Vintage Stapler Submitted As Evidence Ajax Eyelet

INDEX
2014 Newsletter Index
Vintage Stapler Submitted As Evidence
Ajax Eyelet Fastener
Fordicrimp Ad
PASLODE Company
DUO FAST
The Duplex Punch
The Salesman of the Paper Fastener Industry
PINZIT advertisement
Krahn Manufacturing Company
O Kay Staple Driver and Clincher
Lipman’s Eyelet Machine
Vintage Electric Stapler
Parrot Speed Fastener
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Stapler
Ajax Stapler
The One You Let Get Away
The Elli Buk Collection
J.B. Crofoot Mfg. Co.
Bates Wire Stapler
Dennison Stapling Machine
When restoration is needed
Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn
The Hotchkiss Summer Home
June Wedding of Pretty Bride
Alexander Irvin
Fridolin Polzer
The Century of Burridge
The Man behind the Challenge
What’s New @ ACCO Brands?
Vintage Stapler Submitted As Evidence
When I was contacted by an attorney for a predigest law firm out of Massachusetts
I was in disbelief. The gentleman indicated that he wanted to buy one of my
staplers which was on display on the Stapler Exchange web site.
The Trigger Action Stapler invented by Edward Krantz was pretty rare and at the
time only a few were known of. This machine would later fall under the trade
name of Duo Fast.
It was offered to me by the lawyers for Staples, that I could bring the machine to
them for examination and that I could be called as an expert witness. At the time I
really didn’t want to consider either. At times, I do regret those decisions. But,
let’s face it, When did I become an Expert? My decision was to lone the machine
to them with a clear understanding that it would be returned upon completion of
the trial.
The names provided to me where the inventors and engineers that have made
Swingline and BOSTITCH some of the finest fasteners to have ever graced their
inventory. Dozens of patents have been issued for their expert engineering.
Years past, and the law suit continued. From all indications it looked like Staples
would lose this battle to Accenta. Finally the judgment was announced. The
judgment was for over $12 million dollars was awarded to Accenta for patent
infringement.
It was no surprise that the decision was appealed and after years of waiting and
another trial, the Appeals Court ruled that the District Court had errored on the side
of the plaintiff. Of the three counts listed in the original case, only one was valid.
The Appeals Court ruled that the $12 million was reduced to $2 million.
The most important conclusion of this entire case was that after 6 years, I finally
got my Trigger Action Stapler back.
November 26, 2014
Ajax Eyelet Fastener
Machine Appliance Corp.
Brooklyn, New York
Although they are now used for fastening cloth
or leather, eyelet machines were once popularly
used for fastening papers.
Eyelets were
considered classier than staples and were often
used to fasten legal and other "official"
documents.
Eyelet machines actually predate staplers. The
first paper fastener patented in the U.S.A. was an
eyelet machine designed by William H. Rodgers
of New York. Rodgers's machine, like most
early eyeleters required three separate
operations to fasten documents:
1. Punch the paper
2. Insert the eyelet (by hand)
3. Clinch the eyelet
Ajax Eyelet Fastener Ad - 1918
In 1915, the Ajax Eyelet Fastener automated this
process by automatically feeding the eyelet,
punching the paper, and clinching the eyelet
with a single pull of the handle.
The Ajax machine was first patented in 1916 by Louis Myers of Flatbush, NY with
improvements to the holder punch and feed mechanism patented in 1918. The earlier
versions of the machine had a nickel plated lever (as shown in the photos below and the
ad from 1918 above). By 1926, the lever was painted black.
How It Works
Loose eyelets are dumped into the drum on the top of the machine. The drum has slots
around its perimeter that allow eyelets through only when they are oriented so that they
will slide down the feed track. Each time the handle is pulled the drum rotates slightly.
The eyelets tumble around inside the drum at random until they line up with one of the
slots and are allowed down the feed track.
The eyelets slide down the feed track until they reach the flexible fingers in front of the
punch. When the lever is pulled, the main punch pushes the flexible fingers out of the
way. A retractable "holder punch" inside the main punch enters the hole in the eyelet
and grips it until the eyelet contacts the paper. As the holder punch retracts, the main
punch forces the eyelet through the paper and swages it against the anvil. When the
lever is released, the punch retracts into the body of the machine and the next eyelet
slides in place in the flexible fingers.
The early versions of these machines are not
particularly well constructed. They are just
small and light enough to be unstable during
use. However, the base has holes so that the
unit can be mounted to a work surface.
Only the bottom part of the base is made
from cast iron. The rest of the body is made
from soft sheet steel. There are a number of
tapped holes in the sheet metal for fine
thread screws that hold the nameplate, feed
track, and flexible feed fingers. These holes
strip easily due to the fine thread and
softness of the sheet metal.
The nickel plating is thin, many examples
that you find have rusted drums and feed
tracks. The internal gears that rotate the
drum are not hardened and are often
stripped.
The Bates Manufacturing Company of Orange,
NJ acquired the Machine Appliance Corp.
and began to gradually improve the device,
eventually ending up with the very robust
Bates Eyelet Machine.
In spite of its shortcomings, the Ajax Eyelet
Fastener must have been popular because
they are now quite common (indicating that
they sold well in their day). Prices for these
averaged around $25.
October 27, 2014
Ajax Eyelet Fastener Ad - 1926
Click for a larger image
October 27, 2014
PASLODE COMPANY
In 1935 Mr. J.W. Leslie of the Signode Steel Strapping Company founded a subsidiary company
to market shipping room supplies, with the additional intention of opening doors and scouting
potential leads for Signode representatives.
He called the company Paslode, to describe the product line: Packing, Shipping, and Loading
Devices. Paslode representatives went door-to-door, identifying likely Signode prospects. The
representatives of course also sold Paslode products: stapling hammers and lightweight staplers.
Paslode used a series of quonset huts as their factory. Starting in 1949 their operation grew to
seven buildings by 1961. The Fastener Corporation had a firm grasp on their fastener
manufacturing position.
In 1986 Illinois Tool Works, the same corporation that owns Duo-Fast, acquired Paslode .
