A McGill Stapler from Croft Car Boot Sale

Known as the "McGill Single-Stroke Staple Press" this lump of cast-iron is an example of the first commercially-successful office stapler. The plunger presses down on a steel cylinder with a groove in the end to hold the staple. No maker's mark, or any of the gold-painted text that appears on other examples, although the shape is very similar. McGill patented his design in 1879, and this model (No. 1) seems to have been advertised from 1880 to 1909 or 1913. The paint on this example seems to lack the thickness apparent in photos of other McGills. I don't think it's been repainted though- the paint job is too neat.

Bought from Croft Car Boot for £1.50.