The Myth of the Paperclip: How Johan Vaaler Became Its Legend

The Patent That Started the Rumor

In 1899–1901, Norwegian inventor and patent clerk Johan Vaaler secured patents in Germany and the U.S. for a wire-binding device—what many later called a paperclip. But his design lacked the iconic double-loop and wasn’t practical for regular use. By then, the true “Gem” style paperclip was already widely produced and infinitely more effective.

The Gem Clip Had Already Won

The Gem paperclip, with its signature double-looped shape, originated in Britain in the early 1870s and became the standard. It was never patented but became ubiquitous due to its superior design. William Middlebrook patented a manufacturing machine for it in 1899—evidence that the Gem clip was already mainstream by the time Vaaler filed his patent.

From Patent to National Legend

Despite its obscurity, Vaaler’s patent became a source of national pride in Norway, especially after World War II. Paper clips became a symbol of resistance against Nazi occupation, and Vaaler was romantically celebrated as a national inventor—despite historical inaccuracy.

The Bottom Line

So no—it wasn’t Vaaler’s design that revolutionized document binding. But his name became entwined with office staples through myth, patriotism, and misremembered invention. The humble paperclip isn’t just an everyday convenience—it’s also a reminder that history can twist even the most mundane objects into symbols.