Historical information

This particular box of brass drawing pins would have been used before the introduction of cheaper polished chrome drawing pins manufactured in Asia. The box construction and label would suggest that supply of this boxes contents could have been in the early 1950's. Drawing pins or push pins were first invented in 1900 by Mr Edwin Moore. The need for a secure fastener to accommodate temporary signs and notes for domestic and commercial environments sprang up from the need to cope with an increasing faster method of presenting information on removable surfaces such as temporary notice boards. In the 1950's and later the increase in the pace of "living" brought about many time saving written communication notices. This temporary method of providing fast temporary notices is being surpassed by the computer age and mobile telephone "applications". The information spectrum of the computer age has made many "hands on" (drawing pin) applications go to the "dodo" level.

Significance

This box of drawing pins is very significant to the Kiewa Valley and its region because it demonstrates that the pace in rural regions especially those that were once semi remote regions has moved at the same pace as the bigger towns and cities. Differences are still noticeable, such as the requirement of drawing pins for temporary signs and mail box commercially important "sales" notifications. The pressures that produce the "rat" syndrome, that is pressure by increased population levels infringing upon the individual's day-to-day existence is still not present in rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley. Drawing pins are still a requirement for leased accommodation (which are usually short term accommodation) for the personalisation of "home" wall decorations and shopper's "notice and information boards"

Physical description

This small box, similar to a "match box" (thumb activated slide, top open, cardboard container), holds brass drawing pins. These brass pins are also known as brass tacks, thumbtacks or push pins. The top of the brass tack has a "domed head" with the manufacturer's logo stamped on it. The number "2" on the bottom right of the label is the "weight" of the drawing pin.

Inscriptions & markings

On the front and within a red border and red letters "BRASS" and below this in script form "Drawing Pins" and below this in smaller letters "Made In Germany" Below this and on the bottom left side "100" and also on the bottom but to the right "No. 2"