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.

Stapler of the Week Archive- MUJI stapler

MUJI stapler plastic and metal closed (top) and open (bottom)

Building on last week's staplers in Japan connection, here's a neat little compact fastener from MUJI. When not in use, a slight adjustment enables it to become even more compact as seen in the top illustration above. The MUJI "basic principle is to develop new simple products at reasonable prices by making the best use of materials while considering environmental issues." Now that's a pretty good principle, saving the environment and such with good design.

My wife was familiar with MUJI long before I was keen on office supplies. She first bought MUJI products in the basement of Selfridges & Co in London and then later shopped at one of the many the MUJI stores. I only mention this because a store is set to open in New York City this fall. I may acquire some more MUJI myself.

This particular example was a gift to the Stapler of the Week from one Aki Shibata, a MUJI disciple from Japan to Minnesota. Just a reminder...donate a stapler to the collection and you may get a mention.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, September 24, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive-Hotchkiss No. 54

Hotchkiss No. 54 patent Dec 4, 1934 chrome finish

This specific stapler's design can be traced to one Fridolin Polzer through patent drawings provided by Old Staplers.com. It's also the unadorned version of a plier stapler in the modernism collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. I've been looking for one ever since I saw the MIA's example. It's movement is refined and concealed within its case. The staples are smaller than those of the Swingline "Tot" 50. Truly, it was meant to be ornamented and used by delicate hands.

In researching this stapler, I learned some interesting details about the Hotchkiss Company. Due to a bit of marketing genius by E.H. Hotchkiss, in Japan and Korea the word for stapler is Hotchikisu, according to Curtis Scaglione's Stapler Exchange. Apparently Hotchkiss sent a shipment of fasteners there and as they were the first fasteners the Japanese had ever seen, they naturally referred to them (and all that followed) by the Hotchkiss name.

Also, there's a question if there is any connections between the Hotchkiss stapler and the Hotchkiss machine gun used in WWI. Jim Breen, an Austrailian IT researcher, did a bit of digging here but couldn't find a definite connection, aside from the fact both families came from Connecticut.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, September 16, 2007

Stapler of the Week Archive- Bump & Clipless Paper Fasteners

Bump Paper Fastener Patent Jul 21, 1914 black metal finish

Clipless Paper Fastener Patent August 2, 1910 chrome metal finish

These paper fasteners are the most recent additions to my collection. I first referenced these fasteners in the Stapler of the Week entry for the Chadwick Stapleless Stapler. As stated before, I have been fascinated by the stapleless fastener ever since I stumbled upon their existence. Whether they were created to conserve staples or just to compete with the stapler industry, they did not catch on the way one might think they should. Perhaps the fact that the process was a far less reversible than stapling is behind it not being a common household item. These two hand-held examples were also accompanied by desktop models which resembled staplers of the time.

The process by which the paper is fastened is I think exactly the same. It is more visible on the Clipless model. One can see what appears to be a smaller punch with an eye like a needle and then a larger chisel shaped punch. As you can guess, the larger punch creates the tab and the smaller punch the hole which the tab slips in. When the fastener is fully depressed, the tab is slipped into the eye of the smaller punch. As the fastener is released and the punches withdraw from the paper, the tab is pulled through, fastening the paper together.


Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, September 10, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Arrow P66 Plier Stapler

Arrow P66 Plier Stapler Chrome and Red Finish

I had always associated Arrow with tacker/staple guns. In college, when I was starting to stretch my own canvases, I went straight to Menards and bought an Arrow A-T50. At the time, I was of the opinion that everything had to be heavy duty. Since then, I've come to appreciate the old adage that less is more. The P66 fits in the less category. It lives up to its description as a "small convenient mini plier type stapler with a two tone finish that fits in your pocket." That perhaps isn't the best product catch phrase, but I think it could get stuck in your head if you put it to the right tune.