September 22, 2014
DUO FAST
In 1937 Mr. Henry A. Torstenson founded the company, originally called the Fastener
Corporation. It started out as a small manufacturer of hand-held staplers and related fasteners on
the north side of Chicago. Products were sold under the Duo-Fast brand name. The company
grew rapidly during World War II when it was awarded substantial government contracts for
Duo-Fast staples, hand tackers and hammer tackers. The market's acceptance of automatic
stapling products quickly increased within various industrial markets. After the war, the
company further established itself in the industrial staple industry by expanding its product line
to meet the needs of new applications, particularly those in the furniture and woodworking
industries.
In 1947, Fastener Corporation, in collaboration with a major automobile manufacturer,
developed the world's first pneumatic stapler. Not only did this stapling tool eliminate the
production bottleneck in the carmaker's upholstery trim shop, but it also led the way for new
generations of air-driven staplers that played a major role in the economic boom of the late 1940s
through the 1950s.
September 22, 2014
THE DUPLEX PUNCH
During a review published in the New England Stationer and Printer,
a magazine distributed in 1921, it was noted that the Duplex
Perforating Punch Press was one of the most powerful hand
perforating punches made and easiest to operate. Considering this
machine was patented in 1901, it was a surprise to discover it even
existed. Of all placed to discover it, Ebay. It is not very often that a
machine captures my eye, but in this case, it was familiar, yet new.
Within a few minutes the patent, two actually, one from the US and
the other from Canada were found, the article in the New England
Stationer and Printer and several ads were all found.
The inventor, Edward L. Sibley contributed other paper fasteners
during the same time period. The Challenge Eyelet Press was his
work and reserves a special place in my collect. I have had three
examples in my collection for many years, two models 1’s and a
model 2. There is no doubt about it, Sibley’s work last a life time.
The Duplex comes in three models. The Model 1 has a punching capacity of one half inch
thickness. The Model 2 has a nine sixteenth’s of an inch and the Model 3 has three fourths of an
inch punching capacity. It is to be borne in mind that by the term solid paper they mean paper in
packs or pads, each sheet lying perfectly flat, and directly in contact with its neighbor. Of loose
sheets the presses have a punching capacity of nearly double the thickness assigned to them
above.
\
Canada Patent 1902
August 2014
The Salesman of the Paper Fasteners Industry
The birth of modern salesmanship occurred in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
century’s with the rise of large mass manufacturing firms. These companies developed
modern sales techniques, created procedures for management that paralleled those of the
new science of mass production. The age of scientific management had been born and there
was money to be made by those who would create strategies to sale.
Traveling men or Salesmen as they were also called were common in the late 19th and early
20th century. Salesmen accounted for a large part of
commerce in both the countryside and in growing
American cities. Many spent their lives on the road selling
goods. Salesmen of paper fasteners merely needed an
example of the fastener he wished to sale and a direction
in which to travel to make those sales.
For the average salesman, used to traveling more or less
on his own and at that time, almost all were male, this
meant a number of changes. Now his routes were
planned, his customers, stationers, factories, and large
departments, evaluated before his departure, and he
recorded his every move in sales reports and receipts.
Sales managers at large corporations assigned salesmen
specific territories and gave them monthly or weekly
quotas to meet. They aimed to make salesmanship
uniform and predictable, and capable of being taught to
new recruits. They often even instructed salesmen how to
stand while talking with a customer, or how to hand over the pen at "closing."
The revolution in selling had consequences beyond individual firms. The growth of
systematic methods of sales management gave rise to a number of products and services
that supported sales managers, including trade journals and popular magazines about
salesmen and sales management. The use of advertisement in these publications was new to
the fastener industry, only a few relied on their sales agents to determine whether this
avenue of sales would be used. Overall, the industry relied on the salesman, door to door,
look them in the eyes and show them how easy to use this fastener is to use.
By the 1920s, sales management had "arrived." American businesses recognized
salesmanship as an essential component of modern strategy. Indicative of the rising
importance of selling within corporations was the fact that something like one-quarter of
the chief executives of the top 200 industrial firms in 1917 had spent part, or all, of their
career in selling. Jack Linsky started the Parrot – Speed Fastener Company (later to
become Swingline) with very little money in hand. He was the salesman while his wife,
Belle, took care of the administrative needs of their little company.
August 2014
Krahn Manufacturing Company
The Krahn Manufacturing Company was organized with the manufacture of metal specialties in
mind. Their hole punch came to be later in their existence.
A.W. Krahn was the president of the firm which bore his name. Krahn was personally
responsible for the wonderful strides made by the company, himself being the inventor of several
of their products known throughout the United States.
The company was founded in 1906 doing experimental work and developing ideas which today
comprises the Krahn lawn sprinkler and the Krahn hedge trimmer. In the 1920’s they perfected
an office punch, which is considered the greatest punch for use of its kind made in this section of
the country. This is evident by the numbers of single hole punches that are seen on the internet.
The Krahn Manufacturing Companies lubricating pumps and specialties have attracted engineers
in every large industry throughout the world.
In 1926 Forty men were employed by Mr. Krahn at his plant, located at 588 Clinton Street,
Milwaukee, where one of the largest, if not the largest, screw machine departments in the city
was operated.
Mr. Krahn was said to be very proud of the success of his company, as it is not often that a
business of this kind can show the success attained by his company.
“The Krahn Company’s proud fourteen year record, Never forced to lay off men for lack of work
since its organization.”
October 11, 1920 This article appeared in Milwaukee Sentinel
The Krahn Manufacturing Company, 588-598 Clinton Street, is a typical example of the growth
of Milwaukee inductries from small beginnings.
In the year 1904, A.W. Krahn, who was then a foreman in the employ of the Nordberg
Manufacturing Company, decided to enter business on his own acount. He opened a small shop
on East Water Street, renting most of his machine tools. Here he was engaged in building models
and doing other experimental work.
In two years his business had developed to such an extent that he decided to incorporate it and
Krahn Manufacturing Company was organized with A.W. Krahn as the President and Treasurer
and E. C. Bayorloin Vice President and secretary of the Nordberg Manufacturing Company as
Secretary. The company continued the model and experimental work and added to its line the
building of gasoline lighting outfits. It also added the Temple Paper Punch now largely used by
business houses and railroad companies.
