The Incredible, Indespensible Paperclip

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Who would have thought that a little piece of bent wire would become such a hit with the public at large? For me the lowly little paperclip is a must have. I have them in the small size and large size, the silver and the bright colors, I must have hundreds. The first patent for the paperclip was obtained in the United States by Samuel B. Fay in 1867. His little bent wire clip that won the patent does not look the same as the one we all now use. As a matter of fact the paper clip that resembles the one we see today was made by the Gem Company and never did receive a patent. The paperclip is one of the most versatile little pieces of wire around. It can be used in many more ways than just holding paper together. A few of the more interesting ones are: a miniature slingshot, mini clothes hangers for doll house, hold up your hem, unclog bottles, emergency key ring, hang your Christmas ornaments, and lottery ticket scratcher. I named only a very few ideas. What are yours?