Stapler of the Week Archive- Elastic JUWEL 90 & JUWELETTE

Elastic JUWEL 90 steel brushed polish and red plastic

Elastic JUWELETTE steel matte polish and red plastic

Here are two more German plier staplers from ELASTIC.  Previously featured JUWEL staplers had a more Art Deco flavor with chrome, stylized engraving, and geometric enamel decoration.  The JUWEL 90 and the JUWELETTE have a Bauhaus inspired design that I think Walter Gropius might have enjoyed.  The more angular and simplistic form is punctuated with a black, white and red name badge and red plastic plunger tab that come right out of the Bauhaus style book.  

Aside from the name badge, they are nearly identical with only a few differences in marks and finish.  Perhaps they were produced at different times or for different markets.  In the time I have been researching staplers, the ELASTIC JUWEL line has passed hands, being purchased and manufactured by Isaberg-Rapid in Sweden and today once again in Germany by Leitz.  Both companies are currently part of the international office and stationery conglomerate ACCO brands.  ACCO brands seem to be collecting stapler manufacturers like I collect staplers.  Somehow it feels less like a quirky hobby and more like global market domination.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, July 10, 2020.

Stapler of the Week Archive: Swingline 4P

Swingline 4P steel grey finish

Swingline 4P steel two tone grey finish

In a recent correspondence, a friend of the Stapler of the Week shared photos of his father's beautiful chrome Parrot Speed Fastener 4P.  Parrot Speed Fastener became Speed Products and later Swingline.  In sharing what I knew about his stapler, I realized I had not yet featured my own collection's examples, although I had previously featured their companion stapler, the smaller Swingline 3P.  The 4P is the plier version of the Swingline No.4  minus the streamlined "sphinx paw" base.  This ingenious design adaptation took parts assembled at the beginning of the line and transformed a desktop stapler into one that fits comfortably in the hand.  Perhaps this innovation did not inure them to the folks in the desk industry.  I particularly enjoy the version with the finger guard.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, April 29, 2020.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Hotchkiss No. 57

Hotchkiss No. 57 steel black and chrome finish

Hotchkiss No. 57 box cardboard

Hotchkiss No. 57 box interior cardboard

This Hotchkiss No. 57 is one of the many briefcase plier stapler models in my collection.  The packaging of this stapler, however, displays a variation I had not yet seen.  The "True Blue Clipper" perhaps speaks to Norwalk's proximity to the Atlantic and may have been so-themed to appeal to the nautical businessman or stapler deprived sailor.  In any case, it provides another example of variation in decoration as a marketing tool.    

Hotchkiss No. 57 from a Collectors Weekly post by American Stationer 

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, April 24, 2020.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Etona HP-210

Etona HP-210 plastic grey and off-white tone, steel chrome finish

Etona HP-210 box cardboard

Etona HP-210 box cardboard

It took me some time to embrace contemporary design and materials when applied to staplers.  Plastics were okay when used for parts that could not be produced by folding or pressing steel but were often the most frequently broken components.  My romantic ideal was that old heavy steel is what gave value to the first staplers that started my collection.  One can experience the weight of it, the coldness of it in your hand, perhaps the subtle scent of machine oil, and the satisfying sound of its action as the staple is driven home.  That brings us to the Etona HP-210, our offering this week.

The HP-210, manufactured in Japan, meets none of the criteria that once were requirements for my collection.  It weighs next to nothing and as the box states is, "Lightweight Safer for glass counters."  In fact, there is very little sensory experience to holding it.  There is only the simplicity of form and function.  This sensibility is mirrored in the other Japanese examples in my collection: the Muji and the Nalclip Nicler.  In light of all the once perceived negatives, the HP-210 has won a place in my stapler pantheon and atop any glass counters I may someday find.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, April 9, 2020.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Novus J220

Novus J220 chrome finish

Novus J220 box cardboard

Novus J220 box cardboard

Today, we feature another shining German example from Novus.  We have already featured two desk top staplers by Novus, the B22 and the B7.  The J220 chrome finish has withstood the test of time nestled in its box.  Like fine silver, one almost needs to wear gloves while handling it so as not to leave fingerprints.  This fact always makes me question the design choice of such a finish in a hand-operated tool.  But as in the case of any highly-polished object aesthetic wins over function.  I suppose I'll just have to get out the white cotton gloves.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, April 1, 2020.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Ellepi Klizia 97

