Brass/Gold-Toned Metal Paper Fasteners (Split Pins)
Office Supplies / Stationery · Yellow Gold finish; achieved through brass plating or high-zinc copper alloys. These are not genuine gold alloys.
Purity: 0K / Non-Gold; the items appear to be brass-plated steel or solid brass alloy. There is no gold content (0% gold percentage).
Type
Office Supplies / Stationery
Purity
0K / Non-Gold; the items appear to be brass-plated steel or solid brass alloy. There is no gold content (0% gold percentage).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish; achieved through brass plating or high-zinc copper alloys. These are not genuine gold alloys.
Weight
Approximately 0.5 to 1.0 grams per unit; very lightweight, characteristic of industrial base metals rather than dense precious metals.
Description
A cluster of standard office paper fasteners, often referred to as 'brads.' These items feature a rounded, dome-shaped head and two flat, thin metal prongs of equal length. They are commonly used in offices and schools to bind punched paper together. While they possess a yellow-metal appearance, they are utilitarian stationery items rather than jewelry or bullion.
Key Features
Rounded dome heads, thin pliable split shanks, golden-yellow brassy color, uniform mass-produced appearance.
Color & Finish
Pale yellow brassy tone with a high-polish, metallic finish. Some surface oxidation and dulling (patina) visible, typical of non-precious base metals.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. These are mass-produced utilitarian items and do not carry gold fineness stamps or maker hallmarks.
Dimensions Estimate
Each pin is approximately 15mm to 20mm in total length (shank size) with a head diameter of roughly 8mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. These are purely functional metal fasteners.
Clasp & Closure
Split-pin mechanism; two malleable metal prongs designed to be folded back to secure paper documents.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. Single-piece stamped construction with a rounded head and dual shanks.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped from sheet metal. The edges are roughly finished, and the symmetry is industrial-grade rather than artisanal.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags include the lack of any karat stamp, the thinness and extreme pliability of the metal (which would cause high-karat gold to snap), and the characteristic 'brassy' green-tinted yellow color. A magnet would likely attract these if they are brass-plated steel.
Origin & Maker
Generic manufacturing, likely produced in China or Taiwan for office supply brands (e.g., Staples, ACCO, Swingline).
Era & Period
Contemporary (2000s-Present), based on standard industrial manufacturing aesthetic, though the design is unchanged since the mid-19th century.
Age Estimate
Unknown, likely less than 10 years old due to the relative brightness of the plating and lack of deep corrosion.
Cultural Significance
A staple of 20th-century bureaucratic organization and elementary school crafts; symbolizes traditional paper-based document management.
Condition Notes
Good; showing some light surface scratches and variations in luster consistent with bulk storage and handling. Functional integrity remains high.
Value Estimate
Negligible market value. Retail price is approximately $0.02 to $0.05 per unit when bought in bulk. No gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent oxidation or rust. No value in professional cleaning or polishing.
Similar Items
Copper fasteners (redder in color), silver-toned/nickel-plated fasteners, and plastic-coated binders.
Interesting Facts
The modern paper fastener was patented inside the United States in 1866 by George McGill. Despite the digital age, millions are still produced annually.