The Clipless Stand Machine is not a stapler, but a paper fastener. The difference being that a fastener does not use staples, brads, pins, etc. but simply fastens the paper by only using the paper itself. In this case it works by making two cuts in the papers to be fastened. One is an elongated U-shaped tab and at the base of the tab a small straight slit. The tab is then folded into the slit to fasten everything together. This folks, is as green as it gets. Of course, back then “green” would have just been called good design. Fasteners of this type are often called stapleless staplers and variations on this are still made today.
The Clipless Stand Machine was invented and patented by J.C. Hawkins of Newton, IA. My research hasn’t turned up much information, and quite honestly some of it is spurious. However, Mr. Hawkins received patent 1173425 for this on February 29, 1916. He applied for the patent on November 3, 1911. It’s odd that it took so long for the patent to be granted. J.C. Hawkins was also an assignee on patent 1009644 which is the patent for the Bump Fastening Method. This helps explain how two different companies (Clipless Paper Fastener Co and Bump Paper Fastener Co) used the same patented method for fastening papers.
Hawkins patented a hand-held model of this fastener also. This patent was applied for on October 5, 1911 but not granted until July 10, 1917. Again, this is a surprisingly long time. During this period his name appears on patent 1130590 which was granted to D.W. Gage of MA but assigned to J.C. Hawkins. This patent, as far as I can tell, is identical in almost every way to Hawkins patent 1232541 for his hand-held fastener. It doesn’t even look like they bothered to use different drawings on the applications.
This fastener was manufactured and sold by The Clipless Paper Fastener Co. of Newton, IA. The Clipless Paper Fastener Co was established in 1909.
advertisement from 1913
The model I have, and honestly every model I’ve seen, has “patent pending” on the label. The Early Office Museum shows this as being advertised from 1911-1923 but I can only verify up to 1921 (ads from this time are difficult to find so this isn’t surprising). I do find reference to the stand version in an October 1911 periodical in an article that talks about improvements to the hand-held model. However, it’s difficult to say if the stand version was available in October 1911. If not, it’s apparent that it was very soon afterwards. If the patent was applied for in 1911 and granted in 1916 then at the very least it’s reasonable to assume that this was manufactured during this time period.
Aside from this model and the hand-held plier model of the clipless fastener I have found only one other type of product manufactured by the Clipless Paper Fastener Co. In a 1920 article a new stamp vending machine from the Clipless Paper Fastener Co is discussed. Furthermore, it’s mentioned that these “machines have been on the market for a number of years”.
advertisement from 1910
This fastener is well-built. Mr. Hawkins certainly did not skimp on quality. This weighs in at 2 pounds of nickel-plated steel. It is 5.25”L x 2.25”W x 5.5”H which is actually a good size for desk top use. The one in my collection has a few scratches but otherwise probably works as good today as it did a hundred years ago. See if your fancy new tablet will do that.
Stapleless staplers and paper fasteners are amongst my favorite items in my collection and I actively seek them. Their ability to securely fasten papers without needing any additional supplies make them great to use even today.
Patent and Other Information:
Notes:
- Editors (1911, October). A New Style of Paper Fastener. Dun’s Review, International Edition, page 57
- Editors (1920, December). New Stamp Vending Machine. Geyer’s Stationer, page 20
- Western Bank Supply Co Catalog (1921), Oklahoma City, OK page 74
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American Stationer 
I have one. I live in South Wales uk. Contact me on adawson@ llanhari.com if you would like to know more.
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I also have one and I was wondering if you can give me the value of it as I am interested in selling it. It is in great condition, works. The black paint has worn away some.
Thanks,
Anne Marie
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I don’t do appraisals as such and anyway it’s impossible to do one without seeing the object. However, I’ve never heard of a clipless stand machine in black. It’s possible (but not probable) it was sold in black, but my guess is that it was painted some time in the past.
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It is an interesting piece of equipment. I am CEO over several manufacturing operations and can’t help but admire the quality of the machine especially from the period it was made. It won’t help the value question but, I found mine and bought it at an estate sale for $4.50. JDC
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I have a well maintained one that I like to use in a law office. It does mess up the paper and easily comes apart. My fun is to send pages that have been joined to others and have them wonder how I did that. I say I had time on my hands and did it with an exacto knife.
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I do the same thing. If the documents are terribly important I will clip them with the machine and wait for someone to bring them back to see how i did that!!
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I restored mie, but I’m having a terrible time getting the spring arm into the right position to put the head back on. Any suggestions?
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