The patent for the Temple Press was applied for on December 20, 1901 and was approved on
August 6, 1902.
GROWTH FORCES CHANGE
The new company located in the Enterprise Building at Syeamore and Second Streets, where it
remaind until 1916, when it moved to the Meyer Buiulding at the corner of Clinton and Lapham
Streets was recently completed and opened with elaborate ceremonies by the Sivyer Steel
Casting Company.
In the building of the new office, special attention was given to the lighting system, which
eliminated the use of desk lights. Each floor was equuipped with a few large inverted kawl lights
which will furnish sufficient light for the entire space.
On the second floor a large assembly hall, 125 feet in lerngth has been finished off. This hall was
ideal for company club meetings, dances and other entertainment purposes. A rest room and
dining hall was on the same fllor,. All new office furniture and fixtures were installed.
The family continued to manage the Krahn Manufacturing company after the death of George.
His son, George T. Krahn became the President and later in time George T. Krahn Jr. was also
the President of the company.
(This is a rarely seen 2 hole punch made by the Krahn Manufacturing Company for the National
Advertising Corporation of St Louis, Missouri)
(More common single hole punch by the Krahn Manufacturing Company)
July4,2014
We are all on the lookout for something new, so when I saw this article in an 1889 magazine it
was natural to want to share it with all collectors. Who knows, someday, we may find an example
at the yard sale down the street.
“O KAY STAPLE DRIVER AND CLINCHER
___________
The “O Kay” staple driver and clincher is a very complete article which has just been put
on the market by A .A. Weeks, 11 Gold Street. The “O Kay” is illustrated on this page,
being shown open and also in use. It consists of an iron box, having on top of its cover the
holder under which the paper through which the staple is to be passed is held. The interior
of the box is divided into six compartments, one containing the “driver”, while the others
are filled with suspension rings and 400 staples of assorted sizes. When not in use the box
can be used as a paper weight, while it is small enough to be entirely out of the way on the
desk. It is a remarkably handy desk device and is having a large sale.
July 3, 2014
Lipman’s Eyelet Machine
Hymen L. Lipman was born March 20, 1817 in Kingston Jamaica of English
parents and came to this country with them
about twelve years later, settling in
Philadelphia, where he has since resided. He
was married in 1848 to Mary Lehman
whose father, Peter Lehman was one of the
founders of the Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy, and he leaves a widow, a son,
two daughters and a grandson.
Mr. Lipman was for many years identified
with the stationary trade, and was prominent
in that connection. In 1840 he succeeded
Samuel M. Stewart, then the leading
stationer in Philadelphia. In October 1843
he started the first envelope factory in this country. Concerning this venture, the
following narrative in Mr. Lipman’s own words may be given:
“About 1842 ungummed envelops made their first appearance as a new
importation from France, and I was the first to begin their manufacture in this
country. Shortly afterwards I improved them by adding gum to the flaps, and the
gummed envelopes I made were the first which had been seen anywhere, and the
first envelopes of any kind used by the United States Government were made by
me. The demand at first was very small; envelopes were as difficult to introduce as
any new invention or improvement is at the present time, and they were considered
only as a temporary fad which would soon go out of fashion again. That is the
reason I did not patent or push them very hard, especially as I had a good trade in
seals and sealing wax, and feared that envelopes would interfere with them. At first
they were only used for business purposes, and it was some time before they were
employed in social correspondence, as a person was considered lacking in respect
to a friend when he had to lick the gum on the envelope sent him. I also made the
first mucilage known in the United States, when postage stamps were introduced,
the contractor had to come to me to learn how the gum was made, and I gave him
the information gratis”.
Finding his business extending and keeping pace with the rapid growth of
Philadelphia, Mr. Lipman organized and conducted for many years what was
known as the Lipman Manufacturing Company. This company under his guidance
thrived and prospered and placed upon the market several specialties patented by
H.L. Lipman, all of which have since merited and received no small amount of
attention from the general stationary trade. Prominent among there were, in
addition to the two styles of envelopes already referred
to, the first letter sheet and envelope combined; the first
grooved or bookkeeper’s ruler, the first lap or desk pad
or table, the first combined lead pencil and rubber, the
first eyelet machine made in this country and the first
self feeding eyelet machine made in this country or
elsewhere. These and several other specialties of more or
less importance were patented by Mr. Lipman during his
business career and placed upon the market by either
himself or the Lipman Manufacturing Company. This
company also claims to have been the first to introduce
the thin sheets of blotting paper, then made in pink and yellow, and to have been
the first to offer it as a substitute for the old-fashioned black sand box used in
drying the ink on paper.
From all of his inventions Mr. Lipman realized comparatively little profit, although
others have made large fortunes in the lines which
he organized and to which he pointed the way. In
this respect his experience was that of many other
inventors and men of genius.
In his business career Mr. Lipman was honored and
respected, and in his private life he was a self
sacrificing Christian and devoted husband and
father.
VINTAGE ELECTRIC STAPLER
Recently, this unusual electric stapler appeared on eBay. It wasn’t long before it was notice and the
questions began. The most important question was and still is, who made it? Was this a product
developed by Ace Fastener Corporation or is this a custom build. Did some individual with
knowledge of electronics put this together in his garage?
The fastener exhibits nuts and bolts more common in later examples. The Ace model Pilot has been
manufactured for years dating prior to World War II. Throughout the decades of manufacture, only
a few changes have been made to this fastener. The first is the nuts and bolt used to fasten the base
to the body of the fastener and the later model sport the name of the company “ACE” on the front of
the base.
Examining the six patents issued to the Ace Fastener
Corporation proved to be inconclusive. The patents listed
on the bottom of the Pilot are not solely for this machine
but for other existing models and ideas never produced.
Actuator Frame
The frame used to house the actuator is painted in a
satin black crinkled paint, more than likely enamel.
This was a common color choice during the post war to mid 1950’s, but does not represent
proof in the dating of this example.
This devised was assembled by the Samson & Shaffer, Inc. Chicago, Ill. It also indicates
Model 2449. The model number would imply other model produced by the company. A
thorough search has failed to show any history or the company and no other examples of
their work. It was not unusual for companies to make this kind of false claim to imply they
have a greater inventory and experience.
