Gucci Umbrella Stands

A Mid 20th Century Monumental and Extremely Rare Vintage "Equestrian Boot" Umbrella Holder by, Italian Luxury Brand Gucci. The boot is decorated with Gucci's classic interlocking g's on canvas and further with leather accents, laces front buckle and and finishing with a bras spur. The umbrella stand retains its all original brass liner. There are very few of these examples in existence as these were solely produced for a few of the Flagship Gucci Stores and were not never released nor produced for the retail market making this an extremely rare piece of authentic vintage Gucci.  circa 1970s. Signature: The boot is signed on the leather strap "Gucci Italy" Measurements:  height: 25.25 in x width: 18 in. x depth: 18 in. Condition: The umbrella stand is in very good condition. Showing no major damage to it. There is some scuffing to the leather on the heel where the spur is located. Some staining to the front of the boot but really adds to the charm of the natural patina from age. The leather is sound throughout as well as the canvas which has minimal glue staining at the seams. The spur is intact and spins freely. The original brass liner is in good condition with some denting from use. It is free from repairs and is in its original condition. References: For a similar and smaller example see: Sotheby's New York - Important 20th Century Design - June 8th, 2005 - lot 12 Notes: Gucci Museo in Florence, Italy currently does not have this example in their collection. The Gucci Equestrian Boot Umbrella Holder was exclusively made for GUCCI retail stores only and were never made for the retail market. This is the second example we have owned and can and very few of these ever make it to market. Biography: Inspired by his experience as a porter at The Savoy hotel in London, Guccio Gucci established his eponymous artisanal luggage atelier in 1921 on Via della Vigna Nuova in Florence. His vision combined exceptional Tuscan materials and craftsmanship with the elegant English aesthetic. These early years established the brand's origins in the world of travel and exploration, which have remained intrinsically linked to Gucci's heritage. The late 1930s saw the introduction of canvas into the offering to provide enhanced durability. The Diamante fabric emerged and became one of the first distinctive elements of the House with its emblematic diamond motif. This was a precursor of the GG monogram canvas still featured today on a selection of bags. A need for creativity and resourcefulness in the 1940s led to the development of enduring House codes. Amid Italy’s post-war era when traditional raw materials were in short supply, a visionary Guccio Gucci turned to the lightweight and durable bamboo in 1947. Through innovative craft techniques, Guccio and his Florentine artisans created the Bamboo bag, the predecessor to the House’s iconic Bamboo 1947 handbag. 1953 was a pivotal year for the House, marking Gucci’s expansion outside of Italy with its first store in New York City. This was also when it introduced footwear, most notably the Horsebit 1953 loafer defined by an equestrian accoutrement that Gucci began using earlier in the decade to evoke the life and style that surrounded horseback riding. The emblem was continuously reinterpreted, with the Horsebit 1955 bag referring to the year its specific version of the hardware appeared in Gucci's collections. Back in Florence in 1953, the House purchased the historic Palazzo Settimanni as the site for its growing artisanal production in the heart of the city. As Gucci continued to grow rapidly, the brand's influence spread to an international clientele of jet setters, Hollywood stars, dignitaries, and socialites. Signature products and prints emerging during this period included the predecessor to the Jackie 1961 bag...