Bump Paper Fasteners

Tags

paper, vintage, fastener, stapleless, bump, la crosse

Long before Kakuyo, long before Paper Welder, and long before Mosda, Chadwick, or any of the others, an early green way to fasten papers together was introduced by the Bump Perfected Paper Fastener Company.  Introduced in 1910 the Bump Fastener was in direct competition for your desk space from other fasteners such as the Hotchkiss No 1 stapler.  While it didn’t have the fastening capacity of the Hotchkiss, what it did bring, or rather didn’t, was the need for any additional supplies such as staples.

The fastener worked by pressing the handles together (or pushing the plunger cap on the model 2) where it would then perforate, turn, and fold back the created flap into a slot cut near the base of the U-shaped perforation.  The models were rated to be able to fasten from 8 to 12 pieces of paper.

George P. Bump started the Bump Perfected Paper Co in 1910.  The reported story is that when Bump invented this fastener he made a deal to split the patent with J.C. Hawkins who had the means to have them manufactured.  Unfortunately, Bump didn’t get this agreement in writing and instead Hawkins started the Clipless Paper Fastener Co.  Now on his own, Bump started manufacturing his fasteners on his own but brought Hawkins to court around 1910.  Four long years of litigation later the courts found in favor of Bump.  About a year later Bump took the Cliplox Co to court for patent infringement but a year later, about 1916, the courts found in favor of Cliplox.

colorized photos of George Bump from 1916 and 1930

George Bump started production of the Bump Paper Fasteners in 1910 in Newton, Iowa.  The first fully-functional prototype of his fastener was completed on May 14, 1909 and by the next year manufacturing began.  Sometime in 1910 Bump moved operations to La Crosse, Wisconsin and in 1919 built his own factory at 1830 West Ave S, La Crosse, Wisconsin.  It would remain at the location until 1956 when it finally closed.

1927 colorized newspaper photo of Bump factory

When the company was first formed in 1909 it was named the Bump Perfected Paper Fastener Co.  On April 20, 1914 it changed names to the Bump Paper Fastener Co.  In 1930 the Bump Manufacturing Co was formed covering all of the different products being produced by that time but the Bump Paper Fastener was always stamped with “Bump Paper Fastener Co”.  It was at this time another corporation purchased Bump Paper Fastener with George Bump no longer the owner of the business or patents.

During its entire production run, three models of the fastener were produced.  The first model was the “model 00” which is an open plier-type which, when first introduced, had vines inscribed onto the sides of the handles.  The “model 2”, a desk model, is known to have been in production in 1912.  And finally, the “model 1”.  The model 1 was first advertised in 1915. 

Bump Paper Fasteners were advertised from 1910 to 1954.  When introduced, the model 00 was $1.50 which in 2024 equates to about $50.  This would have been considered a major office investment for an item like a paper fastener.

The following are the different models produced by the Bump Paper Fastener Co.

Model 00, version A

• advertised from 1910 to 1912
• measures 6.5 inches long by 3.7 inches high by .6 inches wide
• weighs 6.2 ounces
• made of 100% steel
• vine decoration on handles, rondel decoration inscribed on center pivot pin, no other markings

Model 00, version B

• advertised from 1927 to 1950, although almost definitely this version was available prior to 1927
• measures 6.5 inches long by 3.2 inches high by .6 inches wide
• weighs 6.3 ounces
• made of 100% steel
• inscribed on bottom PATD. 6-24-13
• inscribed on top BUMP PAPER FASTENER CO. LA CROSSE WIS U.S.A.

Model 1

• advertised from 1915 to 1946, but likely produced to end of the company
• measures 5.5 inches long by 2.75 inches high by .7 inches wide
• weighs 6.6 ounces
• made of 100% steel
• inscribed on top THE BUMP PAPER FASTENER CO. LA CROSSE, WIS U.S.A. PAT’D JULY 21:14
• earlier models had the company info on one side of the body and a logo on the other (see below)
• later models had the company info on both sides of the body

Model 2, version A

• advertised from 1912 to 1915, but may have been introduced a year or two earlier
• made of 100% steel

Model 2, version B

• advertised from 1916 to 1954, but may have been introduced a year or two earlier
• made of 100% steel
• measures 3.75 inches long by 4 inches high by 2 inches wide
• weighs 10.2 ounces
• includes a quarter inch paper punch on the rear of the fastener which is actuated by using the same plunger handle
• inscribed on front BUMP PAPER FASTENER CO LA CROSSE, WIS U.S.A. PATENTS PENDING.  No other inscriptions
• early models nickel plated, later models chrome plated
• starting in late 1930’s, when the U.S. government started rationing metals like nickel and chromium, Bump started making the plunger handle black and eventually anodized the entire item in black.  After the war it went back to being chrome plated.

Model 1 Logos

Logo A

This logo was known to be used in 1915 and 1916.