MICRO [MS} SWITCH
Manipulated from the right side of the
stapling devise, the micro switch is placed
specifically for a right handed operator.
Electric staplers produced early and even
some after this machine have automatic
switches that activate the actuator when the
paper is inserted into the devise for stapling.
Still others have a foot operated switch that can easily be moved from left to right to
accommodate the operators choice of foot to use while working the machine.
This switch was produced by a company called MICRO [MS] SWITCH, LOCATED IN
Freeport, Ill. The only other information noticed on the switch is “Catalog Number” but no
number was observed.
External Tooth Washer
Locking washer with teeth or prongs which extend outward from the outside edge of the
washer are used throughout this devise. This type of washer maintains essential tension
and opposes any loosening influence on the fastener. The flexed teeth absorb shock,
vibration and slipping.
The external tooth washer is preferred when finished appearance is less crucial as it
provides the greatest tensional resistance and therefore locking efficiency because the
teeth are on the largest radius. These external tooth washers suggest this devise is newer,
perhaps, late 1950’s to 1960’s.
Electrical Plug
The plug attached to this devise is a two blade
ungrounded plug with what may be a piece of
cardboard shielding the wires. It is unknown for sure of
the day of manufacture, but would be probably the
1940’s – 1950’s. For this to be an industrial machine, it
is surprising to see the plug does not have a ground
wire.
Patent
Two attempts have been made to locate a patent for this devise. Both failed. Although it is
true a patent was found that had basic designs similar to this machine. It was not the same.
Patent 1,807,170 approved on May 26, 1931 belonged to the E.H. Hotchkiss Company. The
patent was assigned to the company by R.E. Peterson, a longtime employee of Hotchkiss.
This patent had the curved arm similar to the model in review. Other than that, noting
stands out to suggest this machine has any connection to the patent of 1931.
As a result of the lack of a patent, it is not believed this devise was manufactured by the
Ace Fastener Corporation. Had it been manufactured by Ace, it would not have been made
so poorly. This is a machine made for a specific purpose and for a specific operator. The
devise is made exclusively for a right handed person, which would limit the number of
operators. Ace would not limit the operational ability of their product in this way.
All of the parts are from different manufactures and appear to have been made at different
times. When the major fastener companies began developing their electric fasteners, most
had designed their machine using actuators. The engineers knew that the actuators would
function with many different staplers. With basic electric knowledge, it would not be
difficult to create your own electric stapler.
It is also my belief this devise has had a newer fastener added to replace a worn out model.
A fellow collector pointed out to me that the actuator does not align correctly with the head
of the fastener. This alignment would be important as a misalignment would cause undue
pressure on the actuator and cause it to eventually fail.
August 20, 2013
July 10, 2013
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Stapler
The Tiffany & Company story began in 1837 in New York City. Since their
beginning, Tiffany has created innovative and beautiful products worthy of
the decimating buyer.
Notorious for applying precious
materials to everything
appreciated,
Tiffany & Company products
always represent quality.
The stapler used to create the
Tiffany & Company sterling model
was invented by Henry Ruskin
while he was employed by Speed
Products Company, Inc., dead
giveaway was the zip code
inscribed on the stapler itself. Also,
in recognizing the model, it is
easily dated to the same period of late 60’s to early 70’s.
With everything in mind, one cannot class this stapler as an antique or vintage
devise. It is more of a novelty, with a fluid value as best. The total weight of
sterling is probably no more than 1 oz. two at the most. Regardless of the
actual weight, there is less than $50.00 in sterling attached. The actual stapler
is not one normally sought after by collectors. Its value is trivial at best with
$5.00 to $10.00 being the common price paid today.
Oh, but is does have those words inscribed on the side, Tiffany & Co. That
does change everything, maybe not for the fastener collector, but for those
individuals that collect Tiffany. This is where the value becomes interesting.
June 18, 2013
Ajax Stapler
The Ajax Die and Tool Company made
one stapler. This machine was made
almost entirely of stamped steel. It is
a simple rear loading stapler that
does not unhinge for tacking, nor
does it have a moveable anvil to
enable it to be used for pinning.
The Ajax Stapler was covered by two
patents, both issued in 1941. The patents state that the object was "to provide an
effective, durable, and foolproof stapling machine that may be inexpensively
produced".
One interesting design feature (on an otherwise nondescript machine) is the "U"shaped spring in the front of the stapler the purpose of which was to prevent double
feeding staples when the plunger was partially depressed. When the plunger is not
depressed far enough to complete the stapling process, the spring pushes the unused
staple back up, preventing the staples from double feeding on the next cycle.
While these staplers are rather plain, they are not common. As a collector, I
wouldn’t think of not having at least one example in my collection. Ajax did at least
produce this fastener in at least four colors and this fastener can still be found at a
June 6, 2013
The One You Let Get Away
Sometimes, you just have to laugh at the prices people try to get for antique and vintage
fasteners.
What they don’t know is not important, because they count on you not knowing either. Actual
value, condition, manufacturer or just about anything else can be whatever they want. If they can
pull the wool over an unsuspecting buyer’s eye, they certainly will try. Anything for the buck.
Here are a few examples of those diamonds that were found on eBay.
Antique Ever Ready Stapler Eveready Wire Spool Stapler Boston MA Patented 1915
Starting Bid: $99.00
“Nice Cosmetic Condition and Works Great”
This auction is for an antique
wire spool stapler. This model
was made by the Eveready
Manufacturing Co. in Boston MA.
Judging by the logo, this is the
same company that went on to
make the batteries we all use so
much.
I also found the company listed
as Ever Ready or Ever-Ready as
well, although the name on this
piece is just the one word
version.
The stapler is in great working
order & even has a length of
stapling wire in the hopper. I
have not oiled or cleaned the piece, so it could look a lot nicer once cleaned properly.
There are no dents, gouges, broken parts, bent or missing pieces. The finish is worn & there is
some light rust.
(I like the part about the finish is worn and there is some light rust – but, “it is in nice
condition”) This example shows a patent date of 1917, yet the seller states an earlier 1915
patent. Overall, it is still a Vintage fastener not an Antique fastener.
