Swingline No. 3 steel & plastic gray finish
Swingline No. 3C steel, plastic, and wood black finish
Swingline No. 3C (bottom) steel & wood black finishI have previously featured the Swingline No. 4 and the No. 3P, yet only mentioned the No. 3. Here are two examples of the more compact workhorse that was no less wide-spread. It's no rarity, but as with the No. 4, the design is among Swingline's best. At the museum where I work, there are many examples of the gray No. 4 still in use which certainly can attest to the quality of its manufacture and design. The No. 3C, above, an earlier example, has the black finish, early plastic plunger and a wood base. Its finish is similar to another No. 4, also previously mentioned here. When I first saw a No. 3C, I did not expect to base to be as finished as it is. I include an image of it to show its simple yet elegant inscription and rivet attachment. It reminds me of how Michelangelo said he freed the figures from the blocks of stone he carved. Perhaps inside this block of wood, a streamlined Sphynx-paw base lurks...waiting for its freedom.
Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 11, 2009.
Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 11, 2009.
2 comments:
For some reason today I dug out my vintage office "tools". Sitting in front of me is the 3C Speed in remarkable condition. Also a paper punch by Metal Spec MFG., Staple remover by Arrow, Staple remover by ACE, Rule 6'retractable by WALSCO, desk callender from a bank (scroll style, day date month) and a black (ceramic) pen holder from a bank also. Gee, all this vintage stuff says Made in USA, who woulda' guessed?
How do you open this stapler to replace the staples? And what kind of staples are needed?
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