Period Office Items Appraisal

Victorian Lady's Hand Brass Paper Clip

This is a vintage or antique Victorian-style spring-loaded paper clip, often called a 'Lady's Hand' or 'Hand of Grace' clip. The item features a detailed sculptural representation of a feminine hand emerging from a decorative lace-trimmed cuff, adorned with a ring on the third finger and a narrow non-metal bracelet around the wrist. The hand acts as a clamp against a shaped backplate featuring a textured, cross-hatched center and scrolled, rococo-style borders. The item appears to be made of cast brass with a weathered golden-yellow finish. There is visible surface wear, including dark pitting, tarnishing, and some oxidation consistent with age. The craftsmanship displays fine details in the fingernails, creases of the knuckles, and the scalloped fan-like ornamentation at the top, which serves as the lever. This aesthetic was popularized in the late 19th century (Victorian era) and continued through the early 20th century. The condition suggests significant use, adding a distinctive antique patina that may indicate a piece from the mid-to-late 1800s rather than a modern reproduction.