Stapler of the Week Archive- Markwell "SX" Pacemaker

Markwell "SX" Pacemaker steel and rubber

Markwell "SX" Pacemaker box cardboard and paper

Markwell produced staplers with lettered staple size classifications and the "SX" Pacemaker marks another staple size not yet featured here.  It has some great ergonomic features from back when ergonomics were just called good design.  The base is completely rubber so there's no worry about this stapler sliding anywhere.  There is a  wedge-shaped plunger that makes stapling a pleasure.  I don't know if Markwell still honors its free service claim cited on the box but this stapler promises to keep the pace for years to come.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, July 9, 2010.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Markwell RTP

Markwell RTP steel chrome finish

Markwell RTP steel chrome finish

The Markwell RTP is remarkable for its ornate engraved decoration announcing everything you need to know about it. This engraving lets you know which and how many staples you'll use, how far you have to insert the paper to put your staple up to 4 inches from the edge, where you need to press to operate the stapler and perhaps most importantly "RTP" is the nickname you'll use for your Markwell stapler. I can't say what "RTP" is short for aside from the fact Markwell used similar model names such as the RX, RF, RB, along with many variations on these model initials by adding extra numbers or letters. In addition to these intitals, some models were also given additional nicknames, such as the Staple-Master, the Pacemaker, the Handi-Clip and the Staple-Robot to name a few. In any case, the RTP is a very memorable stapler.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 22, 2009.

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.

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.

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- 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.