Ellepi Klizia 97 chrome and blue finish

Klizia box

Klizia staples

Classic Italian design is timeless.  The design and the packaging of this Klizia 97 suggest it originated in the era of Zenith staplers.  At first glance I supposed it to be vintage but found it to be currently featured in online stationary, merchantiles and design museum shops.  Their descriptions all highlight that the Klizia is produced in a 4-person factory in Cologno Monzese near Milan.  A subsidiary of Metalplus, Ellepi produces a line of two other staplers, the C12 and the Neutron 78, in addition to the Klizia 97.  The vast online availability and marketing of the Ellepi staplers makes me question if  it is still the product of 4 craftspeople in Northern Italy.  I hope they are okay.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 23, 2020

Stapler of the Week Archive- Neva Clog J-30 shallow mouth

Neva Clog J-30 brushed metal finish

I cannot stop looking for new Neva Clog staplers.  There are long stretches where I think there isn't anything new to see and then a new variation emerges.  This J-30 is keeping its opinion to itself.  The usual wide open grin is kept to a short smirk, which provides a stop for keeping that staple just the right distance from the edge of the paper.  This is the only deviation from the trusty design that started my stapler collection.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 16, 2020.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Zenith 548

Zenith 548 enamel finish steel and nickle plated brass

Zenith 548 box top exterior and interior cardboard

I am always on the lookout for my favorites and finding a Zenith plier stapler with original packaging is quite a treat.  My previous Zenith Stapler of the Week offerings have been the 551, 548/E & 548/E7 and now I present the 548.  There isn't too much variation between the 548s.  This version has one feature my other examples do not, the ability to both staple and pin by means of a sliding anvil.  The Zenith company website shows this feature is also available in other versions.  The 548 seems to be a slightly higher quality model with nickle-plated brass parts also available in gold-plate.  The box also reveals that the different staple sizes were noted by the color of the box they were packaged in, the 548 staples, for example, came in a blue box.  This explains the inscription of blue box in four languages on both the 548 and 548/E.

According to Zenith's history, the numbers of the models seem to correspond with the year they were introduced, the 548 in 1948, the 551 (I assume) in 1951 and later the 590 in 1990 and 595 in 1995.  I've always wondered at the seemingly arbitrary nature of model numbers.  This bit of information gives me hope that someday, the mystery of Swingline's later stapler models will be revealed.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, January 1, 2012.

Stapler of the Week- Elastic Juwel & Star Paper Fastener

Elastic Juwel steel chrome and paint finish

Star Paper Fastener steel chrome and phantom enamel finish

These two staplers really represent variations on a theme I have visited many times before.   I had previously mentioned the enameled ornamentation of the Hotchkiss No 54 but the Elastic Juwel goes one step further.  The Juwel is engraved with scenes of flowers and wildlife and in-painted to accentuate the engraving.  The Star Paper Fastener bears the faded remains of the enamel ornamented Hotchkiss No 54 and like the Juwel is yet another example of multiple companies producing identically designed staplers. But as the Antique Stapler Collector's Website notes the Star Paper Fastener Company became the E.H. Hotchkiss Company and continued to market staplers with the Star brand.  Also, frequently stapler patents were purchased from companies by their competitors and then sold under the new owner's name.  It's no wonder I keep talking about the same staplers every month or so.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, August 12, 2010.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Hotchkiss No. 53

Hotchkiss No 53 steel chrome finish

For some time I have been collecting versions of the Hotchkiss No 52, No 54 and No 57 and always had a sneaking suspicion there was something missing.  Certain Hotchkiss staple packaging notes the mythical No 53 and here it is, the heavy duty plier stapler.  It has the style of the Hotchkiss plier but unlike the others, the  No 53 will not fit in your pocket easily.  It may fit in your briefcase and it should because lets face it, this stapler means business.  


Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, June 29, 2010.