Logo B

This logo was first seen in advertisements in 1916 and was used in all advertisements through the 1950’s.  As the model 1 itself never changed the fact that this logo was used in advertisements was likely just a cost saving measure.  It is unknown, however, when it stopped being used on the actual fastener.

Logo C

The use of this logo on both sides of the fastener was done in later years.  However, it was used in conjunction with logo B with logo B one side and logo C on the other for the entire run where logo B was used.

Besides the various court cases the Bump Paper Fastener was involved in, there are other stories of interest.  A check payable to the company was amongst many of the articles recovered from the wreck of the Titanic.  The bank reissued the check to them for payment once they received the original.  A Bump Fastener was taken on the 1928 expedition to Antarctica by Admiral Byrd.  It was sent back to the company and they asked for a new one which the company honored.  The fastener was said to be an excellent device and worked admirably throughout.  It is unknown what happened to the Antarctic Expedition’s original fastener unfortunately.

George P. Bump was born on May 14, 1869.  He died in Dakota, Minnesota on February 19, 1947 at the age of 77.  He was a true pioneer who’s idea didn’t just fade away in the 1950s, but lives on today in the multitude of similar fasteners made since the 1960s.  Bump-type fasteners are still made and sold today everywhere.

Patent and Other Information:

1. Patent 1009644 Method of Fastening Paper Sheets and the Like (filed 05/14/1909, granted 11/21/1911
2. Patent 1065903 Fastening Device (filed 05/14/1909, granted 06/24/1913)
3. Patent 1104622 Machine for Fastening Paper or Like Sheets Together (filed 05/05/1913, granted 07/21/1914) improvement on patent 1104622 as stated

Notes:

1. Continental Art Co, (1910, April 30), advertisement, Saturday Evening Post, page 38
2. Editors, (1910, March), A New Paper Fastener, Office Appliances, page 110
3. Editors, (1915, August 28), Bump’s New Paper Fastener, The American Stationer, page 16
4. Bump Paper Fastener Co, (1922, February), advertisement, The American Stationer, page 206
5. Editors, (1927, June 26), Paper Fastener Advertises City Internationally, La Crosse Tribune and Leader Press, page 11
6. Editors, (1927, January), Something From Nothing, Geyer’s Stationer, page 240
7. Editors, (1929, August 25), Bump Paper Fasteners Advertise In All Provinces of the Globe, La Crosse Tribune and Leader Press, page 7
8. Editors, (1930, August 3), Corporation Takes Over George P. Bump Paper Fastener Firm, La Crosse Tribune and Leader Press, pages 1 & 6
9. Editors, (1930, August 3), Story of Bump Paper Fastener Combination of Romance, Struggle, La Crosse Tribune and Leader Press, pages 1 & 6
10. Sam’l Dodsworth Stationery Co Catalog, (1932), Kansas City, MO, page 32
11. Utility Supply Co Catalog, (1940), Kansas City, MO, page 331
12. Editors, (1947, February 20), George P. Bump, 77, Dies at Dakota, The Winona Republican-Herald, page 7
13. Utility Supply Co Catalog, (1948), Kansas City, MO, page 388
14. Frank A. Weeks Mfg Co Catalog, (1954), New York, NY, page 246
15. Editors, (2005, January 31), Ask the Trib, La Crosse Tribune, Section B
16. Editors, (2019, October 12), Bump paper fastener a Midwest innovation, La Crosse Tribune, page C3

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1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

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Check Out the New Merch Store

Tags

merch, merchandise, sale, sell, store, tshirt

their stapler is boring and dull…

a stapler that will make your TPS reports proud

a small sample of the designs you can find in the shop

Check out our new merch store!  Above are just a few of the many designs you can get.  Now available are men’s and women’s t-shirts, mugs, stickers and much more!  Many different designs and growing daily.

Markwell Staple Chief RF3 Stapler

Tags

chief, markwell, rf3, staple, stapler, vintage

The Markwell Staple Chief RF3 is a stapler from a company that very few ever give much thought to.  I think the reason that Markwell fasteners don’t receive much love from collectors and those putting together a vintage office was their insistence on using proprietary sized and shaped staples.  While built to last, the difficulty in finding staples is a major drawback to their overall collectability.

The Staple Chief is the half-size sibling to the Staple Master.  Similar in every way except in a smaller package.   The Staple Chief has a capacity of approximately 100 staples or a half strip.  It is capable of permanent clinching and pinning simply by sliding the anvil forward or backwards.  It can also be used as a tacker when separated from the base.  It uses Markwell’s RF staples which are of a proprietary size.

Measuring 6.5 inches long by 1.8 inches wide by 3.6 inches high, this model weighs in at 14.2 ounces empty.  It is an all-steel stapler and came in two finishes, chrome plated and in black crackle.  It has two rubber pads on the bottom to protect desk surfaces.