This stapler was a gift to the Stapler of the Week from John Anderson, friend extraordinare.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, July 17, 2007

Stapler of the Week Archive-Swingline Speed Stapler

Swingline Speed Staper No 4 flat black finish

This is another stapler on loan from the Jack Pavlik collection. A similar Swingline model was featured in the Stapler of the Week on March 22, 2007. A similar finish can be found on a 1938 Swingline Speed Stapler No 3 featured by the Early Office Museum. I think you can find out a lot by looking at variations in paint and materials. What can I discern from the comparison of these two staplers? The design of the stapler didn't really change but the finish does. This flat black finish can also be found on typewriters and other office items (some of which I own) of the same era. The green version of the Speed Stapler No 4 seems to be a later version. The plastic has changed from black bakelite to a much glossier more refined plastic with the Swingline name inset into the top. In describing the green stapler, I made references to a WWII period drama we had been watching and I can only imagine the change in color perhaps references this event. Perhaps they had a few cans of green paint left over after the dust settled and thought, "Let's use it up on these staplers."

Excerpt from Stapler of the Week July 7, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Hotchkiss No 1

Hotchkiss No 1 age-patinated cast metal

The Hotchkiss No 1 is the first strip stapler I have seen in person. Instead of the fine wire staple strips we load into today's modern stapler, the No 1 used a strip that had been punched and formed from a flat strip of metal. The resulting staple was much more substantial than our modern day staple. The Hotchkiss No 1 was also sold with a tail (as in this example from the early office museum), which I imagine allowed for longer strips of staples to be used. Without having seen one operate, I cannot be sure.

This stapler was on loan to me from the Jack Pavlik collection. We had a great conversation about stapler and he lent me a few examples to document for the Stapler of the Week.

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

Stapler of the Week Archive-Markwell HANDI-CLIP

Markwell RX HANDI-CLIP Chrome Finish

Another beautiful plier stapler, the Markwell RX HANDI-CLIP wins for compactness. It nestles directly in the palm of one's hand and is easily concealable...if one needed to conceal a stapler. As the STAPLEMASTER featured on May 30, 2007 used RF staples, the HANDI-CLIP requires Markwell's brand RX staples. Markwell followed the classic company store strategy, creating a product which you will need to purchase exclusive brand accessories to use. Markwell continues to provide replacement staples for this and several other antique models, including Neva Clog.

Excerpt from Stapler of the Week, June 28, 2007

Stapler of the Week Archive- Neva Clog J-30 & J-60

Neva Clog J-30 chrome finish


Neva Clog J-60 tarnished chrome finish

When I first became interested in staplers, my father-in-law gave me my first example of a Neva Clog. That stapler is the J-30 pictured above and came to me along with three or four boxes of Salco replacement DJ-340 staples. It sparked my taste for the stapler plier and the box of Neva Clog staplers in my studio is perhaps evidence of that fact. I've given J-30's as gifts to friends and nephews. They all have had the distinct N-C mark, but only the example given to me by my father-in-law bears the fantastic representation of what the stapler does. The J-60 may not be pretty, but it does have one added feature the J-30 doesn't. With aid of the switch on the bottom, the J-60 has the ability to staple and pin. This may be a feature we take for granted these days, but it wasn't always an option. There is still much more to the Neva-Clog story and as I learn more, you can be sure you'll be the first to hear about it.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, June 12, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Markwell Staple-Master

Markwell Staple-Master chrome and silver painted metal with rubber foot

This Markwell was the second in a line of stapler gift from my in-laws. I have to say, I have yet to truly understand it. It is a front loading stapler, by way of the unpainted clip cover. Above is a little lever which is under a label reading, "Press up gently and then release quickly before loading." I haven't really found more info on this exact model. What I like about this Staple-Master is the markings. There is a identity tag on it with a shield and the numbers "12-2244." I don't know what that means but it's intriguing. On the plunger top is written in cursive script, "Markwell RF Master," the Markwell name is engraved in the rubber foot, and the name, "Staple-Master" is proudly engraved in all-caps on the very front of the stapler. Markwell still produces and sells office staplers, but most of its business is specialty and industrial staplers and tackers.


Excerpt from Stapler of the Week, May 30, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Neva Clog J-56

Neva Clog J-56-R brushed metal

Neva Clog is perhaps my favorite of all stapler companies and yet I know very little about it. Located in Bridgeport, CT, Neva Clog produced staplers geared toward very specific tasks. Their "J" line was geared toward the clerical side of the stapling public. But they also produced a whole line of more industrial staplers intended for use in factories, farms, warehouses, upholstery, and leather work. The Model J-56-R is perhaps the most interesting of the "J" line because it features a built-in stapler remover, that folds out not unlike the blade of a jackknife. I'm pretty sure the "R" stands for remover, but I can't be absolutely sure about that. We can look forward to many more Neva Clogs in future Stapler of the Week Posts...I guarantee it!


