An antique Pearson’s Automatic Nailer, an early mechanical nail gun (circa 1908). Nails were gravity-fed from the top hopper into a chute, and a hammer blow on the plunger drove each nail.
Invention and Historical Background
The Pearson’s nailer was one of the first portable automatic nail guns, invented in the 1890s. Its creator, Erland Martin Pearson of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, was inspired by watching frustrated roofers struggle to hold and drive nails on steep roofsmnhs.org. Pearson, an immigrant from Sweden born in 1856, had begun his inventive career with a steam heating apparatus patent in 1892mnhs.org. That same year, he patented the earliest version of his nailer – initially conceived as a “carpet stretcher and tacker” device (U.S. Patent 467,864, granted Jan. 26, 1892)patents.google.comdatamp.org. Over the next few years, Pearson continued refining the concept into a true automatic nail-feeding hammer. By 1892–1895, he had developed a gravity-fed nailing tool that could automatically present nails for driving. Pearson claimed the idea “was inspired by watching exasperated roofers lining up nails on steep pitches,” prompting him to devise a labor- and finger-saving shingle nailermnhs.orgpopecountymuseum.wordpress.com. This odd-looking gadget – often called a “shingle nailer” or “automatic nailer” – had no parallel in its time, and contemporary ads touted it as a revolutionary time-saver for roofersrobbinsdale.org.
Pearson’s most successful model emerged in the 1900s. In 1906, he filed a patent for an improved shingle nailer (granted Jan. 7, 1908 as U.S. Patent 876,086)mnhs.orgdatamp.org. This design is considered the definitive Pearson’s Automatic Nailer and is credited with “effectively spawning the first [portable] nailing machine” in an era well before modern pneumatic nail gunswoodfloorbusiness.com. Pearson’s device predates the air-powered nail guns of the mid-20th century by decades, making it a true forerunner of automated nailing technology. It was manufactured by the Martin Pearson Manufacturing Co., Robbinsdale, and later by Pearson’s company (Pearson Mfg. Co.) from about 1908 through the 1910syoutube.comdatamp.org.
Manufacturer, Patents and Markings
The nailer was produced by Pearson’s Manufacturing Co. of Robbinsdale, MNdatamp.org. Early models of Pearson’s nailer bear patent dates cast into the handle. Known examples have “PEARSON’S NAILER” and multiple patent dates marked on themdatamp.org. Pearson’s initial patent was issued Jan. 26, 1892 (No. 467,864)patents.google.com, covering the basic mechanism of feeding tacks/nails and driving them – originally intended for carpet laying and analogous tasks. The company continued to improve the design through the mid-1890s. Patent dates Jan. 29, 1895 and July 9, 1895 are seen on some tools, indicating Pearson obtained additional U.S. patents that year (likely addressing refinements in the nail-feeding hopper and plunger mechanism). Finally, Pearson’s major “automatic shingle nailer” improvement was patented in 1906 (granted Jan. 7, 1908, Patent No. 876,086)datamp.org. The 1908 patent explicitly cites Pearson’s 1892 patent and adapts the earlier invention for handling and driving wire nails more effectivelydatamp.org.
Patent documentation reveals Pearson’s ingenuity. His 1908 patent, for example, describes a gravity-feed hopper that aligns nails point-down in guide slots, a spring-loaded plunger, and an escapement lever system to dispense one nail at a timedatamp.org【25†L140-L149**】. Earlier patents in the 1890s show Pearson experimenting with applications of the tool: one patent was geared toward shoe-nailing machines (for cobblers)patents.google.compatents.google.com, illustrating the versatility of his nail-feeding concept across trades. By the time of the “Pearson’s Automatic Nailer” marketed in the 1900s, the handle was cast iron with the inscription “PAT. Jan. 26–92 / Jan. 7–08” (referencing the 1892 and 1908 patents)brayco.com. Some earlier-production units list the 1892 and 1895 dates instead, reflecting the state of Pearson’s patent portfolio before the 1908 improvement. In all cases, these markings served to protect Pearson’s intellectual property and advertise the tool’s patented status.