The Staple Chief is a front loading stapler.  To refill, unclip the gate on the front and simply slide your staples in.  The lever on the side is used to remove staples.  Lean the stapler forward while holding down the lever and any staples will slide out.

1939 newspaper ad

The first known advertisements for this model were in 1939.  It was heavily advertised and available from office suppliers through 1954.  By 1955 the Staple Chief was being advertised as a clearance item and no longer available from suppliers.

1946 newspaper ad

Markwell sold quality fasteners and this model is no exception.  These were manufactured for Markwell by Bostitch who were also known for their high quality staplers.  The most likely culprit for the Staple Chief’s demise was the high manufacturing cost and Markwell’s having other half strip models which cost less and were more competitive.

Notes:

1. Sherman County Times, (1939, August 23), advertisement, Sherman County Times, page 2
2. Editors, (1939, February), Markwell Adds “Staple Chief” to Line, Office Appliances, page 39
3. Utility Office Supply Catalog, (1945), Chicago, IL, page 389
4. St Edward Advance, (1946, August 15), advertisement, St Edward Advance, page 2
5. Latta’s School Supply Catalog, (1948), Cedar Falls, IA, page 80
6. Outlook Stationery Store, (1950, June 16), advertisement, The Alexander City Outlook, page 6
7. Hester’s Office Supply Co, (1954, September 12), advertisement, Avalanche Journal, page 3
8. Valley Office Supply Co, (1955, February 21), advertisement, The Bakersfield Californian, page 7

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanstationer and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

You’ll get one-of-a-kind references and information you won’t find anywhere else and you’ll help me keep American Stationer going.

Arrow Commander Stapler

Introduced in early 1940 by the Arrow Fastener Co, the Commander is a simple, pressed steel stapler.  It was specifically designed to be manufactured quickly and inexpensively.  This can be directly attributed to the US entering World War II and the rationing of metals.

The Arrow Commander measures 5 inches long by 1.725 inches wide by 3.2 inches high.  Empty, the Commander weighs a slim 8 ounces.  It is made of 100% steel with pressed parts for ease of manufacturing.  The Commander uses standard size staples and can load a half strip in the magazine.  On the rear of the base are two ears through which is a bolt with a knurled edge.  By removing this you can use the stapler to tack.

1940 newspaper ad

In the early years, the Commander came in two colors:  red and blue.  These had painted bases and plunger caps with the body being polished steel.  Later it was also released in brown except now the body was also painted.  All models of the Commander were inscribed on the bottom of the base with;

MFG. BY

ARROW FASTENER, INC

NEW YORK, N.Y.

PAT. PEND.

however, while a patent was likely submitted it doesn’t seem to have ever been granted.

The Arrow Commander was advertised from 1940 to 1957.  That’s a pretty good run considering the post-war competition of other staplers.  While the Commander was available for 17 years, they are not as common as you would think.  Also, due to the materials used many of them now found are in rough shape.

While the Commander was made from simple pressed steel and an underwhelming paint job, it’s overall quality was quite good.  If you find one, they often need work to make them useful and will almost definitely suffer cosmetically.  However, they are in actuality a great little stapler.

1957 newspaper ad

Notes:

1. Liggett’s, (1940, April 4), advertisement, Boston Globe, page 14
2. Liggett’s, (1941, March 5), advertisement, Alton Evening Telegraph, page 14
3. Wallace, (1948, April 23), advertisement, The Blizzard, page 3
4. Fringelin’s Stationery Shop, (1949, September 19), advertisement, Transcript-Telegram, page 4
5. Branch & Chambers, (1954, February 26), advertisement, Hartford Morning Journal, page 24
6. Pay-N-Save Drugs, (1957, August 28), advertisement, The Edmonton Journal, page 8

 

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at Facebook and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

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Giftcraft Shop-N-Add

Tags

adder, adding machine, gift craft, giftcraft, shop-n-add, vintage

The Giftcraft Shop-N-Add is the first of a small number of three digit dial-adders that were popular for a short time in the late 1950’s.  These were marketed almost exclusively towards women since, I assume, men never go shopping.  This is a “handbag accessory” adding machine that can help “her” track grocery items and its “purse size” makes it easy to carry.  Although, to be fair, it was also stated that this would be useful for students.

The Shop-N-Add is a basic three dial adder with automatic carry.  Subtraction can be done on this by simply turning the dials counter-clockwise but complements aren’t posted on the face.  When sold, this came as part of a set that included a Shopping Index that was cleverly designed with most common grocery items so that you could easily track what you needed.

Shopping Index

The Shop-N-Add and the Shopping Index were both made from pressed steel.  They came in two colors, black and gold (see photos above).  The Shop-N-Add measures 2.7 inches in length by 1.9 inches wide by 0.3 inches in height and weighs 2 ounces with the stylus included.

The set of the adder and index was advertised from 1955 to 1957.  By 1957 you see it mostly being offered as a clearance item.  The Shopping Index was sold separately though from 1954.

