Antique Hand Fan

Paul beat me to it.

 

That's pretty fancy. But can't tell... What material is your fan made of? And the sticks?

Debora

 

It’s a lace/silk and looks like bamboo possibly.

 

And cotton

 

Of course I am just guessing.

 

I think those are accurate guesses.. but patience is a virtue.

 

And it fits snugly in the box? Leading it might be original?

Debora

 

It's very pretty and WELCOME to the forum Paul !!! ... Joy.

 

Welcome Paul. It is a charming fan. It is a gauze, lace and sequin fontange fan ca 1910.
Fontange was originally the name of a ca 1700 lace headdress with a high centre part. Your fan has a similar shape, hence the name.

The frame is wood. It could have been imported from Asia, and the leaf (the fabric) was handmade in Europe, probably France. The two would have been assembled in the country where the leaf was made.
It is not an advertising fan made specifically for the store. The fan was made by a professional fan maker, imported, and sold in its present box. Just like hats were made by hat makers and packed in boxes of the store they were sold by. The store would have had stacks of fan boxes. It is good to keep the two together though, it is part of its history.

Queen Mary with a fontange headdress:

 

Oops, forgot, the fan, for those who would rather not have physiotherapy:

 

Thank You!

 

Wow! That is very interesting. Thank You!
Now the big question. How much is it worth?

 

Yes, fits snugly and it’s the original box.

 

I have no idea, sorry. This period is not the most sought after, and the materials aren't precious, so it won't be something you can retire on. But there aren't that many fontange fans, and it is a pretty fan that could complete someone's collection.
You can check ebay etc, you have some search words now.

 

Thank You! Before I joined the forum I put it on eBay for a price of $200 or best offer and I would of taken anything for it. With your assessment and the history you have given me I set it to a higher price $650or best offer. But, I may just keep it to pass down to my kids with this info you have given. Thanks again.

 

$200 seems very steep to me already, did you check similar sold fans?

 

Understand that is high now. There was one that was somewhat similar with a $299.99 price. I Will keep it on high side. I will probably keep to pass down to family.

 

It may have been made of more expensive materials, hand-embroidered, or maybe a hand-carved frame, could you post the link?

 

Paul, I just found your listing. Just to be clear, this is not a Woodward and Lothrop fan. Woodward and Lothrop were the retailers. Department stores are not fan makers, they are not even specialized fan sellers.
For comparison, if they sold a Meissen vase, the vase would not be a Woodward and Lothrop vase, but a Meissen vase.

 

yes, correct. Will change that. Me bad!