I have been looking up these umbrella (mostly parasols) silver handles.
Silver parasol hilts were popular in Victorian times into the early 20th C. Antique British, European, and Asian (Chinese, Anglo-Indian, Japanese) versions exist. Mostly sterling silver, antique ones can be expensive, running from several hundred to over a thousand USD. The hilt alone may have been worth the price paid for this sword, depending on the amount of silver present and the quality of workmanship.
Iain has suggested a Chinese origin and I think he is correct after looking at examples online. However, a French origin may also be possible based on the motifs shown.
As far as the two small rings attached to the silver, the most likely use for these would be to attach a chain that hung over the wrist or forearm to carry it when the umbrella/parasol was not in use.
|