1955 Newspaper Ad

This type of adder was popular for a short time.  By the 1960’s you start seeing plastic manual adding machines that can be used with one hand and these ended up dominating the market for some time.  However, if you’re a collector of mechanical calculators and adding machines this is really a must-have.

Patent and Other Information:

• Instructions for Shop-N-Add

Notes:

1. Macy’s, (1954, November 22), advertisement, San Francisco Examiner, page 15
2. Jones, (1954, December 8), advertisement, The Kansas City Times, page 7
3. Pah-low’s, (1955, October 12), advertisement, The Green Bay Press Gazette, page 2
4. S-Silver, (1955, November 30), advertisement, The Bridgeport Telegram, page 12
5. Grozow’s, (1955, December 12), advertisement, The Kansas City Times, page 8
6. Pah-low’s, (1956, July 12), advertisement, The Green Bay Press Gazette, page 2
7. Dayton’s, (1956, November 25), advertisement, Star Tribune, page 5
8. Pah-low’s, (1955, October 12), advertisement, The Green Bay Press Gazette, page 2
9. Dayton’s, (1957, August 8), advertisement, The Minneapolis Star, page 2B

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanstationer and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

You’ll get one-of-a-kind references and information you won’t find anywhere else and you’ll help me keep American Stationer going.

Greenfield Automatic Fastener (Wire)

Tags

antique, fastener, greenfield, jones, stapler, wire

In 1894 The Greenfield Automatic Fastener Company released the Greenfield Automatic Fastener.  While seemingly a new and revolutionary idea, this could probably be best attributed as being evolutionary rather than revolutionary.  In the mid to late 19th century most stapling machines worked by only loading and using one pre-formed staple at a time.  What Greenfield has done is take technology used by the publishing industry and converted it to a small, usable form.  

Wire stitching was used by book binders, et al, and consisted of large, complicated machines, usually foot-driven.  Greenfield shrunk the mechanics and designed a desk sized machine that would fasten small stacks of paper with what is a modern staple.

Made of iron, steel, zinc, and with a wooden spool the Greenfield Fastener was both ingenious and simple, but most of all it was well-built and could stand up to the rigors of everyday use.  The one I have in my collection works fine after 128 years!  With the spool the fastener weighs 2 pounds and measures 5 inches long by 2.5 inches wide by 5 inches high.

A full spool for the Greenfield Fastener could make 1,200 staples using 25 gauge steel wire and would have been an incredible bargain.  The staples it made were very close in size to a modern standard staple with a crown size of  0.42 inches compared to the 0.50 inches of a modern staple.  The one odd thing with this was that it made staples in a vertical position as opposed to the horizontal as most do and have historically done.

1894 newspaper ad

Edwin Greenfield applied for, and was granted, a patent for this device in 1894.  It was being marketed while the patent was being granted and was discussed in many various industry publications.  It was also well-advertised in this year.  However, 1894 is the only year that this was manufactured and distributed as in 1895 Jones Manufacturing Company became the successor to the Greenfield Automatic Fastener Company.  In 1895 Jones Manufacturing would release the Greenfield Automatic Pin-Fastener based on this same technology.

 

Edwin T. Greenfield

As this fastener didn’t use pre-formed staples, but instead formed them from strands of steel wire, the mechanics were a bit more involved than with your usual stapler.  If you look at figure 1, you can immediately see the difference. 

 

figure 1

Figure 2 below shows the stapling mechanism up close.  The way it works is that when you depress the plunger handle several things happen simultaneously:

1. The plungers (in red) move downward cutting the wire on both ends
2. The plunger push the wire over the staple forming mandrel making a staple
3. While the plunger is moving downward the mandrel is being moved into the enclosure so that the staple can then be pushed through the paper and onto the anvil
4. the staple ends strike the anvil and are clinched inward – and your papers are stapled!

 

figure 2:  stapling mechanism shown artificially colored for clarity

The wire is fed via a ratcheting system where you lift the body about 95 degrees.  This feeds another strip of wire.  There is a groove on the bottom of each piece of the plunger and on top of the mandrel to keep the wire straight.

1894 magazine article

It’s unfortunate that this fastener only had one year of availability as it could potentially have become the primary way to fasten documents as opposed to strip or magazine staplers.  It was well-built, could make upwards of 1,200 staples without reloading, used inexpensive wire spools, and was relatively easy to load.  If you’ve ever tried to load the wire on Bates Models A through D staplers you know how important that is.