Mechanical Design and Usage
Mechanically, Pearson’s nailer is a manual impact nail gun. It does not use compressed air or electricity, but rather a clever combination of gravity feed and a spring-return striking plunger. In operation, the user loads a supply of nails into the top hopper (magazine). The hopper’s interior is shaped with inclined floors and guiding ribs so that nails roll into vertical slots head-up (points downward)datamp.org. Gravity causes the nails to slide down a chute, essentially forming a queue of nails. At the bottom of the chute, the leading nail is held in a nail holder directly under the plunger. Pearson’s patents describe spring-steel jaws or clips that temporarily support the nail by its head until the moment of drivingpatents.google.compatents.google.com.
When the operator positions the tool over the workpiece and strikes the top plunger head with an ordinary hammer, the plunger (acting like a built-in hammer) drives the nail into the wood in one strokepopecountymuseum.wordpress.com. An internal coil spring then automatically retracts the plunger to its raised positionpatents.google.com. During the plunger’s brief descent and return, an ingenious feed control mechanism momentarily blocks the next nail in the chute from dropping (to prevent jams)patents.google.com. Once the plunger is back up, the block releases and the next nail drops into place below the plunger, ready to be driven on the next hitpatents.google.com. In this way, a roofer or carpenter can rapidly drive nails one after another by simply moving the tool and striking it repeatedly, without ever handling individual nailspatents.google.compopecountymuseum.wordpress.com. Contemporary descriptions boasted that “nails can therefore be driven into a surface as rapidly as the blocks can be struck on the plunger”patents.google.com – effectively increasing nailing speed and keeping the worker’s fingers out of harm’s way.
Intended use cases for Pearson’s nailer were primarily in roofing and similar carpentry tasks. It was often called a “shingle nailer” because it was marketed to drive the short wire nails used for wood shinglesdatamp.org. Roofers of the era typically had to grip small nails and risk hitting their fingers; Pearson’s tool let them keep one hand on the device and one on a hammer, greatly reducing that riskpopecountymuseum.wordpress.com. Advertising from the early 1900s emphasized that the Pearson’s Nailer not only saved time but also “saved your fingers” from being smashedrobbinsdale.org. In addition to wooden shingles, the nailer was useful for metal roofing and siding (e.g. driving nails with tin caps) and assembling crates or boxes – any job involving repetitive nailing of identical nails. The tool was produced in at least two sizes to accommodate different nails: a “BLUE” model for 3d (1¼″) common wire nails (14 gauge) and a slightly larger “RED” model for 3d galvanized nails (13 gauge)datamp.org. This color-coding suggests the tools may have been painted accordingly (indeed, surviving examples often have traces of blue or red paint), and it ensured the nails in the hopper matched the tool’s specifications.
Using the Pearson nailer required some practice: the hopper had to be kept filled with nails and occasional jostling might be needed to keep them flowing. Nonetheless, period users found that it greatly increased efficiency, especially for roofing. One historical account notes Pearson’s invention was unique – “there was nothing else like it” at the timerobbinsdale.org. It turned a two-handed, delicate process (holding a nail and hammering) into a safer one-handed operation. Essentially, Pearson’s nailer is a precursor to the modern hammer tacker or palm nailer, using muscle power but automating nail placement. It embodies a clever 19th-century solution to a common construction challenge.
Collectible Value and Rarity Today
Today, Pearson’s Automatic Nailer is a sought-after antique tool collectible, prized by tool enthusiasts and historians as an early example of a nail gun. Its value as a collectible depends on several factors, chiefly condition, completeness, and rarity. The tool was produced in the early 20th century in limited quantities (Pearson’s business operated into the 1910syoutube.com), and surviving examples are uncommon but not one-of-a-kind. Collectors especially covet nailers in excellent original condition – for instance, with original paint finish, legible patent markings, and the hopper and internal mechanisms intact and not rust-frozen. Some Pearson nailers even came with a leather-wrapped handle for grip, which if preserved, adds to value.
15th Annual New Years Day Auction
Ring in 2026 with Montana's Premier New Year's Day Auction Event!