Excerpt from Stapler of the Week, May 25, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive - Swingline 615 Saddle Stapler

Swingline 615 Saddle Stapler grey painted and chromed metal with rubber & plastic features

The first time I saw a Swingline 615, was in 2004 during a premarital counselling session with the white-haired scandinavian Pastor at my grandmother's Lutheran Church. I commented on the stapler and my fiance (now my wife) said she had used them many times (perhaps at the historic house museum or the University mail room she worked in during college.) I was entranced by it. I had made a few booklets in college but had never knew there was a stapler with the expressed purpose of binding these booklets. I had learned about the saddle stitch binding while working at West Publishing. In my two months at Kinko's, I learned to operate copy machines that would copy, fold and staple a booklet. The fact that these operations were happening with the use of machinery did not amaze me, it was the fact that such an odd looking thing would be designed for use by the general public.

In my pursuit of owning a saddle stapler, I found examples of electric foot-pedal activated saddle staplers for high volume booklet making. I almost bought one, but then, when would I ever be saddle stapling enough booklets to need it. The Swingline 615 is in no way vintage. This particular model is fairly modern and is still available for sale. If you search it out on the internet, you'll find it's not a cheap item new ($80 - $100) and that it takes special #35150 round wire staples. I have yet to buy a box and start making some more booklets. As the complete finishing service copier moves out onto the Kinko's self-service floor, I think a my studio and a Lutheran Pastor's office will be the only place to find one.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week Archive, May 15, 2007

Stapler of the Week Archive - Chadwick Stapleless Stapler

Chadwick Stapleless Stapler chrome finish with rust accents

So, this isn't technically a stapler. But, when I started learning about the world of stapleless staplers, I had to have one. My first pursuit was after a stapleless paper fastener made by the Bump Fastener Company from La Crosse, Wisconsin. There was also the Clipless Paper Fastener Company of Newton, Iowa, who eventually bought out Bump. Above is pictured a Chadwick Stapleless Stapler , which functions on the same principle. A hole and a tab are punched after which the tab is folded into the hole fastening the paper together without a staple.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week Archives, May 11, 2007

Stapler of the Week Archive - Star Wire Stapler

Star Wire Stapler metal

I really don't know all that much about this stapler. Embossed on the bottom is the text, "SOLD EXCLUSIVELY BY THE STAR PAPER FASTENER CO., INC. NORWALK CONNECTICUT. Made in U.S.A. Patent Dec. 10, 1918 Others Pend. Patent No. 1,787,285 & No. 1,829,537" Sources indicate it was manufactured by the Jones Mfg. Company, which later became the E. H. Hotchkiss Co.. It is identical to the Hotchkiss 1A made in 1929. Such is the blurry line between stapler companies. One company buys out another, retools old designs, scraps the innovations, and the result is a lot of boring homogeneous staplers. But don't get me wrong, I have hope for the future of stapler design.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week Archives, May 4, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive - Faber Castell FC-1

Faber-Castell FC-1 chrome finish

I love plier staplers. It's sort of hard to describe it but they appeal to my primal right to bear arms instincts. The FC-1 I have at work had been once chained to a receiving desk but I always imagine it holstered at my side, my stapler finger twitching just a bit. Back to the point, the FC-1 has the distinction of being designed and manufactured by ISABERGS VERKSTADS AB, Hestra, Sweden. It and just about every other stapler plier that looks like it are SWEDISH!!! The percentage of Swede in me brims with pride and amazement in the fact that Sweden is even in the stapler market, let alone has nearly cornered the market on shiny chrome plier staplers. I use one at work because it also has the distinction of using a full strip of standard staples, meaning I can dip into the office supply...shhh!

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, April 26, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive - Tatum T-155 "Little Buddy"

Tatum T-155 "Little Buddy" gun metal grey and chrome metal

The Tatum T-155 or "Little Buddy" came to me in a lot of staplers. I must admit I was not at first impressed by it. Produced by the Wilson Jones Co. (now owned by ACCO brands), the "Little Buddy" was in production from 1951 to 1965 as indicated through patent research by the Stapler Exchange. This model is, however, excessively unremarkable when compared with the Tatum Aluminum Stapler. I would have to agree that that model is "highly sought after." But as my wife and I tighten our belts, I won't be doing any stapler-seeking on the caliber on the level of the Tatum Aluminum Stapler.