Patent and Other Information:

• Patent 520734 Book-Stapling Machine (filed 01/02/1894, granted 05/29/1894)

Notes:

1. Editors, (1894, May), The Greenfield Automatic Fastener, The Electrical Age, Page 226
2. Editors, (1894, June), Automatic Fastener, The American Stationer, Page 1222
3. Plimpton Manufacturing Co, (1894, June 11), advertisement, The Hartford Daily Courant, page 10
4. Editors, (1894, June), The Greenfield Automatic Fastener, The Iron Age, Page 1257
5. Editors, (1894, June), The Greenfield Automatic Fastener, The Manufacturer and Builder, Page 138
6. Editors, (1894, July), A New Automatic Fastener, The Inland Printer, Page 372
7. Scrantom, Westmore & Co, (1894, October 23), advertisement, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, page 9
8. Editors, (1894, October), Automatic Fastener or Binder, The Hardware Dealer, Page 229

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanstationer and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

You’ll get one-of-a-kind references and information you won’t find anywhere else and you’ll help me keep American Stationer going.

Swingline Model 333 Stapler

Tags

stapler, vintage, swingline, 333

In the late 1950s/early 1960s the big stapler companies each released deluxe staplers.  It started with the Bostitch model B12 in 1958, then the Arrow model 210 in 1960, and finally the Swingline model 333 in 1963.  While Swingline was a bit late to the party they seemed to have used that time well as they produced one of the best looking staplers ever made.

The model 333 was released in two versions, the Executive model and the Deluxe model.  The difference between the two was in the handle top.  The Executive model 333 had a handle in smooth enamel while the Deluxe model came in either woodgrain or Moroccan.  Moroccan was a very thin layer of leather-type material attached to the top of the handle while woodgrain was a process wherein Swingline made the top look like walnut.

There was also another version of the Executive model numbered the model 333G.  This was the standard Executive model except that instead of having chrome plating was gold plated.

The Executive model was available in ebony (black), brown, grey, and topaz (beige).  The Deluxe model was only available in ebony (black) and brown.

The 333 is made of steel and plastic.  It measures 2 inches wide by 2.5 inches high by 8 inches long.  It holds a full-strip of standard staples and is rated at 20 pages.  There is a sliding anvil that allows for both pin and permanent clinches.

1963 newspaper ad

First advertised in 1963, the 333 was last advertised in 1989.  As a deluxe stapler it was more expensive than Swingline’s other offerings of the time.  During the 26 years it was available it underwent no noticeable changes, but there are some to look for if you’re trying to determine a timeframe for your stapler.

For the earliest version, the bottom of the body is inscribed “Swingline Inc. Long Island City 1, NY”.  The “1” after Long Island City denotes a city postal zone.  This was the system in use before the current zip code system.  While zip codes were introduced in 1963 it likely took several years for Swingline to update the engraving.  On the bottom of the base is inscribed three patents.  This oldest version weighs in at 1 pound 4.8 ounces.

The second version has nearly the same inscription as the earlier one, but now has the zip code instead of a city postal zone.  The bottom of the base is inscribed with three patents plus “& FOREIGN PATS.”  This version weighs in at 1 pound 3.3 ounces. 

This third version has the same inscription as the second except for the addition of a six symbol alphanumeric code stamped beside it.  The bottom of the base is inscribed with three patents plus “& FOREIGN PATS.”  This version weighs in at 1 pound 2.7 ounces.

1967 newspaper ad

1977 newspaper ad

1989 newspaper ad

The Swingline model 333 is a great example of mid-century modern design.  It is of better build quality than the average Swingline model and will give many years of service.  For those putting together a vintage MCM styled office this is a must have accessory.

Patent and Other Information:

• Patent 2424649 Stapling Machine (filed 06/07/1937, granted 07/29/1947)
• Patent 3144653 Stapling Machine (filed 09/19/1962, granted 08/18/1964)
• Patent D192544 Stapling Machine or Similar Article (filed 04/10/1961, granted 04/03/1962)

Notes:

1. Ivan Allen, (1963, September 23), advertisement, The Macon Telegraph, page 7
2. Swingline, Inc., (1963), catalog, Swingline Staplers & Staples, Long Island City, NY
3. Wosco Catalog, (1963), Greensburg, PA, page 5
4. McDonald, Stingel and Bush Office Supply Catalog (1964), Saginaw, MI, page 350
5. Northern Office Suppliers, (1967, March 2), advertisement, Petosky News-Review, page 9
6. Arrow Office Supply Co Catalog, (1969), Chicago, IL, page 187
7. Union Paper & Supply Co Catalog, (1974), Wilkes-Barre, PA, page 57
8. Shirley Office Supply Catalog, (1975), Pennsauken, NJ, page 199
9. Pembroke’s, (1977, May 31), advertisement, Salt Lake Tribune, page 5
10. Hartford Office Supply Catalog, (1982), Hartford, CT, pages 144-145
11. Sam’s Office Furniture, (1989, February 28), advertisement, Tyler Courier-Times, page 8

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanstationer and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

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Wilson-Jones T-155 Buddy Stapler

Tags

ace, att, buddy, jones, stapler, T-155, tatum, vintage, wilson, wilson-jones

In the 1950s the Wilson-Jones Company decided to go all-in on the stapler market by introducing a number of generally low cost fasteners.  And while they had some success in doing this probably their most successful stapler was the Tatum Buddy.

