This is an Edwardian, 9 carat Gold figural parasol handle in the form of a swan's head, by the silversmiths Joseph Smith & Sons, & fully hallmarked for London 1909.

The Gold swans head is intricately detailed, right down to the inset glass eyes, which have a central pin to represent the iris : please see the magnified photo's to appreciate the quality of the work.

The handle is of a finely striped & stepped cane, naturally hollow, and has a lovely patina.

The head is fully hallmarked with the makers mark 'JS' (Joseph Smith & Sons, entered in 1853), the carat mark (9/.375 for 9ct), the date letter 'o' (for 1909 - 10), & the leopards head (London).

Condition is fine for it's 100 years, the head has a couple of tiny & very shallow bruises, the makers mark is lightly rubbed & one eye protrudes slightly further than the other. The outside bend of the cane has lost a thin strip from the surface (which is minor & does not detract in any way).

The handle measures approx 8 1/8" in length, with an interior gape of 2 1/4", & the swans head is approx 2" long (approx 20.6cm, 5.7cm, & 5cm).

All in all, an extremely scarce & exquisite hallmarked Gold parasol (or small umbrella) handle, of the highest quality.