National Auction USA is proud to present our milestone 15th Annual New Years Day Auction, featuring an exceptional estate collection from Wyoming alongside premium consignments. This is shaping up to be the biggest and best auction in our 15-year history!
Major Wyoming Estate Collection
Over 500 Pieces Including:
Antique & Vintage Clocks (200+)
- Authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks with hand-carved details
- Rare German cuckoo clock collection featuring wildlife and hunting scenes
- Antique mantle clocks and wall clocks
- Victorian-era clock sets with matching urns
- Advertising clocks including vintage Calumet Baking Powder clock
Premium Antique Furniture (120+ Pieces)
- Vintage oak tables with barley twist legs and claw feet
- Period display cabinets and apothecary storage
- Victorian-era parlor furniture
- Turn-of-the-century dining sets
- Antique side tables and accent pieces
Vintage & Antique Toys (100+ Pieces)
- 1950s-60s tin lithograph toys including Disney Disneyland Express train
- Vintage pressed steel trucks and farm equipment
- Rare Honeymoon Express tin wind-up toy
- Collectible die-cast vehicles
- Marx and other premium toy manufacturers
Featured Highlight Items
Antique Candy Store Display Cabinet Stunning oak apothecary-style display with 12 glass-front compartments. Original hardware, museum-quality piece perfect for retail, home bar, or collector display. Currently loaded with vintage candy for full visual impact!
Custom Montana Bar One-of-a-kind bar crafted from a reclaimed Montana double sided icebox.
Premium Massage Chair - Like New Showroom floor model massage chair in excellent condition. Features full-body massage, heat therapy, zero-gravity positioning, and modern taupe upholstery. Retail value over $3,000.
Fine Collectibles & Décor
- Large vintage spelter statue with classical design
- Victorian decorative urns and garnitures
- Period frames and wall décor
- Antique glassware and china
- Vintage advertising pieces
Still Accepting Quality Consignments!
Have items to sell? We're still accepting consignments for this premier event. Contact us today to be part of Montana's biggest auction of the year!
Why This Auction Will Be Different:
- Largest single-estate offering in our 15-year history
- Museum-quality antiques and collectibles
- Something for every collector and buyer
- Local pickup available
- Online bidding platform for nationwide participation
Mark your calendars - this is THE Montana auction event to start 2026!
Additional photos and detailed lot descriptions will be available on our website when bidding opens.
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ENHANCED PRIVACY & DATA SECURITY25.1 Data SecurityNational Auction implements industry-standard security measures to protect your personal and financial information. However, no system is 100% secure, and you acknowledge the inherent risks of online transactions.25.2 Data Breach NotificationIn the event of a data security incident that may compromise your personal information, National Auction will notify affected users as soon as possible of discovering the breach, in accordance with applicable law.25.3 Data RetentionPersonal information will be retained for seven (7) years following your last transaction or account activity. Payment card information is not stored and is processed through PCI-compliant third-party processors.25.4 Privacy RightsResidents of certain states may have additional privacy rights, including the right to request deletion of personal information or opt-out of certain data sharing practices. Contact us at
[email protected] to exercise these rights.25.5 Third-Party IntegrationsOur website may integrate with social media platforms, analytics services, and payment processors. These third parties have their own privacy policies, which you should review.26. INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS26.1 Import/Export ComplianceInternational bidders are solely responsible for compliance with all import/export laws, customs regulations, and trade restrictions in their country and the United States. Certain items may be restricted or prohibited from export.26.2 Currency and Exchange RatesAll transactions are conducted in US Dollars. Currency conversion, if provided, is for reference only. You are responsible for any currency exchange fees charged by your financial institution.26.3 International Shipping RestrictionsWe do not ship to countries subject to US trade sanctions or embargoes. Prohibited destinations include but are not limited to countries listed on the US Treasury Department's sanctions lists.26.4 Customs and DutiesInternational buyers are responsible for all customs duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and other charges imposed by their country. National Auction will provide necessary documentation but is not responsible for customs delays or seizures.27. TECHNOLOGY & PLATFORM ISSUES27.1 Platform PerformanceWhile we strive for 100% uptime, National Auction does not guarantee uninterrupted service. We are not liable for losses resulting from platform downtime, slow performance, or