First advertised in 1953, the original Buddy stapler was a low cost, no frills, stapler that provided good value.  It was solid enough for regular office use yet inexpensive enough to purchase for home use.  The design, although patented, could best be described as basic.  But that’s ok as that is exactly what this is, a basic stapler.

1954 newspaper ad

The Buddy is an all steel half-strip stapler that uses standard size staples.  One of the ways it originally saved manufacturing costs was by not having an anvil.  The anvil is generally a chrome-plated or polished steel plate fastened to the front of a stapler and which has grooves to fold the staple legs when you press down on the handle.  What the Buddy has instead is simply two indents molded onto the base thereby using the base itself as the anvil.  When you look at one of these today you will notice that in every one there will be scratches and paint loss in this area of the base due to this.

This was first advertised in 1953 and available at least until 1964.  In 1969 the Buddy was again being advertised although now it was being sold by Ace Fastener.  Ace Fastener advertised the Buddy until 1976,  When introduced this was available in gold, green, grey, gunmetal (dark grey), red, yellow, and beige.  However, while the body was generally chrome-plated this was also available in gold-plate.  Gold plate was an odd choice for such a basic stapler.

1956 newspaper ad

There were three total variants for the Buddy.  While the differences between v1 and v2 are readily noted, the difference between v2 and v3 is simply the inscription on the side.  The following shows what to look for.

version 1

• length: 5 inches
• width: 1.4 inches
• height: 1.9 inches
• weight: 6 oz
• anvil: no
• side inscription: Tatum
• patents listed: 1

version 2

• length: 3.8125 inches
• width: 1.8 inches
• height: 2 inches
• weight: 7.5 oz
• anvil: yes
• side inscription: Tatum Buddy
• patents listed: 2

version 3

• length: 3.8125 inches
• width: 1.8 inches
• height: 2 inches
• weight: 7.5 oz
• anvil: yes
• side inscription: Buddy
• patents listed: 2

The Buddy Stapler produced by Ace Fastener is identical to version 3 with the only difference being that “ACE FASTENER CO” is inscribed on the bottom of the base instead of Wilson-Jones and the model number was now No 155 instead of No T-155.

1958 newspaper ad

1960 newspaper ad

1964 newspaper ad

While Wilson-Jones officially became a company in October of 1913, it’s history starts long before that.  The Chicago Shipping & Receipt Book Co was founded in 1896 in Chicago, IL and in 1899 Ralph B. Wilson took over control of the company.

By all accounts Ralph Wilson was a formidable individual.  Oddly however, he began his adult life working for the circus hanging leaflets and other such work.  But by the age of 29 he had become a business owner.

IMPORTANT DATES IN WILSON-JONES HISTORY

• Chicago Shipping & Receipt Book Co founded in 1896
• Ralph Wilson took over the Chicago Shipping & Receipt Book Co in 1899
• Jones Improved Loose Leaf Specialty Co founded by Harvey T. Jones in 1899
• In October 1913 Chicago Shipping & Receipt Book Co purchased the Jones Loose Leaf Specialty Co and changed names to Wilson-Jones Loose Leaf Co with Ralph Wilson as President and Treasurer
• Wilson-Jones accepts Swingline’s offer to purchase stock in the company in 1958
• Swingline gained full ownership of Wilson-Jones in 1963
• In 1986 American Brands acquires ACCO
• In 1987 American Brands merged ACCO with Swingline
• Wilson-Jones is currently part of ACCO Brands

version 3 box

Patent and Other Information:

• Patent D164376 Hand Stapler or Similar Article (filed 08/29/1950, granted 08/28/1951)
• Patent D161851 Staple Driver or Similar Article (filed 08/29/1950, granted 02/06/1951)
• How to Use and How to Reload Your Wilson-Jones Stapler brochure
• Fastens Closes Fixes As Easy As Snapping Your Fingers brochure

Notes:

1. Editors, (1913, October), C.S. & R.B-Wilson Combine, The American Stationer, page 6
2. Editors, (1913, October), Western Loose Leaf Firms Consolidate, Geyer’s Stationer, page 41
3. Wilson-Jones Loose Leaf Co (1920, June), advertisement, Office Appliances, page 75
4. Editors, (1920, October), Wilson-Jones Company Reorganize, Office Appliances, page 28
5. Crown Drug Stores, (1953, August 27), advertisement, The Leavenworth Times, page 17
6. Sears, Roebuck & Co, (1954, January 3), advertisement, San Francisco Examiner, page 26
7. Corrick’s, (1956, June 17), advertisement. Press Democrat, page 5A
8. Weaver’s, (1958, February 3), advertisement. The Sheboygan Press, page 13
9. Weaver’s, (1960, July 25), advertisement, The Sheboygan Press, page 3
10. The Missouri Herald, (1964, April 2), advertisement, The Missouri Herald, page 4
11. McDonald, Stingel and Bush Office Supply Catalog, (1964), Saginaw, MI, page 355

