromed Rib Spiders: Utilizes a multi-spoke interior star chassis to distribute wind tension evenly, preventing the canopy from flipping inside-out during typical British downpours.
Condition Report
This vintage fashion accessory is in wonderful condition, displaying clear signs of careful preservation over the decades. The synthetic silk-weave fabric canopy sits tight across all perimeter points, remaining entirely free from frayed margins, split seam tracks, or smoky storage odors. The central metal shaft is perfectly straight and true, completely free from bowing or structural compromise.
Operational Details: The interior runner sleeve slides up the shaft cleanly, and the locking catch snaps firmly into place to hold the umbrella fully open without slipping. All metal tip ends remain securely stitched to the corners of the fabric panels, making this piece fully ready for immediate rainy-day use or high-fashion street photography display.
Shipping & Logistics
- Domestic Shipping: FREE UK MAINLAND DELIVERY. Safely and promptly dispatched via Royal Mail Tracked 48-hour service with full automated end-to-end digital tracking links updated directly to your account.
- Packaging: Shipping long, vintage umbrellas requires specialist care to prevent shaft bending or fabric piercing. This item will have its canopy fully folded and bound, with the handle and ferrule tip wrapped independently in multiple layers of heavy-gauge bubble cushioning. It will be shipped inside a thick, custom-fit rigid cardboard shipping tube filled with protective packing materials to prevent moving during transit.
- Dispatch: Complete checkout before 12.00pm Monday through Friday and your order leaves our warehouse the very same day.
Returns & Payment Policies
Buy with absolute confidence from an established eBay Pro Seller with over 2000 successful transactions this past year and a verified 100% positive feedback rating. We specialize in bringing rare vintage finds to market with total transparency.
- Not as Described: In the highly unlikely event of a listing oversight, we will organize a prompt return collection, issue a full refund, and cover all return postage charges.
- Change of Mind: We accept standard customer returns within a 30-day window, with the buyer handling the outbound return carriage fees.