May 15, 2013
The next example comes closer but still, no doughnut. Overall, the history is very good. The
seller took a little time and researched the fastener prior to loading it for the auction. The price he
is asking is completely coming from left field. The condition and the model do not warrant this
kind of pricing. I would certainly challenge the seller with his description of “excellent”
Antique c.1896 HOTCHKISS No.2 STAPLER w/ Base & Staples Heavy Duty Victorian
Vtg
BUY IT NOW: $274.95
For your consideration is an Antique Hotchkiss heavy duty Stapler. Designed and patented by
Eli Hubbell Hotchkiss of New York, 1896. This piece of office equipment has retained its
original black enamel at the handle and base. The original wood mount is also present which is
very often missing. It is in working condition with some staples left. You can see the staples
through the window on the right side. Other than some light rust and loss of enamel there is no
structural damage. The wood is solid with no fractures. Overall condition is excellent.
I never knew Hotchkiss mounted all of its Model 2’s on a wooden board. Learn something new
every day. I would like to know where he found this information. As for the condition, this
fastener is more like “fair condition”
ANTIQUE STAPLER
Starting Bid: $75.00
Buy It Now: $100.00
UP BIDDING IS A HOTCHKISS 1896 NUMBER 3. STAPLER. THE OVER ALL
CONDITION OF THE STAPLER IS VERY GOOD. THIS ITEM WAS PAINTED WHEN I
PURCHASED IT AND I DECIDED NOT TO REMOVE THE PAINT. ALSO THE CAST
IRON ARM ON THE LEFT SIZE HAS BEEN REPAIR. THE REPAIRS ARE HARD TO SEE
BECAUSE THEY WERE SO WELL DONE AND SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE OVER
ALL COLLECTIBLE VALUE.
“The item was painted and the cast iron arm has been repaired and these faults should not affect
the overall collectible value. “ They most certainly do affect the overall value. “A lot ”. This can
be cleaned of that silver paint and displayed showing the right side. As for value, I would not pay
anywhere near what he is asking. Oh, and this a Model 2 not a Model 3.
The
ELLI BUK COLLECTION
(1949-2012)
Elli Buk was legendary in the world of
collectors. He was known as a self-made,
prolific collector, curator and expert. His
vast collection, assembled over a period
of 40 years, reflected his passion for
acquiring objects from our collective
history of science and technology over
the last two centuries.
As fastener collectors, we knew nothing
of Elli until his collection went up for
auction. Overall, his collection of
fasteners was small but very impressive.
At least 19 staplers, fasteners and paper
punches were among hundred of items in
over 200 lots.
The collection features a wide range of
items from an Ace Pilot stapler to a very
rare Lipman Eyelet Machine. With
everything included, auction cost, buyers
premium, shipping and handling, this
small collection brought in
approximately $2,100.Elli's love of biology, chemistry and
physics inspired him to merge his artistic
eye with his scientific mind and began
collecting the precision instruments that forged scientific, medical, and
astronomical discoveries. His interest also included the office work place.
His collection included staplers, fasteners, typewriters, paper punches,
adders, office and notary seals dating back to the mid -19th century. .His
interest in the history of communication through telegraphy, telephone,
radio and television, and the industrialization of the textile industries,
complimented his love of photography and motion pictures and the odd and
wondrous 'quack medical' devices of the early part of the 20th century.
May 1, 2013
J. B. Crofoot Mfg. Co.
Corner of Evergreen & Maple
Mt Prospect, IL (until the 1950's)
Santa Ana, CA (until the 1970's)
Crofoot Logo - 1965
The J.B. Crofoot Manufacturing Company made a variety of tackers and one
magnificent paper stapler. The ornate castings on these machines make them popular
with collectors.
The J. B. Crofoot Manufacturing Company was started by John B. Crofoot in 1905 in the
Crofoot family home in Milwaukee, WI. In the 1920's, it moved to the Chicago area
(eventually ending up in Mount Prospect, IL) to take advantage of the larger market and
the easy access to transportation. The firm remained in Mount Prospect until the 1950's
when it moved to California.
The J. B. Crofoot Factory, Mount Prospect, Illinois - circa 1928
The Model 525
The company made only one paper
stapler, but it was a superlative
machine. In terms of appealing
design, quality of workmanship,
and number of features, the
Crofoot Model 525 is the most
remarkable strip stapler ever
made. It was made fro
m polished, nickel-plated cast iron
and featured a felt padded base, an
internal drawer for storing staples,
and a patented adjustable paper
gage.
By pulling the pivot pin (which is marked "PULL" - as if you couldn't figure it out on
your own), the main stapler body can be removed from the base so it can be used as a
tacker.
The attention to detail on this machine is striking. The removable pin has a chain to
keep it with the base when the unit is being used as a tacker. The main body is stamped
with the word "OIL" next to the exposed pivoting part of the feed mechanism - the only
place on the device that required lubrication. The paper gage is spring loaded to a
round bar. To change the location, simply squeeze the "ears" of the guide together and
slide it along the bar to the new position; once you release the gage, the spring locks it
to the bar.
The Model 525 was patented in 1928, four years after cohered wire staples made their
debut.
By the time this stapler was introduced, it was already obsolete. The Model 525 had a
capacity of 25 staples. It had to compete against less expensive devices, that used less
expensive cohered wire staples, with 250 staple capacities. Sales for the Model 525 were
poor and production was limited. As a result, this model is extremely rare. If you can
find one for less than $200, you've found a barga
April 15, 2013
Bates Wire Stapler
Model D
For decades the Bates Wire
Stapler Model D has been the
stuff of legends, but now, for
the first time an example has
been photographed.
This machine is as elusive as
the Giant Squid, and as a
long time collector, I was
amazed at its appearance. It
is as ugly as Bigfoot.
Maybe it is just me, but I had
previously only seen one photograph and that was of such poor quality it was
nearly impossible to tell what I was looking at.
Several attempts throughout the years to identify and document the Model D have
all come to the same conclusion, There just isn’t anything written about this model
and there are no photos.
The only source to acknowledge its existence is officemusium.com and even so,
this site only identifies the year it was manufactured, the price, and that it was a
limited run.
The model D was not what I would have expected from Bates. It was introduced
in 1941. Times were tough and within a matter of a few months, the country was
about to get involved in the war. This machine was introduces approximately 3
years after the Model C. What is strange is the Model C continued to be
manufactured after the war while the Model D was not.
