19th Century Art Nouveau Cast Iron French Figural Bird Heron Paper Clip or Letter Holder

Date: 19th Century
PRICE: $ 750
Dimensions: H 5,5cm W 19cm D 5cm
Shipping: $ 40

Rare 19th century French heavy cast iron clip with spring in the shape of a birds head.
Most likely a heron, the hinge in its 'jaw joint' makes its beak act as a clip.
You pinch the back and its feathered neck to open the beak.

So this pretty item could be used as paper clamp, paperclip, letter holder or paperweight or just as a decorative wall hanger.

From the meticulous feather details, the beak and the position of the eyes you recognise this nice collectors item is made by a very good foundry.