Leo Collins, Joseph Schlinger Vintage Paper Welder 1954

Description

Leo Collins, Joseph Schlinger
Paper Welder
1954
Chrome-plated metal
Dimensions
4 1/2 x 1 7/8 x 5 1/4" (11.4 x 4.7 x 13.4 cm)
The paper welder worked by compressing two or more sheets of paper between metal teeth/gears forming interlocking slots which held the papers together without staples, pins, clips or any cutting of the papers. The weld could easily be removed simply by rubbing it firmly with a flat object.
The paper welder parts were molded of a zinc alloy trade-named Zamak. The molded parts were then chrome plated and polished to a “jeweler’s finish”. The parts were then machined, enhanced and assembled into the finished product.
Manufacturer
Paper Welder, Inc., Medina, NY
The idea for the paper welder first took shape in the 1930’s when Norman Bathrick was associated with Keith Lewis and his brothers in a machine shop near Jeddo, NY (a couple of miles from Middleport) Leo Collins and C.J. Mack told Thomas Mack (the son of C.J. Mack) that the original concept for the product came about when the original inventor was in his lawyer’s office and the lawyer affixed a notarial clamp-type seal to three or four duplicate originals of a document and then pried them apart . Over the years the idea was further developed with the design finalized by 1955.
In 1952 when Bathrick-Collins Inc. was formed, Leo Collins was the President and Norman Bathrick an official of the company. They were local businessmen and distributed the paper welder to a number of stores, including Macy’s in New York City. The paper welder retailed for .95 with department stores reporting that it was a popular item at gift-giving seasons.
Leo Collins, Joseph Schlinger Vintage Paper Welder 1954.