Stapler of the Week Archive- Bostitch P-1

Bostitch P-1 black finish steel

The Bostitch P-1 fits neatly in the palm of my hand with my pinkie finger inserted in the finger grip. It took me a while to understand how to load the stapler. It turns out to be a front loading stapler as the rest of the stapler and its mechanism is concealed within the casing. The handles of the plier stapler have also been contained, making the P-1 remarkably compact tool.

Designed by John F. Cavanagh in 1933, the P-1 was described as a "pocket fastener-applying implement." Cavanagh had such an eye for compactness that the designs allowed the finger grip to be folded up into the casing when not in use. This example does not have that capability yet it loses no favor in my eyes.

detail of J.F. Cavanagh patent 1,994,567 Pocket Fastener Applying Implement

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, May 24, 2008.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Neva Clog Junior

Neva Clog Junior chrome finish, made in Germany

This was a Neva Clog model I didn't know existed. I was excited when I came across it grouped in an auction lot with a Sargent & Co wire cutter and a W Schollhorn Co eyelet setter. Of course, I was doubly excited when these items introduced me to an additional world of tools. But, don't worry, my stapler budget does not allow me to branch out into the cut-throat world of tool collectors.

The Junior only adds to the mysterious German origin of some Neva Clog staplers. It's design is similar to the German B-100 featured in the Stapler of the Week on February 7, 2008. The Junior jaw opening places it in the same category as the S-100 series. I'm uncertain for what intended use such a model was designed. The shorter handles decrease it's stapling leverage and, as a result, sheet or stapled-material capacity. Once again, the Neva Clog saga continues.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Markwell MP4

Markwell MP4 plier stapler grey painted steel

Markwell P4C Staples box (containing approximately 4700 staples)

This particular example was found at the Bethesda Thrift Shop by my Mother. The stapler and the nearly full box of staples came to a grand total of $2. This was the price range I sought out when I first began collecting staplers. I originally gave myself a $15 price cap which would now make my stapler purchases few and far between. At any price, this plier stapler is a pristine example.

The box of staples provides a few items of interest. It lists the Markwell Manufacturing Company's address as 424 W 33rd Street, New York, N.Y.. A quick internet search shows Markwell's New York headquarters are now a "Premiere Boutique Office Building." There's no surprise the company's former Manhattan home has become prime real estate. The box also bears a price tag from the now defunct C.O.M.B. store. The acronym C.O.M.B. abbreviated Close-Out Merchandise Buyers. For some reason Minnesota has a rich history of direct-mail and television marketers such as Fingerhut and the CVN now absorbed by QVC.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, May 4, 2008.