Historical information

A thumb tack, push pin or drawing pin is a short nail or pin used to fasten items to a wall or board for display and intended to be inserted by hand, generally without the assistance of tools. A variety of names are used to refer to different designs intended for various purpose. Edwin Moore invented the "push-pin" in 1900 and founded the Moore Push-Pin Company. Moore described the push-pin as a pin with a handle. Later, in 1904, in Lychen, German clockmaker Johann Kirsten invented flat-headed thumb tacks for use with drawings.
A thumb tack has two basic components: the head, often made of plastic, metal or wood, and the body, usually made of steel or brass. The head is wide to distribute the force of pushing the tack in, allowing only the hands to be used. Many head designs exist: flat, domed, spherical, cylindrical and a variety of novelty heads.

Physical description

Cardboard box with sliding insert that contained 48 'IVORY' Brand celluloid head Thumb Tacks

Inscriptions & markings

on Box ; 48 / 48 / CELLULOID HEAD THUMB TACKS / 'G' / PIN WILL NOT / PASS THROUGH / BEST / QUALITY / IVORY / BRAND / MADE IN GERMANY