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanstationer and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

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Chadwick-Miller Speedee Add-A-Matic Adding Machine

Tags

add a matic, adding machine, chadwick, chadwick-miller, Japan, miller, speedee

Chadwick-Miller Inc (CMI) was a Boston based importer of  low-cost gift items and stationery products sourced mostly from Japan.  These products were branded as Chadwick-Miller although CMI was not a manufacturer.  It is known that Chadwick-Miller was in business in 1960, although its founding year is unknown.  The company dissolved in 2007.

Amongst the stationery items that Chadwick-Miller was known for over the years are three different models of a stapleless stapler, a mini paper cutter, Magic Brain calculator, and of course the Speedee Add-A-Matic adding machine.

The Speedee was a manual adding machine that could not perform subtraction.  It consisted of eight columns and five rows of keys in both maroon and ivory.  It had a nine digit display that could add up to 9⋅Ÿ999Ÿ⋅999Ÿ⋅99.  It could perform multiplication by using repeat action.  In other words, if you wanted multiply 3 x 5 you would simply hit the number 3 five times or the number 5 three times.  The large maroon button on the left is the reset button.

If you examine the keyboard you’ll note that it only shows numbers 1 through 5.  If you want to use numbers 6 through 9 then what you do is hit two keys that add up to that number.  For example if you wanted to add 8 you would hit the 5 and 3 keys or the 4 key twice.  While this may seem odd to modern eyes there was a rational reason for this.  It was shown that professional operators could move very quickly on the bottom five numbers but would have to slow down to reposition their hands for higher numbers.  It was found (and yes, there were actual studies) that it was faster to simply hit two buttons and not have to reposition your hands.    Of course, it helped that this also made the mechanics less complicated and lowered manufacturing costs.

1964 newspaper ad

The first known advertisement for the Speedee is in 1964 and the last known one was in 1973.  For a product of this type that is actually quite a good run.  When introduced the price averaged $40 but by the 1970s had dropped to an average of $20 with sales offering it for $15 fairly often.

1966 newspaper ad

The Speedee measures 10.8125 inches long by 8.6875 inches wide by 3.75 inches high.  It weighs 3 pounds 1.4 ounces and is made from plastic, steel, and composite board.  The mechanics are mostly steel with the number dials made from plastic and the number levers being made of composite board.

Accessing the internal mechanism is straightforward.  Simply flip the unit upside down and remove the four screws holding in the protective plate.

bottom view

With the protective plate removed you can simply slide the mechanism out of the case.

bottom view with protective plate removed

internal mechanics removed from the shell

This form factor had been in use since the early 20th century with machines such as the comptometer.  On the whole they were much easier to use than dial, chain, or slide adders especially for those trained in their use.  Unlike other key-driven machines though the plastic case and small size meant that this unit was a fraction of the weight of others of the period, although it was limited in that it was strictly an adder.

The Speedee Add-A-Matic is a good quality machine and many are still perfectly usable 50 plus years after their manufacture.  There’s no reason you couldn’t pick one up on the secondary market and use it for its intended purpose today.

1968 newspaper ad

1970 newspaper ad

box cover illustration

Patent and Other Information:

• Speedee Add-A-Matic Instructions

Notes:

1. Chadwick-Miller Inc. (1960, March 28), Help Wanted, The Boston Globe, page 20
2. Sage-Allen, (1964, October 28), advertisement, The Hartford Courant, page 6
3. Gimbels, (1965, February 19), advertisement, The Philadelphia Inquirer, page 12
4. Innes, (1966, April 8), advertisement, The Wichita Eagle, page 3B
5. Spencer Gifts, (1967, November 26), advertisement, Chicago Tribune, page 109
6. Elder-Beerman, (1968, April 28), advertisement, Dayton Daily News, page 11
7. Elder-Beerman, (1969, January 6), advertisement, Journal Herald, page 3
8. Lowenstein’s, (1970, July 25), advertisement, The Commercial Appeal, page 5
9. Eaton’s, (1973, July 4), advertisement, The Vancouver Sun, page 25

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at http://www.facebook.com/americanstationer and at https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanstationer and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

You’ll get one-of-a-kind references and information you won’t find anywhere else and you’ll help me keep American Stationer going.

Parrot Speed Fastener Babe Stapler

Tags

babe, linsky, parrot speed fastener, stapler, swingline, vintage

The early history of the modern office supply era, and especially paper fastening machines, was founded by such people as George McGill, Eli Hotchkiss, and Morris Abrams.  These, and others like them, have laid the foundations for much of the office equipment in use even today.  While many of these businessmen may no longer be remembered they were giants in their day.  However, even amongst these giants there is one man who stands out.