Stapler of the Week Archive-Neva Clog P-50

Neva Clog P-50 steel brushed metal finish

When it rains, it pours. In the last month I have learned about three new Neva Clog staplers. The appearance of the P-50 connects a model number with the US2033599 patent drawing. At first, I was a bit puzzled by its appearance, the spring button that pushes up through the anvil plate. Fortunately, the patent drawing explains its purpose. The anvil of the P-50 is designed solely to pin and the button prevents the staple from bending up in the middle, producing a easily removable staple. The design seems almost limiting but I am sure with knowledge of its intended application, it makes perfect sense. In any case, I am only too pleased to share another chapter of the Neva Clog story.

detail of US2033599 patent drawing

detail of US2033599 patent drawing

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, October 1, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Neva Clog M-100 & MB-100

Neva Clog M-100 chrome finish

Every now and then something comes along and renews my passion for staplers. Best described as a "Franken-stapler", the M-100 is a S-100 with a modified jaw. I have every reason to believe it was Neva Clog factory modification as evidenced in the photo below from a recent online auction. The box is labeled "Special Neva Clog Stapling Plier Model MB-100," indicating the MB-100 is most likely a modified B-100. It gives me great hope to know there are more Neva Clog "Special" staplers out there. From browsing Neva Clog patents, I know there were many more stapler designs than staplers I've seen and that means many more Neva Clog to find. Cherchez l'agrafeuse!

Neva Clog MB-100 image from a recent online auction

Excerpt from The Stapler of the Week, September 23, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Bostitch P-4

Bostitch P4 stapler steel black finish

The Bostitch P4 is another fine stapler design by J.F. Cavanagh. Perhaps you remember the Bostitch P1 stapler featured May, 24, 2008. The P4 has the look of a staple gun tacker but Cavanagh included an anvil plate with a very deep throat. The combination of increased staple-driving leverage and the extended reach of the anvil plate suggests it was designed for commercial or industrial use. In my opinion, at the time the P4 and the P1 were two of the more innovative stapler designs offered by Bostitch. They took the power of a tacker and applied it for stapling good, not evil.

detail of J.F. Cavanagh patent 2,095,659 Fastener Applying Device

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March, 30, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- El Casco 85 CT

El Casco 85 CT steel chrome finish

El Casco 85 CT box cardboard printed label

The 85 CT is another amazing El Casco stapler. It may not be the gold plated version, but this chrome plier, like the M1-CA, is quite a statement. My first thought was how closely it resembles the Neva Clog Junior. The 85 CT's construction is a bit more substantial, but it is produced for a luxury market, whereas the Junior was manufactured with utility in mind. The box provides a useful lesson for stapler enthusiasts, because as the art of stapling maybe a universal language, it helps to know the corresponding word for what it is you're speaking.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 14, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Bates 88P

Bates Hand-Grip 88P steel gray and chrome finish

Bates Hand-Grip 88P box printed cardboard

Bates Hand-Grip 88P plastic, steel chrome finish

Somewhere in between Swingline's 99 plier and Cub plier, the Bates Hand-Grip 88P is simple and to the point. It is interesting to contrast these two examples to see how little the more modern plastic and steel example has changed from its all steel predecessor. The interesting feature of all three mentioned staplers is the pierced tab at the back. I've already offered the theory that it's purpose was meant to prevent "office drift," but I ponder whose office it was used in. It's actually small enough to be carried in a pocket and would be classified as a light duty stapler. It may be foolish to wonder at who or what vocation this design was aimed, but it's what I think about in my spare moments. I'm always asking the question, "What would you fasten with this stapler?"

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, March 8, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Hotchkiss No. 57

Hotchkiss No. 57 steel grey and chrome finish

Hotchkiss No. 57 steel black and chrome finish

Hotchkiss No. 57 box cardboard with printed paper label

These examples of the Hotchkiss No. 57 join the No. 52 and No. 54 in the series but at first glance they reveal only superficial differences between models. The No. 57 uses a slightly narrower gauge 1/8" staple, where as the No. 52 and No. 54 share 3/16" or 1/8" staples. The instructions included in the No. 52 and No. 57 boxes references the method to clear jammed staples "by placing a pencil between the jaws of the plier and compressing the handles" at which point "the patented spring front plate comes into play allowing the crumpled staples to be ejected." The No. 54 is not mentioned in these instructions and this led me to notice a small button located just behind the jaw which when depressed takes the place of the pencil in ejecting a jammed staple. This button is also found on the Elastic Juwel, which leads me to believe it's taken from the German design. All in all another fascinating chapter in the Hotchkiss story.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, February 18, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Swingline Cub Plier

