Stapler of the Week Archive- Neva Clog D-40 & D-40X

Neva Clog D-40 brushed metal finish with corrosion

Neva Clog D-40X brushed metal finish and wood base

Neva Clog produced a line of desk top staplers in addition to their plier staplers. The D-30, D-40 and D-40X are the Neva Clog staplers recognized as being perhaps the most art deco in design. I'm not the best person to make that distinction, but they are very attractive. Their sleek lines and solid construction make them very pleasant to use. I don't use them much however because my supply of DJ-340 staples is low.

These staplers are remarkable for their styling and details, but beyond that, they are the most common types of staplers available. One need only look to the Ace Pilot for another example of these common desk top models. They function very much the same, yet they have very different aesthetic value. The D-40 is the standard model, similar to the Pilot, the D-30 is the compact model, and the D-40X is the extended reach model for stapling booklets & pamphlets.

The D-30 is featured on the Magazine Stapling Machines page of the Early Office Museum and one example was featured for sale by DecoWorld. DecoWorld was the first hit I found for replacement DJ-340 staples. I've since found other sources with varying prices, but haven't made a big order yet.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 29, 2007.

Stapler of Week Archive- Neva Clog S-100

Neva Clog S-100 black finish

Neva Clog S-100 chrome finish

Neva Clog produced many models of plier staplers to perform different tasks. As the J-30, J-60, and J-56R were more suited to the office, the S-100, F-100, and B-100 models were meant for tougher tasks. I've found reference to them used by leather workers and even corn breeders (Maize Newsletter Issue 15, 1941). As seen illustrated below, the S, F and B-100s varied in jaw opening size. The S-100 and F-100 used either A-1000 (1/4" leg) or L-1000 (5/16" leg), where as the B-100 had it's own B-staples. If you find yourself confused by all the stapler and staple model numbers, you're not alone. There's really no discernible logic to these names but it's interesting to hypothesize what different things one would staple with each model. I measured and my index finger would fit in a 1/2" jaw opening which brings back a rather unhappy childhood memory. You can fill in the details. Luckily, these S-100s only have 9/32" of clearance so I won't have to relive that experience.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 18, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- matac 7

matac 7 chrome and blue finish

matac box front (above) and back (below)

The matac 7 comes to the Stapler of the Week collection from Italy by way of Australia. I bought two, one in white and one in blue. I've had difficulty finding references to either the matac 7, catam (I do realize that's matac spelled backwards) or any recognizable markings on the stapler. It is, however, a near dead ringer for the Zenith 548 made by Balma, Capoduri & C.. Sure, there are some design differences in the casing and the obvious rear vs. front loading staples. I'm guessing the matac 7 was a design knock off marketed decades after the distinctive Zenith design was fairly well established.

Guessing aside, what interests me more are the differences is design sensibilities across cultures. It's not an original exploration by any means, but European staplers have a very different feel and look when compared to those in the USA. Their appearances are very clinical, almost like medical devices. I've found myself more drawn to these foreign manufacturers of office tools... the typewriters (3) I brought along on our move to NY are all Olivettis.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 9, 2007.