Child's Parasol Value Guide

This mid-century child's parasol is a quintessential example of 1940s-1950s American juvenile fashion, serving as a miniature version of adult sunshades. Its vibrant floral cotton canopy and traditional wood-and-metal construction make it a highly sought-after piece for collectors of vintage children's clothing and social history.

What Is Child's Parasol Worth?

The typical price range for Child's Parasol is $75 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the cotton fabric, specifically looking for sun-fading, foxing, or tears in the floral print.
• The structural integrity of the metal ribs and the smoothness of the opening and closing mechanism.
• The preservation of the wooden handle, including the original paint or varnish finish.
• Rarity of the specific floral pattern and its appeal to collectors of mid-century Americana.

How to Identify Child's Parasol?

• Verify the canopy material is a lightweight cotton fabric rather than waterproof nylon or heavy canvas.
• Check for a manual opening mechanism featuring a metal frame and a turned wooden handle typical of the 1940s.
• Look for the specific 1940-1950s era floral patterns which often feature smaller, whimsical lithographed or screen-printed blooms.
• Confirm the origin is the United States, often indicated by specific metal stamping on the interior stretchers.

History of Child's Parasol

Parasols, unlike umbrellas, were primarily designed to provide shade from the sun, not protection from rain. They became popular accessories for women and children in the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the fashion and social customs of the era. Child's parasols like this one were often miniature versions of adult styles, used for strolls in the park or as part of a Sunday best outfit. Their delicate designs and often whimsical patterns made them beloved items.