Antique French Belle Epoque era sterling silver umbrella parasol handle or dress cane handle. Ornately decorated with intricate guilloche engine turned engraving. Enhanced with gilt vermeil finish. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Marker's mark for silversmiths Schweitzer & Fort, active 1904-1910 at 20 rue Michel-le-Comte, Paris. Finely housed in the original presentation box together with eight gilt spoke tips. In overall good antique condition with some wear to the gilt vermeil finish. The handle measures 2 1/2" length. Box measures 5 1/4" x 3 7/8" x 1 7/8".