Could the war effort have caused Bates to cancel the manufacture of the Model D
and did they consider that because of the short life span of the Model D ? or was
the machine just plan unacceptable and inferior to the Model C?
March 1, 2013
Currently, there are two sources that discuss the Bates Wire Stapler, officemusium.com and
DeBarth, a company that sales and services the Bates Wire Stapler. Both sites have different data
concerning the manufacture dates. For now, Mystaplers.com will add our take on the dates these
machines were made.
Bates Model A (circa 1930)
Bates Model B (circa 1931)
Bated Model B (circa 1935)
Bates Model C (circa 1938)
Bates Model D (circa1941)
Dennison Stapling Machine
First look at the fastener and you are sure it is a Boston Wire
Stitcher. The details are somewhat different, but, it is a
Boston Wire Stitcher. The only engraved information on the
fastener is the name Dennison and that patent number
1584788 approved on May 18, 1926 applies to this machine
and that another patent or patents are pending.
Within a very short time the second patent was identified. Patent Number 1,928304 describes
and pictures this machine perfectly. This patent was approved on September 26, 1933. The
differences between the two patent can easily be related to the number of years separating them
and improvements that only time can provide.
A good investigator would contact Bostitch in hopes of learning more, but experience has taught
me that Bostitch does not keep data on their early fasteners. What a shame that is, considering
they still don’t know they invented and produced the first electric stapler. Seems they would
want to capitalize on this kind of information in their advertising campaigns.
So, how did this Dennison come to be? Two theories came to mind. Dennison bought an unused
patent from Boston Wire Stitcher and produced their own fasteners or Dennison contracted with
Boston Wire Stitcher to produce the fastener for them.
For the best theory and the answer I do believe best represents the facts, I went to one of the best
sources and most knowledgeable fastener collectors out there.
Richard has been collecting fasteners longer than anyone I know. By that, I mean he has been
collecting for decades. In that time, he has amassed a very large collection and has probably
forgotten more information about fasteners then I will ever know. Richard is my “go to guy”
when I finally give up and can’t find the answer.
When asked about the Dennison, Richard responded with the following,” Dennison, as you
know, was a major producer of office paper products, tapes, labels, folders, notebooks, etc. (I
vaguely recall seeing Dennison brand brass fasteners also.) Since, as far as I know, they never
made office machines; my best guess is that they contracted with Boston Wire Stitcher to
produce the stapler for them, substituting the Dennison name. This practice has a good deal of
later precedent. And I'm imagining that the startup costs of creating a factory just to produce this
one item would have been prohibitive, and beyond Dennison's business plan. The extreme rarity
of the stapler suggests it was a short & brief production run. Back in the day, everything with
the Dennison name sold well, but maybe the stapler didn't sell well enough. “
February 14, 2013
WHEN RESTORATION IS NEEDED
Any tool that has been handled is going to retain whatever was on the user’s hands. In time, the
shiny painted surface is going to show serious wear. Constant handling will also result in rust
and scratches. Antique and vintage fasteners and staplers accumulate dirt, grime and rust and
need cleaning and oiling to restore and preserve their life. Now, they are collectible.
Actually, no one saw that coming. Staplers were never
considered by their manufactures as having a collectible
value. So what is the collector to do with his new found
barn fresh Acme Stapler. Its last owner bought it new in
1926 and used it until 1947. At that point, staplers had
evolved and a newer office machine was purchased. The
old Acme was retired to the barn and there it sat until
2012. Used and abused for 21 years and then exposed to
the elements for 65 years. Now our question is, should it
be restored?
While it is true that restoration can be as simple as a light cleaning to remove dirt, rust, and
grime, the case as indicated above will require much more. You can be sure that after 86 years
this stapler has lost paint, it is rusted, pitted, parts will need to be exchanged because of the
complete lose of plating. In general, a complete take down will be required.
Should this stapler be restored or used as parts? The answer is as simple as the reason we collect
staplers, “Yes, the machine should be restored”. Since the first
collectors started talking about their collections with others, the
same reasons were echoed, “We collect staplers because it is
fun, it is interesting and it is cheap.” Very few other hobbies
have pieces that you are able to add to your collections for just
a few dollars. You can go to yard sales, flea markets, antique
stores, and yes the internet to find additions for your
collections. After building a hobby based on these principles,
why would we place such high standards on the examples we
find. Why would we say, if it is not in perfect condition it is
not worthy. Why would we hold our collections up to those
that would collect furniture, baseball cards or widgets?
It is not unusual to have paper fasteners that are 130 years old in a collection. Do what you have
to do as long as you maintain the original color and appearance of the fastener. Do not be afraid
to polish the nickel plated parts and springs as long as your skills are up to the challenge.
February 1, 2013
Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn
When you do research and interview or speak with family members considering one who has
moved on, it is always wise to confirm your information. What if your second source is also
wrong? For me, it left an empty feeling in my stomach, a feeling that I had failed the individual
that I had researched. That is how I felt on my research on my favorite person associated with the
fastener industry, Mrs. Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn.
During my search for more information on the Hotchkiss family, I was pretty much secure in my
belief that I had all the information available. I have interviewed two different sources and came
up with interesting facts on Gertrude, simple stuff like date of birth and date of death.
Her date of birth has been established as October 3, 1890 and the date of date reported to me and
what is on the cemetery web site are wrong. Gertrude died on August 19, 1960. According to the
State Department document, she died at 5:15 a.m. She was 69 years and 10 months old.
Gertrude was in Europe as she was nearly every year. But this time it was different. She wasn’t
well. It isn’t known who knew or if anyone was aware that Gertrude had mammary cancer. The
disease was in its final stages when Gertrude went to the University Clinic in Munich Germany.
This hospital was considered to be a very good facility and it was a guarantee the staff would do
everything possible for Mrs. Heyn. Unfortunately, it was too late. Gertrude passed away after a
short stay.
(1 Ziemssenstrasse, University Clinic, Munich, Germany)
The State Department was contacted and arrangements were made in accordance with Gertrude’s
will.
