Vintage Touch N Go Umbrella – 1950s Polan Katz One-Handed Opening Parasol

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An absolutely one of a kind find, this gorgeous vintage umbrella has one of the loveliest shapes and most unique … Read more An absolutely one of a kind find, this gorgeous vintage umbrella has one of the loveliest shapes and most unique mechanics I've ever found. It opens and closes perfectly and feels very sturdy, and features a beautiful ornate metal hook handle. What makes it truly special is how it opens.

This umbrella is from the 'Touch N Go' line patented by Polan, Katz & Company in 1956. It is meant to revolutionize umbrellas by being opened and closed with one hand. To open, simply press the top of the umbrella gently against the ground, and it expands to show a beautiful and incredibly strong flower-petal shaped wire structure. To close, simply press a button near the handle - the closure is spring powered and shuts with an alarming SNAP, meant to burst the water off the fabric (and perhaps scare those closest to you!). It's a truly one-of-a-kind design, and frankly superior to any umbrella design before or since in my opinion!

A gorgeous and useful light parasol, perfect for decor, costumes, or just having the most amazing umbrella on a sunny market day or rainy morning! This is the idea vintage umbrella for a wedding!! These umbrellas are incredibly rare and difficult to come by.

I collect these Touch N Gos, and I've had quite a few pass through my hands - this beauty is in fantastic condition! A warm tan-brown canopy, with a light metal handle worked into a beautiful design. It's so chic, so sleek, and in practically pristine condition! Works perfectly; push the metal tip of the umbrella against the floor to open the canopy, press the button on the handle to SNAP it shut - only one hand needed (so your other can hold your tiki cocktail!)

Measures 36" long when closed and 34" across the canopy when open. The umbrella itself is in fantastic (I believe unused) condition with just a very light bit of smudging to one panel near the top; the fabric case/sheath has two small holes and a small tear near the metal end cap (perfectly usable but many people don't bother with them except for longer term storage). See less