Jack Linsky was a World War I veteran who had previously served in Europe.  Prior to his stint in the military he worked his way up in the stationery field.  After his discharge he decided to go back to Germany to find a firm that produced a superior stapler that he could then distribute in the U.S.  He eventually contracted with Skrebba Werks to produce what would be known in the U.S. as the “Babe”.

1928 newspaper ad

In 1925, and only 28 years old, Linsky founded Parrot Speed Fastener and in 1928 introduced the Babe to the U.S. and Canada.  The Babe had some clear advantages to other staplers available at the time but it didn’t take long for competitors to start copying it.  He tried to get Skrebba to improve on the Babe but couldn’t convince them to do so.  Not being one to give up so easily he decided to do it himself and in 1934 Parrot Speed Fastener released an updated version of the stapler.  After only a few years you no longer see the Babe being sold, but that wasn’t the end of the line.  In 1937 Speed Fastener released the revolutionary Swingline models 3, 4, and the Tot.  And thus began Swingline’s future dominance of the stapler industry.

1933 newspaper ad

The Babe stapler had three distinct versions:

Version 1

• weighs 8.6 ounces empty
• measures 4.12″ inches long by 4.5″ inches high by 2.4″ inches wide
• capable of permanent stapling
• made of steel with chrome plate and enamel
• Skrebba Werks logo inscribed on front of body
• inscribed „BABE” SPEED FASTENER on base rear
• available 1928-1930
• manufactured by Skrebba Werks in Germany

Version 2

• weighs 10.7 ounces empty
• measures 4.06″ inches long by 4.25″ inches high by 2.4″ inches wide
• capable of permanent and pin stapling
• made of steel and zinc alloy with chrome plate
• inscribed „BABE” on base front
• available 1930-1933
• manufactured by Skrebba Werks in Germany

Version 3

• weighs 11 ounces empty
• measures 4.375 inches long by 3.625 inches high by 1.75 inches wide
• capable of permanent clinch only
• made of steel and zinc alloy with chrome plate
• inscribed BABE on plunger
• available 1934-1936
• manufactured by Parrot Speed Fastener in the U.S.

1935 newspaper ad

The Babe uses a proprietary size staple that is slightly smaller than standard.  The crown size for a standard staple is 0.50 inches while Babe staples have a crown of 0.46 inches.  The staples came in rows of 100 and were rated to fasten up to 40 pieces of paper at a time, although that seems a bit optimistic considering the size of the staple and stapler.

staples

Made entirely of steel and zinc this stapler is well-made and very tough.  If you find one in the wild it is almost guaranteed to work – if you can find staples.  Fixing a jam in the first or second version is usually as simple as unscrewing the front plate while conversely it is extremely difficult to clear a jam in the third version as there is no way to access the stapling mechanism.

The Babe stapler isn’t particularly well-known but is nevertheless important as it marks the birth of the company eventually called Swingline.  It is an uncommon fastener to find in either version but with some diligent searching and patience you’ll be able to get one.

third version box

Patent and Other Information:

• Patent 2096573 Stapling Machine (filed 01/27/1934, granted 10/19/1937)

Notes:

1. Buxton & Skinner, (1928, October 2), advertisement. St Louis Daily Globe-Democrat, page 6
2. Perkins Bros Co, (1930, January 10), advertisement. Sioux City Journal, page 12
3. Buxton & Skinner, (1932, July 20), advertisement. St Louis Post-Dispatch, page 8A
4. Perkins Bros Co, (1933, April 2), advertisement, Sioux City Journal, page 4-A
5. The M. O’Neil Co, (1935, January 9), advertisement, Akron Beacon Journal, page 12
6. McClurg’s Catalog, (1936), Chicago, IL, page 180
7. Arelo Sederburg, (1965, September 18), Swingline Boss Fastens Onto Money Formula, Los Angeles Times, page 8
8. Editors, (1966, February 27), Stapler’s Success May Spell Doom of Paste Pots, Bridgeport Post, page C-6
9. Joe Baker, (1966, March 10), Ingenuity Made Stapler Business, Daily Sun, page D-8

Help support the American Stationer.  The site really needs your help in order to stay alive.  Please become a supporting  patron by subscribing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/americanstationer. 

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanstationer and let’s get all nerdy about office stuff  🙂

If you enjoy the American Stationer consider purchasing one of my books at Amazon.

1. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 1 – E.H. HOTCHKISS COMPANY OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL STAPLING MACHINES
2. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 2 – NEVA-CLOG
3. NEVA-CLOG STAPLING MACHINES PRICE GUIDE: 2019 EDITION
4. STAPLERS, STAPLING MACHINES, & PAPER FASTENERS VOL 3 – ACE FASTENER

You’ll get one-of-a-kind references and information you won’t find anywhere else and you’ll help me keep American Stationer going.