Her body was transported to Ostfriedhof, Munich’s East
Cemetery where she was cremated. The instructions
provided by the State Department were that her ashes
would be shipped to the United States to be buried at
Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport Conn. The deceased
effects where to be delivered to her cousin and executor
of her will, Richard T. Harris.
Right: (Ostfriedhof, Munich Germany)
Willowbrook Cemetery indicated that both, Gertrude
Hotchkiss Heyn and her husband Roman H. Heyn’s remains are interred at their location with a
monument in place to mark their final resting place. Therefore, it may be safe to say; Gertrude
was not buried at sea as previously reported by family members.
(Willowbrook Cemetery Heyn Memorial)
From all indications, Gertrude was not very close with her distant relatives. All of her immediate
family members, her mother, father and her husband Roman have long left this world. She had
no grandparents and all aunts and uncles were gone as well. From all indications, only cousins
remained.
Any memories of Gertrude where passed down or fading with time and can easily account for
mistakes in dates and times of events.
January 5, 2013
The Hotchkiss Summer Home
The Hotchkiss House was built in 1905 and from all indication, was used annually by the family
to get away from the many stresses of business and to vacation in the beautiful paradice of
sunny Florida. It was said the family only stayed for 3 months at a time.
By the time the family started to use the home, Eli's brother had already passed away. Because
we already know that Frank's wife, Alcine vacationed with the Hotchkiss family, is it a sure thing
that she stayed in the house. George, Eli, Julia and of course, Gertrude would have also spent
time in the home and enjoyed the property located on the river in Daytona Beach.
Althought the home has been modernized, it still maintains many original features, such as the
floor, doors and many of the walls are original. With the exception of the pool and deck added
on to the back of the house, the outside appearance is as at would have been when built.
As is, the house will need more work before it is ready for visitors. But for me, it was exciting to
walk the halls where the first family of fasteners walked.
JUNE WEDDINGS OF PRETTY BRIDE
Miss Gertrude Hubbell Hotchkiss Plights Her Troth to Roman Henry Heyn
SIMPLE BUT ELEGANT CEREMONY AT THE HOUSE
Most charmingly were the nuptials of Miss Gertrude Hubbell Hotchkiss, the pretty daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. E. Hubbell Hotchkiss, of 4 Arch Street and Roman Henry Heyn of Urspringen,
Bavaria, Germany which took place at 6:30 o’clock last evening, at the bride’s home, before a
small gathering of immediate friends and relatives. It was in every respect, one of the prettiest
wedding ceremonies, that has ever taken place in the Norwalk, and was a fair standard of the
many June weddings which are to follow in the next few days.
The service was simplicity personified, and because of the simplicity of the arrangements and
details, the service was made doubly effective and pretty. As it was told in these columns
yesterday, the bridal couple was made man and wife yesterday at high noon, by a civil service
marriage ceremony performed in the town hall building by the justice of the peace. This form of
marriage is the only form recognized in the European countries, where Mr. Heyn has resided.
There were but forty guests assembled at the scene of the ceremony, last evening, and were
close personal friends of the contracting parties. Many of the guests came from out of town
places. None of Mr. Heyn’s relatives were present, because of the great distance that would
have to be traversed to get here.
The beautiful Hotchkiss home had been handsomely decorated for the occasion with various
colored peonies, roses, carnations, Japanese ferns and palms. The decorations were the
creation of the skilled men in the employ of Florist Robert G. Hanford, and the whole house was
converted into a beautiful garden of flowers, making a handsome setting for the marriage. The
ceremony was performed under a wedding bell in one of the spacious parlors. The color
scheme of the decorations was white and green.
The large hall was banked with cut flowers and palms, and Bentley’s orchestra, of Bridgeport,
which furnished the music for the ceremony and reception which followed, was located in the
rear of the beautiful staircase, partially hidden in a bower of palms.
Carrying out the idea of simplicity, the couple was unattended. At exactly the appointed hour,
the orchestra softly began the familiar strains of Lohengrin’s wedding march, and the bride
slowly descended the big open staircase. At the foot of the stairs she was met by the
bridegroom, and together they slowly advanced up the aisle parted by white silk ribbon, to the
wedding bell in the bay window, where they were awaited by Rev. George Drew Egbert, of
Flushing, L.I. who tied the nuptial knot. The single ring service was used.
The bride was charmingly attired in a gown of white net trimmed and shaded green crystal
pearls, and orange blossoms. She did not wear a bridal veil, as is usually the case. She carried a
beautiful bouquet of white orchids and lilies of the valley.
Immediately after the ceremony, a reception was held, when Mr. and Mrs. Heyn were
showered with the hearty congratulations of their many friends. DeKlyn, of Main Street,
catered for the reception feast which was served in the commodious dining room. The feature
of the decorations of this room was a floral representation of the pyramids of Gizeh, which was
located in the center of the dining table. In view of the fact that Mr. Heyn has for the fast five
years been engaged in business in Cairo, the pyramids had a special significance. The color
scheme of the dining room was pink and green, and the pyramids were constructed of pink
carnations.
The bride is one of the best known leaders of the younger society of the Norwalks, and is
possessed of a large best of friends. Mr. Heyn who has been in this country but a few days,
having returned with Mrs. E. H. Hotchkiss and her daughter, the bride, ten days ago, has made
many friends in that time. For the past five years he has been manager of Shepheard’s Hotel in
Cairo, Egypt. He has now been engaged to represent the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company of
London, England, who operate large hotels in Pittsburg, Penn and will assume his duties the
thirteenth of the month.
Alexander Irvin
Alexander Hamilton Irvin was the fourth son of William Irvin, Jr. and Jane Patton Irvin who were
married on March 2, 1830. The fruit of this marriage was fifteen children, four of whom died in
infancy. Alexander was born in Curwensville, Pa. On May 17th 1849.
Alex was married to Jennie Livingston also from Curwensville. They had three children, John P.,
Daniel L. and Alice M. Irvin. Jennie died on February
28, 1915.
Mr. Irvin attended school in Curwensville and at the
Lawrenceville Academy, Lawrenceville, N.J. He also
attended high schools in Pottstown, Pa and at the
Pennsylvania Military Academy Chester, Pa.
