Anyone interested in vintage staplers eventually comes across the Arrow Model 210 heavy-duty deluxe stapling machine. With its style, colors, and chrome it is instantly obvious how the design was influenced by the American automobile industry of the time. This is a stapler that everyone seems to love from the first time they lay eyes on one.
And it’s no wonder why it inspires such strong feelings. The 210 is made completely out of steel with the only exceptions being the plastic handle insert (where it says “Arrow 210.”) and the rubber feet. This steel isn’t some cheap, thin, low-quality steel either but a very heavy-duty steel that gives it a feeling of solidity not found in today’s staplers.
Note that along with being “heavy-duty” that this is also “deluxe”. What makes this stapler deluxe are the same things that would make an auto deluxe – options. It has easy loading from the rear, an easy to get at mechanism accessible by a latch on the side, a visual refill indicator, a three-way anvil for three types of stitches (not counting tacking), a detachable mechanism that allows this to be used as a tacker (for the first version, the second and third versions simply flip open), a capacity of 230 standard staples, and it is rated to staple up to 40 sheets of paper at a time. All it seems to be missing are leather seats.
Most folks when they see one of these for the first time instantly think “1950’s”. That’s understandable. However, the Arrow 210 wasn’t actually available until 1960. It was sold at least until 1986 and likely into the 1990’s.
As I’ve noted above, there are in actuality three different versions of the Arrow model 210. While superficially they look very similar their stats show the differences:
Version 1
- measures 8″ L x 2.25″ W x 2.75″ H
- weighs 1 lb 7 oz
- 4.25″ throat
Version 2
- measures 7.5″ L x 2″ W x 2.75″ H
- weighs 1 lb 4 oz
- 4.5″ throat
Version 3
- measures 7.5″ L x 2″ W x 2.75″ H
- weighs 1 lb 2 oz
- 4.5″ throat
It’s unknown exactly when Arrow changed over to the second version but circumstantial evidence points to the mid-to-late 1970’s. The third version was being sold by 1985 but likely it started earlier. The following photo shows the striking size difference between the versions.
Other differences include:
- for tacking, version 1 disconnects from the base while on versions 2 and 3 the base flips 180 degrees.
- note that version 1 has a locking mechanism on the bottom of the base to keep the stapler from disconnecting accidentally.
- looking from the top, you’ll see that versions 2 and 3 have rubber feet that wrap around the base at the rear.
- on version 1, the plate connecting the stapler to the base is larger than on later versions. Also note that version 1 has a hollow bump-out near the rear of this plate. Finally, note that on version 1 there is a double pinstripe indent on the perimeter of the plate.
- because the stapling mechanism on version 2 is slightly smaller, note that the chrome plunger plate “sideburns” go all the way to the bottom edge of the painted stapler top while on version 1 there is an approximate .219″ gap between the bottom edge of the chrome and the bottom edge of the stapler mechanism.
- on version 3 the plunger plate has been completely redesigned.
The model 210’s were originally introduced in four colors: beige, chrome, green, and grey. In 1966 black was added. Because all of these colors were used throughout its lifetime you cannot really use color as a way to determine age. With black you can determine that it was manufactured no earlier than 1966 but that’s really all that can be done.
I have to admit I have a soft spot for all of these older Arrow staplers. They were well-made and all of them were well-designed and managed to be different from the crowd. And I’m not just talking about the model 210, but all of the others also. While I’m glad that Arrow is still around I find it just a little sad that they no longer make desktop staplers anymore.
Patent and Other Information:
Notes:
- Wallace (1960, May), advertisement, The Derrick, page 28
- Perry Office Supply Catalog (1963), Syracuse, NY, page 49
- WOSCO, Inc. Catalog (1963), Greensburg, PA, page 2
- McDonald, Stingel and Bush Office Supply Catalog (1964), Saginaw, MI, page 358
- George Stuart (1966, August), advertisement, Orlando Sentinel, page 7-B
- Wilson’s Jewelers Distributors (1978, August), advertisement, Longview Morning Journal, page 13-A
- Marathon Office Supply, Inc Catalog (1986), Los Angeles, CA, page 18
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Arrow Fastener said:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on our vintage Arrow 210 desktop stapler! We’re glad to see it has stood the test of time for you. #ArrowStrong
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Michael Mayer said:
I recently acquired an Arrow 210 Version 1 stapler and soon discovered it was missing the spring loader mechanism which is inserted from the back end. Do you have a parts list and supplier for replacement parts? My initial searches on the internet for replacement parts have come up short.
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AmericanStationer said:
There’s no place that provides replacement parts for staplers. The push rod for v1 and v2 are interchangeable so I would first recommend buying a parts stapler and cannabalizing it. The push rod from a 105 will also fit but is only 2/3 the length. It will work in a jiffy though.
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Rich Hackett said:
Nice write up. Thank you. I have a Arrow Model 210, version 1, that is almost completely chrome. It looks beautiful and works great. I didn’t see in the article that this was an option – so just wanted to add that information. Pictures available if interested.
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Hilda N. said:
So happy to have found this website! I collect vintage office supplies too. My hobby began when I grew frustrated with new staplers in offices and schools that would jam right after the first few uses. So I began buying the old ones that work perfectly irrespective of their age. I have an Arrow 107 that I bought at a garage sale about 15 years ago. It looks like the model priced at $3.47 in the ad above.
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Rémi said:
Mine is blue in Version 3. It’s been around from day 1 at my job, and I’ve been using it for the last 34 years, still working as new. I would’nt exchange it for nothing else in the world.
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George Marshall said:
Is there a Swingline substitute for the 210 staples? Did Arrow have a model number for the 210 stapler staples?
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AmericanStationer said:
The Arrow 210 uses standard size staples of any brand. These can be purchased literally anywhere.
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Dennis Futryk said:
I have a 210, all chrome, stapler new in box, but it is missing the plunger to hold staples when you close it. Is there any place to buy parts?
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AmericanStationer said:
What you’re looking for is the staple pusher. Unfortunately, parts aren’t sold separately. I would recommend buying another beat up 210 and using it as a parts donor.
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