WordPerfect Card Case, c. 1984

Found: Nevada, c.1985 This solid-brass, satin-finish business card case was a hand-out at a WordPerfect presentation at Comdex in Las Vegas, c.1985. Solid Brass / Made in U.S.A. is stamped into the metal on the back in the lower right corner. Currently in everyday use by owner. Somehow I can't imagine attending, say, a PowerPoint seminar in Vegas and coming home with anything solid that wasn't made in China!C. Dunn, Vermont, U.S. (12/06)

Mechanical Dime Bank

Photographed Vermont 2007 Leather and steel with what might be a Bakelite base, this bank was acquired by my parents when they lived in Syracuse, NY in the 1930s. Made by Zell Products in NYC, Patented and Patent Applied For is stamped on the metal base where the lock is. On the bottom of the Bakelite base is Zell Products Corp. New York Made in U.S.A. The bank contains a mechanical mechanism for changing the date when you put in a coin. This still works. The bank is from the First Federal Savings / and Loan Association / of Syracuse. The address (on bottom section of front) is 213 Montgomery Street / Hills Building / Syracuse, N.Y. On the back is seal which reads Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation around the outside. The middle reads: Safety / of your / Investment / INSURED / Up To / $5000. And, as the title implies, the only coins accepted are dimes—and, brother, can you spare one? C. Dunn, Vermont, U.S. (09/07)

Classic Zippo Lighter

Vermont, 2004 Enduring object associated with Americans. Still in production today, the patent was granted in 1934. Also still in effect--the Zippo motto: It works or we fix it free. This particular example was given to me by my partner for Christmas, 2004. I have another, also of great significance: it belonged to my Aunt Eula, my favorite relative, who died in 1970. It rests on a bookshelf wrapped in Saran wrap. Zippo lighters feel good. They are compact, solid, and smooth. C. Dunn, Vermont, U.S. (12/06)

Folding Tool by Crescent

Purchased Vermont, 1997 This is a ToolZall PRO by Crescent (they've been around a while) and MADE IN USA is stamped in all-caps on the face of the tool. Early on in my career as a piano technician I bought this at my local hardware store. The owner had one like it, and a friend of mine had a Leatherman. I looked at this one and a major design difference was instantly apparent. To use almost all the tools in it, you didn't have to open it. You had to open the Leatherman to get at any of the tools. The other great thing about it is that if you break a single tool, that tool can be replaced as the two folders of tools are secured by 4 torx screws. Altogether a very well-designed tool. C. Dunn, Vermont, U.S. (09/07)

Pilot Steel Stapler

Found: Vermont 2004 All-steel stapler with "Made in U.S.A" stamped on the plunger along with its name--Pilot. It is Model 404, and there are seven patent numbers stamped on the bottom. Used today as my desktop stapler, it takes the normal size staples, even though PILOT / Model No. / 404 / Use Only / Pilot 400 / Staples is stamped on the little hump just under the impact disc. C. Dunn, Vermont, U.S. (12/06)