Vintage Brass Crest Letter Clip

This vintage brass clip once sat on a writing desk, its double spring back holding letters or cards upright while the scrolled crest front did the decorating. The engraved shield and mantling are deliberately darkened against the bright brass ground, a two-tone treatment that gives an everyday desk piece some presence.

[d]Dimensions | 2 in. W x 1.5 in. H x 3 in. D

[d]Surface | Bright brass ground, crest and mantling darkened for contrast; darkening method not established

[d]Primary Material | Brass

[d]Period | Vintage

[d]Date | Mid-20th century, estimated

[d]Marks | SOLID BRASS, stamped in block capitals to the reverse, between the upper lobes. No maker's mark, initials, or country stamp present.

[d]Construction | Cast or die-stamped brass front, double spring clip riveted to the reverse

[d]Secondary Material | Clip arms in a nonmagnetic white metal, assessed as nickel silver or nickel-plated brass

[condition]

Scattered dark tarnish spotting to the reverse of the brass, visible in patches rather than an even patina. No spotting visible to the front face or crest in the photographs. No dents, splits, or losses to the scrolled front or the applied crest. The spring clip opens and closes in the photographs and appears to retain tension, though grip strength can't be confirmed from images alone. Please review all photographs closely, as they form part of this description.