technical glitches.27.2 Browser CompatibilityOur platform is optimized for current versions of major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). Use of outdated browsers may result in functionality issues.27.3 Mobile vs. Desktop ExperienceSome features may have limited functionality on mobile devices. For full feature access, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer.28. CONSIGNOR PROTECTIONS28.1 Consignor RelationshipNational Auction acts as an agent for consignors and sellers. We owe fiduciary duties to consignors and sellers while maintaining fair auction practices for bidders.29. EXPANDED FORCE MAJEURE29.1 Additional Covered EventsIn addition to traditional force majeure events, the following circumstances may justify auction postponement, cancellation, or modification:• Cyber attacks or security breaches affecting auction systems• Pandemic-related government restrictions or health orders• Government shutdowns affecting business operations• Severe supply chain disruptions affecting shipping and logistics• Internet or telecommunications infrastructure failures• Natural disasters affecting auction facilities or major transportation routes29.2 RemediesIn force majeure situations, National Auction may:• Postpone auctions to a later date• Conduct auctions at alternative locations• Modify pickup and payment deadlines• Cancel auctions entirely with full refund of fees paid30. SEVERABILITY30.1 Provision IndependenceIf any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving its original intent.31. OPERATIONAL POLICIES31.1 Auction TimingAll auction times are displayed in Mountain Time (MT). Bidders are responsible for understanding time zone differences.31.2 Technical SupportTechnical support is available during business hours at 406-259-4730. Emergency support during live auctions is available through the contact information provided in auction announcements.31.3 Account VerificationNational Auction may require additional identity verification for high-value transactions or if suspicious activity is detected.31.4 Business RelationshipsNational Auction may have business relationships with some consignors or bidders. Such relationships do not affect auction fairness but may be disclosed upon request.32. Reserve Status and DisclosureItems offered at auction may be subject to reserves, though not all lots will carry reserve protection. Reserve status may be indicated in the catalog or announced at the time of sale, though the absence of such indication does not guarantee that an item is being sold without reserve.33. COPYRIGHT NOTICE© 2025 National Auction. All rights reserved. These terms and conditions, auction materials, lot descriptions, photographs, and all other content related to this auction are the exclusive property of National Auction and are protected by copyright law. No part of these materials may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or used in any form without the express written permission of National Auction.________________________________________Effective Date: These additional terms are effective as of 6/2/2025 and supplement the existing National Auction Terms and Conditions.Contact Information: For questions regarding these terms, contact: National Auction Phone: 406-259-4730 Email:
[email protected]
AUCTION REMOVAL INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
All item removal is by appointment only. Appointment is required.
How to Schedule Your Appointment:
Sign into your bidding account at NationalAuctionUSA.com
At the top, click "Account"
Click "Invoices"
Click "View" on the invoice for this auction
At the top, you will see a blue button that says "Schedule Your Pick Up Appt" - click this and pick a time
IMPORTANT: If you arrive without an appointment, we will NOT be able to check you out. We will have to schedule an appointment for you to come back.
Pickup Location: 3625 S 56th St West, Billings, MT 59101
Available Pickup Days:
Friday, January 2nd: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, January 3rd: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, January 4th: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (noon)
Abandoned Items: Any items left beyond the scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned. The card on file will be charged, and no refunds will be issued.
Payment Information: All bidding increments and payments are in U.S. Dollars (USD).
Accepted payment methods:
Cash
Credit Card
Wire Transfer ($10 fee applies)
Personal or company check with valid driver's license
All purchases must be paid for the day of the auction or during your scheduled pickup time.
Buyer's Premium: A 15.5% buyer's premium will be added to all purchases. A 3.5% discount will be applied for payments made by cash or check.
Loading Info: We will bring your items to the designated checkout area. However, you are responsible for loading your items into your vehicle. Please bring help if needed.
Final Reminder: Before leaving the checkout area, double-check that you have all your items. No refunds or replacements will be issued for missing items once you leave the premises.
