Stapler of the Week Archive- Rapid Supreme 51

Rapid Supreme 51 chrome finish

The Rapid Supreme 51 is a great little plier stapler. Like the Neva Clog J-series staplers, when loaded with stainless steel or Monel staples, it was used to splice film during processing. The Salco Staple Headquarters listing calls the Supreme 51 "the Splicer" and notes its virtues of a tight and flat clinched staple which "will not catch in squeegees, mar rollers, or wear shoulder of film spools" and also the plier itself is "highly resistant to chemicals and bleaches used in film processing. The stapler is guaranteed not to contaminate solutions or discolor film." But as film processing goes the way of mimeograph, the Supreme 51 is destined to live on as a light duty stapler.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 16, 2008.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Rapid Roadkill

Rapid Classic 1 abraded and corroded chrome finish

I happened upon the remains of a Rapid Classic 1 plier stapler on my walk home from work. The Rapid Classic 1 is identical to the Faber-Castell FC-1. Both were manufactured by what is now known as Isaberg-Rapid in Hestra, Sweden. At first glance, I was really excited to find a stapler but then excitement turned to sadness. I kept walking at first, but then turned back to pick it up and put it in my pocket. As I passed the scrap metal warehouse, I thought to leave it there but didn't. This sad stapler made its way home with me. I'm not certain what will become of it.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 16, 2008.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Markwell RX-45 & Neva Clog Stapler

Markwell RX-45 chrome finish

Neva Clog Stapler (unknown model) corroded chrome finish, made in Germany

After looking at a few hundred staplers, one begins to recognize stapler types of which each company manufactured a version. These two models are cut from thinner steel when compared to the similarly designed El Casco M-1CA. When compared to the luxury of El Casco, these staplers were most likely the economy models. Each stapler uses a narrow gauge staple, the RX-45 using RX staples and the Neva Clog using the standard DJ-340, suggesting they were meant for light-duty stapling needs.

I have not seen many examples of the featured Neva Clog stapler. It is yet another taste of the company's products manufactured in Germany. Like the German B-100, this model features a removable front plate to facilitate removing jammed staples and we all know how frustrating a staple jam can be.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 1, 2008.