Standard Stay-Tab Beverage Pull Tab
Disposable Fastener / Packaging Component · Unknown mass-manufacturer; common producers include Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, or Ardagh Group. These are industrial metal packaging conglomerates.
Pattern: Standard SOT (Stay-On-Tab) Ecology Tab, globally standardized since the late 1970s.
Type
Disposable Fastener / Packaging Component
Maker
Unknown mass-manufacturer; common producers include Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, or Ardagh Group. These are industrial metal packaging conglomerates.
Material
Aluminum Alloy (likely 5000 or 6000 series, such as 5182 aluminum); 0% silver content. Non-ferrous and lightweight.
Dimensions
Standard size: approximately 2.5cm x 1.5cm; weight is negligible, approximately 0.3 to 0.5 grams.
Description
An industrial aluminum stay-tab commonly found on soda and beer cans. While it possesses a metallic sheen, it is a functional mass-produced item rather than a decorative silver object.
Key Features
Single-piece construction, rivet hole, finger loop, and scored pressure point.
Material & Composition
Aluminum Alloy (likely 5000 or 6000 series, such as 5182 aluminum); 0% silver content. Non-ferrous and lightweight.
Finish & Decoration
Industrial brushed finish with stamped structural ribbing. No decorative engraving or precious metal plating.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No precious metal hallmarks. May feature small industrial batch codes or manufacturer logos (stamped) on the underside, but none are visible here.
Construction Details
High-speed die-cut and stamped from thin aluminum coil sheet. Machine-manufactured by the billions.
Functional Features
First-class lever design with a rivet hole for attachment to a can lid and a scored fulcrum point for puncturing the aperture.
Handle & Grip Details
Oval finger-loop grip designed for ergonomic pull-and-push lever action.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision industrial engineering for consistent mechanical failure at a specific stress point (scoring), but lacks artisanal craftsmanship.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of hallmarks, ultra-lightweight aluminum feel, industrial stamping marks, and lack of tarnish characteristic of silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Global industrial origin; manufactured in high-volume canning facilities worldwide.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (Late 20th Century to present). Post-1975 'Ecology Tab' design intended to prevent litter.
Age Estimate
Circa late 20th century to modern day; ubiquitous design in use for the last 40+ years.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of modern consumerism and a landmark in sustainable packaging design for litter reduction.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; detached from original vessel. Shows minor surface scratches and slight deformation consistent with mechanical use.
Value Estimate
Intrinsic metal value of less than $0.001 USD; nominal value as scrap aluminum.
Care & Maintenance
Requires no maintenance; typically recycled in aluminum scrap bins.
Similar Pieces
Pop-top ring tabs (pre-1975), wide-mouth tabs, and colored specialty tabs (e.g., Red Bull or Monster energy tabs).
Interesting Facts
The 'Stay-On-Tab' was invented by Daniel F. Cudzik of Reynolds Metals in 1975 to eliminate the sharp litter caused by previous 'pull-off' ring tabs.