Swingline Cub Plier steel chrome and green finish

Swingline Cub Plier steel chrome and green finish

Along with previously featured Swingline Cub staplers, these Cub Pliers not only fall into the "cute" category, but are also perfectly sized for comfort and function. When held in one's palm, the user's thumb and index finger naturally fall into position in the indents on the top and bottom of the stapler. The Cub Plier features a punched tab at the rear to enable attaching a chain or string to prevent "office product drift" which tends to occur in the workplace. As with all Cub examples, Cub or no 77 staples are required, for which I am still searching for a equivalent source as Swingline has discontinued production and sold off all surplus stock. I have not seen enough examples to speak to the color variety, although a recent eBay auction featured an orange Cub Plier, which in my experience is an uncommon color. Crate and Barrel's trendy subsidiary, CB2, is peddling a modern orange Swingline. Although, I can't say it'll be on my wish-list.

Image from a eBay auction offered by Mitchell's Memorabilia Company.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, February 12, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Hotchkiss 122A & 122-P

Hotchkiss 122-P steel chrome and grey finish

Hotchkiss 122-P box cardboard with printed paper label

Hotchkiss 122-A steel, pot metal, and plastic black finish

Hotchkiss 122A box printed cardboard

Here is a comparison of two different versions of the Hotchkiss 122 series manufactured in two different eras. I first consulted my wife/resident objects expert regarding the 122A and the first words out of her mouth were, "war-time relic." Rationing applied to all the essentials of life such as food, clothing and yes even stapling. I've seen Swingline staplers from the same era made from similar materials including bakelite and even wood. The 122-P by contrast has very little in variety of material. It's design is the same with the exception of it's plier stapler foot, but the construction is a bit more refined. A comparison of the box designs is also of some interest. The 122A box is simply printed cardboard box whereas the 122-P has a two part box with a printed paper label attached. Another example of this style of box can be found with the Hotchkiss No. 52, Stapler of the Week, January 19, 2008. All in all two very interesting staplers and as the nickname "Bantam" suggests, they're small yet powerful.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, January 19, 2009.

Stapler of the Week Archive- Zenith 551 & 548E

Zenith 551 beige and gold finish

Zenith 548/E7 gray and blue-gray finish

The Zenith stapler has long been a favorite of mine. Zenith is actually a brand of Balma-Capoduri & C. which also manufactures the popular Italian glue and adhesive brands, Coccoina and Lakol. My love for European office supply design continues and it's actually a shame my enthusiasm developed after my studies abroad in Italy. I had previously compared the Zenith to the Matac 7, another Italian stapler but had not acquired a Zenith until recently. Fortunately I found two different models, the 551 and the 548/E7. There are a few differences between the two, the 551 uses 24/6 & 24/8 staples and the 548/E7 uses 6/6 & 6/8 staples. The 551 is a bit longer than the 548E which perhaps provides the leverage needed to staple 5+ sheets or even thin cards and cardboard.

Zenith keeps updating their plier staplers for the modern age and its markets. The US distribution ranges from design-conscious sellers such as Design Within Reach, boutiques such as LA's Plastica, internet mega-marts such as Amazon, and of course the collector's fix dealer eBay. All I know, is if I'm ever near Voghera, Italy, you can be sure I'll be bringing home an assortment of Zenith staplers.

Excerpt from the Stapler of the Week, November 23, 2008.

detail Zenith 548/E gray and blue-gray finish

Zenith 548/E blue and blue-gray finish

Update May 25, 2009: I came across this 548/E and had to include it to represent a "vintage" version. Along with all it's corrosion and patina, this 548/E has a few interesting inscriptions. Like the 551 above it states it is "Importe d'Italie" but on the top it features the phrase blue box in Italian, French, English, and Spanish.