The Tiny Invention

That Held the World Together

The paper clip may seem like a tiny, ordinary office supply—but its history is surprisingly complicated.

In the late 1800s, inventors around the world were searching for a better way to hold papers together without sewing, pinning, or damaging documents. Several early designs were patented, but many were awkward and difficult to use.

The paper clip we recognize today—the simple looping wire design known as the Gem clip—became popular in the 1890s. Interestingly, no one ever officially patented the Gem design, even though it went on to become the world’s most widely used paper clip.

For many years, people mistakenly believed the paper clip was invented in Norway because a Norwegian patent existed for a similar design. In reality, versions of the paper clip had already been circulating in England and the United States before then.

Despite its simplicity, the paper clip became a symbol of clever design: inexpensive, reusable, lightweight, and effective. More than a century later, it remains one of the most recognizable office tools ever created.

Fun Fact:

During World War II, Norwegians wore paper clips on their clothing as a quiet symbol of unity and resistance.