So, it'll be the "Little Buddy" for me.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, April 19, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive - Swingline "Tot 50"

Swingline "Tot 50", red plastic and corroded chrome metal

I have gotten a few replies regarding how the stapler of the week was their family stapler. The Swingline "Tot 50" was my family stapler. I don't recall it being used for anything except perhaps for the family taxes. My family can confirm or deny this but for the most part, the "Tot 50" just took up space. The pictured stapler is not the family stapler, but rather one I received as part of a large lot of staplers. Like other staplers, the "Tot 50", has been redesigned and remarketed. One of my co-workers showed me his little orange stapler and I didn't know what to make of it. It was the new "Tot 50" and I had no idea. There's a variety of colors, the optional built in staple remover or the version with a magnet to stick it to your locker, etc. It fits anywhere but as a result is fairly insubstantial and yet, it still holds a place in my heart.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, March 29, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive - Swingline Speed Stapler No. 4

Swingline Speed Stapler no. 4, green painted & chrome metal with plastic plunger

My wife and I have been watching the BBC series Foyle's War for the past week or so. Set in England during World War II, the program focuses on the fact that murder is still murder, even during war times, and Folye won't let you get away with it. The production notes of the film included some insight into theset dressing of the film. Objects needed to be old and yet look new as they would have in the 1940's.

So, I thought this Speed Stapler would be mildly appropriate for the film. These models were very much influenced by the streamlining of all things of the era. Was it faster than other staplers due to less wind drag? It must have been aerodynamically superior to have earned the title of "Speed Stapler."

Does anyone else think this thing looks like the sphinx?

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, March 22, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive - Swingline Cub

Swingline Cub light grey

Swingline Cub grey

Swingline Cub green

Swingline Cub red

Swingline Cub light brown

Swingline Cub black

These early all metal Cubs add the cute-factor to my collection. As with last week's aceliner, the Cub came in many colors. The Cub was redesigned several times in its life and still exists today as a standard half-strip stapler. These examples required 77 or Cub staples that went out of production 15 - 20 years ago and Swingline/Acco has since sold off their surplus stock. So, if one wants to use a Cub, look to ebay, goodwill or the antique shop for staples, as I haven't yet found a source for replacement staples.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, March 15, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Ace aceliner

aceliner brown plastic and chrome finish

The third example of Ace brand staplers from my collection is another addition made by my wife. A careworn, though not distressed example, this aceliner is still commercially available. An "executive" model, it is also comes in black. Vintage items were available in green, red in a similar plastic and also earlier Bakelite faux tortoise shell in a variety of colors. It's a very comfortable stapler to use both in the hand and on the desk top. The cursive name moulded on the handle and the neat detail of the brown plastic in the tab of the spring loading mechanism cheer me right up.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, March 6, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Swingline 99

Swingline 99 two tone drab olive plastic and chrome finish

This little hand-held stapler came to me from some friends in the electronic auction ether. This model is still sold today, albiet with less appealing design and color. I'm not altogether to sure I like current stapler design. As more and more parts become plastic and "ergonomically designed," I'm less inclined to look at them. But here, the Swingline 99 fits perfectly in one's palm and is very much made of plastic. I think I can afford to contradict myself occassionally when the stapler is this cool.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, February 28, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Ace Clipper

Ace Clipper chrome finish

A fantastic plier stapler if I've ever seen one, and I've seen a few to date. Perhaps you've seen one on the pharmacy or take out-counter, the plier stapler is a favorite of counter help and shipping clerks across the world. Still available for purchase, the Ace Clipper uses a particular type of staple, as evident on the stamped writing on the handle. I try to stay away from staplers that require me to buy special staples, but there's so much going on when one uses the Ace Clipper. Most staplers only hinge at the tail, whereas the Ace Clipper pivots around 5 separate hinge points. I think that's pretty cool.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, February 22, 2007.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Ace Pilot

Ace Pilot-chrome finish

Purchased by my wife at the Grandstand State Fair Antique spectacular. This stapler now serves as a doorstop for our bedroom door. These staplers seem to be the most satisfying to use because of the plunger action, reminiscent of a 60's game show buzzer technology. Another comparison one could make is to a telegraph key, but one would waste a lot of staples trying to staple out Morse code.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week archive, February 13, 2007.