Green’s Dictionary of Slang

an umbrella.

1856		Monmouthshire Merlin 18 Oct. 6/2: Alluding to my umbrella, why does he term it a ‘gingham?’ I almost always carry a silk one, seldom descending even to an alpaca.
1857		Paul Pry (London) 15 Aug. n.p.: Charley, how about Allen's eating- house in Temple-street ? Take care else Paul will give you another poke with his gingham.
1895		Coburg Leader (Vic.) 15 June 1/6: The East lads would like to know where the gingham was taking the dancer to on Sunday night.