This is an original late Victorian cast iron letter clip, circa 1880s-1890s, in the form of a lady's hand resting on an envelope. Press the ornate fan-shaped cuff and the hand lifts to grip letters, bills, calling cards, or photos.
Cast in pressed iron with its original dark japanned finish worn to a soft bronze on the high points — exactly the patina collectors want. The detail is wonderful: beaded bracelet, slender fingers, scalloped cuff with zig-zag and rosette stamping, typical of the Eastlake / Aesthetic Movement.
Perfect on an entry console for mail, on a desk as a paperweight, or clipped to a mood board in your studio. These were general store counter clips originally, now one of the most collected Victorian desk objects.
Details:
• Era: Victorian, ca. 1880s-90s, England / US
• Material: Cast iron / pressed iron, sprung clip
• Size: Approx. 3.5" L x 1.75" W