Alexander’s grandfather, William, came to the area
known as Anderson’s Creek, later, around 1820, the
area was renamed Curwensville. He had done well for
himself and was instrumental in securing the future
for his family. The family was well known for their
contributions both professionally and privately.
Alexander Irvin grew up around experts in the timber
trade. Therefore, it was easy for him to go into a
business he knew. He began his business career
locating pine timberlands in Michigan and later
crossing the Rockies into Montana where in
connection with English and Japanese capitalists, he
engaged in mining operations. Irvin also had interest
in timberlands in Texas and Arkansas.
Returning to Curwensville, Irvin looking for a new
business opportunity, recognized potential with the
Hotchkiss Paper Fastener Company, which up to that
point had not meet with success.
As a footnote, Alexander’s family owned among other
businesses, a large general store in Curwensville. It
would not be surprising to find that it was through
that connection he discovered the new paper
fastener.
No doubt, through hard work and expert salesmanship, Irvin secured the exclusive rights from
Eli H. Hotchkiss to sale the paper fastener that was manufactured in Norwalk, Conn. In order to
do this, Mr. Irvin had to give a bond to guaranteeing the disposal each month of the entire
output of the Hotchkiss factory.
It was at this point that the Alex H. Irvin Company was born.
He certainly had a lot of work to do. The desktop fastener was basically as unknown product. Its
potential was questionable. At the time that he sold himself as the man that could move this
product, Irvin was not financially ready nor did he have the organization to introduce the
fastener.
The documents that have been uncovered relating to Alexander Irvin and his connection with
the paper fastener would have one believe that he was on a hopeless mission and that he had
no experience. That by pure faith and his belief in the public’s need for the fastener - he made it
happened.
Actually, Alex had plenty of experience and he could easily get business advice if needed, as the
Irvin family also had a strong history in mercantile, sales, and communications. You name it, if it
has to do with business and business management; the Irvin’s had a finger in it. Alex also had
other connections as well. What the Irvin family didn’t own, the Patton family did. That’s right;
Alexander’s mother's family could also lend a hand with the networking.
History tells us that he brought Fred J. Dyer into his circle for the purpose of sales and
distribution. Mr. Dyer, also from Curwensville, owned store and had vast knowledge in the area
of sales. Like the Irvin’s, and Patton’s, the Dyer family was early pioneers of Pennsylvania. Like
the Irvin family, they were equally business orientated.
Through personal solicitation and a heavy advertising campaign, the Hotchkiss Fastener became
well known and carried in nearly every office supply store in the country. So great was the
success, that Hotchkiss gave Alexander Irvin sole control of sales throughout the world.
With this new market, Mr. Irvin, not Eli Hotchkiss as some believed, sailed to Europe and visited
every major city in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and Austria where he personally introduced
and secured the adoption of the fastener in many government departments and large industrial
plants.
Some may believe that Irvin was responsible for the large shipment to Japan, but it is more
likely that the order initialed from Japan to Irvin’s Company headquarters. One of Irvin’s
employees was Mrs. Mae E. Shively. She was the Secretary-Treasurer for the company.
According to her, she handled, “single-handedly” a big shipment to Japan. As it was her
responsibility to handle sales correspondence, it would also make since that she would have
received the order from Japan and acted on it.
Fridolin Polzer
The Century of Burridge
Lee Burridge was an inventive genius and manufacturer. He was born in Paris France on
September 22, 1861. His parents were Levi Spear and Emma Frances (Ogden) Burridge. His
father was a noted dentist in France and had a number of royalties among his clientele.
After completing his education in England, Lee came to New York City in 1878. He quickly
directed his attention to making toys and in 1890 established the Sun Manufacturing Co. In
recognition of his inventive ingenuity, Lee received an award of merit by the American Institute.
He was credited with over 60 toy patents and it is reported
that he constructed nearly 700 different models.
Lee also directed his attention to simplifying the parts and
movements of the typewriter.
He finally developed the Sun Typewriter, which came in two
types, the index introduced around 1885, and in 1901 the
keyboard typewriter was introduced.
Burridge and his long time colleague, Newman Marshman
also collaborated on a typewriter called that may have been
called the Century, but it is considered unlikely this machine
was ever produced.
What is interesting is his efforts with the typewriter where
accomplished at the same time as his work with the stapler, The Century Stapling Machine and
the Sun Stapling Machine.
He never married and he died at age 54 in New York City on May 4, 1915. At the time of his
passing his estate was appraised at $91,000.00. His brother Frank received the majority of his
estate.
The Man behind the Challenge
The never-ending search into the lives of inventors has again produced some new and
interesting information.
Edward L. Sibley, inventor of the Challenge Eyelet Press was the son of Tarrant Sibley and Maris
Putnam who resided in Bennington, Vermont. He was a descendent of some of the earliest
pilgrims to the new world. The Sibley family is reported to have settled in American as early as
the 1660’s.
Sibley’s have fought in every major war from the revolutionary war to the civil war and can
easily be considered a family of patriots.
Census data shows Edward was born between 1855 and 1856.
Continued search of the US Census from 1860, 1880, 1910 and 1930 shows him residing in
Bennington, Vt. If this in fact, and it is believed to be our Edward L. Sibley, he lived to be over 75
years old. His father Tarrant, lived to be 79 years old and his mother was 75 when she passed
on.
Considering the average life span was much less, if would indicate the Sibley’s lead a good and
healthy life.
The Bennington City Directory of 1896-1897 list, Sibley E. L., and he is named as the
Manufacturer of the Challenge Eyelet and Eyelet Press h, 107 West Main Street. This address is
now listed as the Mid-Town Motel 107 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201
The Challenge Eyelet Press was patented in 1887 and 1902. Production was believed to begin in
1888.
It was easy to see what made the eyelet more attractive than staples and why the eyelet was
preferred when fastening important documents together.
The eyelet was better made; more secure and presented a professional appearance.
Presentation said a lot about a company, and the early office manager of the period was eager
to attract new business and send a message that their professionalism is of the highest caliber.
Even though the stapler became commercially exceptable in the late 19th century, the
Challenge Eyelet Press continued to be manufactured well into the 20th century proving that
quality in workmanship and dependability counted in the early office.
The company moved from Bennington, Vt. to Dorset which was a little over 30 miles away.