These kind of umbrella was common back then, you can buy them anywhere. This was the cheap umbrella, the common people uses, not many could afford the fold-able cloth umbrella, that is usually black in color, if yours is of certain color & pattern, ususally with flower prints...you are of a different social status & woman too. This waxed paper umbrella was green in color with red color trimming at the edge, or just plain brown. There cheaper ones, & expensive ones, the cheaper ones are made of lower quality materials, more of a use & throw type. The better ones are better design, with patterns & the opening & closing mechanism are better.
But one thing is common, after they are wet, you don't leave them out to dry properly & close them up, the next time you use, they may be stuck & when you force open...they tear & when you are opening that up in a rainstorm..gourd help you!!. The other thing will be, they give off a stinky smell if not dried properly.
You keep them aside for too long, they are home of ants, lizards, centipedes millepedes, moths etc.. even mosquitoes. There are the short type & the longer stem type of umbrella.
For a lawyer like that one in the picture, to be using that kind of umbrella, must be damn bloody thrifty, that goes with washing his own underwear... ha ha ha Normally people living on that street in Orchard Road area, can afford & use the fold-able cloth umbrella & those that come with pretty colored flower patterns too. Only the kebun, the amah etc.. uses them paper umbrealla.