Abstract: A top panel of a copying machine is provided with a tray or like means forming a cavity recessed from bordering top surface areas for collecting staples removed from stapled bundles of originals to be copied, and a rigid finger protrudes freely into the cavity for removing the staple from a bundle of originals suitably placed onto and moved over the appliance. The finger has its top surface largely formed flat and tapered to an upturned narrowed tip that projects slightly above the plane of the adjacent top surface areas. By placing a stapled bundle of sheets on the appliance with the staple located ahead of the finger and the bent-over legs of the staple facing upward and then manually moving the bundle over the finger, the tip of the finger can engage between the staple and the sheets, and upon further movement of the bundle the tapered forward portion of the finger pulls the staple out of the sheets.