Vintage Stlye Folders

[Poetman]

Nearly all the photos of old writers--or old manuscripts--I see show loose leaf papers. Often times, such papers were placed in what looks like two leather boards with a leather string. I saw one version of this in a recent film and in a few photos. I've attached a photo of the object. Does anyone know what this is called and what it did?

Thanks!

 

 

[inkypete]

I used to sell these back in my days as a stationer. We caled them legal covers. They are effectively a heavy cardboard cover punched two holes. They would be secured using string threaded with a device called a bodkin (aka pig stabber). Sold thousands of these in the 70s.

[senzen]

It's nice to learn something new everyday!!

[Poetman]

So they're two pieces of cardboard with holes near the edges, through which one strings threads to make a kind of manilla folder that closes on one side with thread? I looked around Google and could not find any photos under the term "legal cover." Is there another name for them?

Edited October 7, 2014 by Poetman

[Poetman]

Any other name for this style folder? This folder on Freud's desk look similar:

 

http://fromyourdesks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/max500_Antiquities_on_desk_small_-low_res.jpg

[inkypete]

They are also called transfer covers.

 

http://dynamicon.com.au/productdetail.aspx?name=Olympic-141575-Transfer-Cover-with-Cloth-Spine-A4-2-Hole-Grey-2-Piece-Set

[inkypete]

This link may show you the types of binding options now used as opposed to the string that used to be the main method.

 

http://www.unitedoc.com.au/catalogue/cat/3E700.html

[Poetman]

I put in the original BBC version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, and this folder system makes an appearance in the first scene. I wonder if they have the same name in America.

[inkypete]

They were/are mainly used by the legal fraternity so look in your city, or nearest big ones, for stationers that specialise in the legal market.

[Poetman]

I hunted around to no avail. The closest thing I found was a very similar, but ugly, art folder:

 

http://www.quill.com/art-portfolios/cbs/50575863.html?cm_mmc=SEM_PLA_OS_50575863

 

Do they still make such covers, or has the manilla folder usurped it entirely?

Edited October 15, 2014 by Poetman

[Poetman]

Any idea where to get these in the US? Local law school bookstores, office supply stores, and even Amazon turns up nothing of the sort.

[injesticate]

Maybe you could explain what part of the two systems shown you're looking for?

 

If the string closure is what appeals from the top photo, bodkins can still be purchased, as can legal tape (the ribbon used). Then it would be a matter of finding a material you like for the outer cover.

 

On the second image, is that a tri-fold folder? That is pretty neat. If it isn't tri-fold (I think that's the right term, folds up like some wallets), there are soft leather binders that look a little similar here:

http://www.rusticoleather.com/soft-binder-5.html (not affiliated, just bored at work)

[inkypete]

They are certainly still sold in Australia. Not as widely as pre 2000's but easy to find. Ask a local legal office who are the stationers that specialise in legal stationery. They may be a good lead.

[Poetman]

I am looking for both products: the tri folder design like this green folder from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. The green tri-folder folder is holding the gray colored papers inside.

I am also looking for the legal style cover with the ribbon, which is the first photo in this thread.

Thank you all for the help!

 

 

Maybe you could explain what part of the two systems shown you're looking for?

 

If the string closure is what appeals from the top photo, bodkins can still be purchased, as can legal tape (the ribbon used). Then it would be a matter of finding a material you like for the outer cover.

 

On the second image, is that a tri-fold folder? That is pretty neat. If it isn't tri-fold (I think that's the right term, folds up like some wallets), there are soft leather binders that look a little similar here:

http://www.rusticoleather.com/soft-binder-5.html (not affiliated, just bored at work)

Edited October 18, 2014 by Poetman