This Victorian era paperclip features a hand holding an envelope gracefully under its fingers. A snake is wrapped around the wrist like jewelry, and lines and circles suggest the beginning of a sleeve. The back clip is a variation of a serpentine shape, with a textured base that holds letters or papers in place. The clip is still functioning: it has a firm grip and a hole at the top that allows the clip to be hung up on a wall. There is a beautiful patina on the steel that gives color and texture to the paperclip, matching the mysterious tone of the snake and serpentine background.
Writing letters was an important part of life in the Victorian era. Developments in the postal service, and the introduction of The Penny Post, made sending letters cheaper and easier than ever before. Letter writing accessories, like these paper clips, were popular household items that have been left behind as treasures from the era. These clips are still functional and make excellent home or office decorations. We have several in our collection, each with its own unique style and design.
This piece would be lovely hung up in a kitchen or office as a catchall for papers, notes, recipes, and receipts, or hung up outside near the front door for outgoing mail. It could also sit on a desk to help keep paperwork organized.
Circa 1890’s, the clip’s silver plate surface has been worn off to give it its gorgeous patina. It is approximately 5 1/2” x 1 3/4” x 1 1/2”.
