Afghan Bands

Introduction

A decidedly unlikely association with the Möbius strip appears in the world of magic, in the trick known as the Afghan Bands. The name was introduced in 1901 either by Percy T. Selbit* (1881–1938) or “Professor Hoffman”** (1839–1919), both of whom published descriptions that year, although it is unclear who preceded whom. Despite the title suggesting a “Far East” origin, there is almost certainly no connection with Afghanistan. The name was almost certainly chosen simply to lend the trick an exotic flavour. The underlying effect, however, derives from Gaston Tissandier’s presentation of 1887, which I discuss on a dedicated page.

The history and evolution of the Afghan Bands is of particular interest, yet it has been poorly documented—understandably so, given the niche nature of the subject. I know of only one dedicated study: Peter Prevos’s ebook The Möbius Strip in Magic: A Treatise on the Afghan Bands. Although relatively slight at 45 pages, it is nevertheless welcome as the only monograph devoted to the topic. While it does not present a continuous history, various chapters include brief historical remarks. David Mitchell also provides a short account on his paperfolding site, and Martin Gardner has written an overview and speculated on the origin of the name.

In what follows, I document the matter in considerably greater depth and detail than previous authors. As far as practicable, I adopt a modular structure:

Basic bibliographic details — year, author, and publication.
An image of the relevant page — generally shown in full to preserve context, even at the expense of clarity.
Commentary — including what I term “secondary matters”, such as information about the author and the publication. Although not essential, these details help situate each entry more fully.

* P. T. Selbit was an English magician and inventor, credited with being the first to perform the illusion of sawing a woman in half.
** “Professor Hoffman” was the pseudonym of Angelo John Lewis, an English barrister and the leading writer on magic, games, amusements, and puzzles of his time.

1901 (3)

P. T. Selbit. ‘The Mystic Afghan Bands’. In The Magician's Handbook. 1st edition, Marshall & Brookes, London, 1901 (Not Seen), p. 62. Second edition 1902 (Seen).

THE MYSTIC AFGHAN BANDS.

This trick is supposed to have been invented and worked by the old Indian fakirs, who presented it in such a seemingly innocent manner that its secret was not discovered until just lately. Whether or not that is true I do not know, but it is certainly one of the cleverest tricks, with such simple accessories, that has come under my observation.

The effect is as follows:—Three paper bands are shown to the audience, each, apparently, without the slightest preparation; the performer takes the first band, and with a pair of scissors makes an incision in the centre of the paper and cuts right round the band, when it naturally falls into two separate rings. Taking the second band, the performer repeats the dividing operation, with the surprising result that instead of obtaining two separate hoops, this band is turned into two hoops interlinked together in a manner that prevents them from being separated without breaking one of the bands.

The third and last hoop is now taken, and divided round the centre in a similar manner to the previous ones, only, this time, instead of changing into two separate or interlinked hoops, it falls into one long band just double the size of what was before being cut. By cutting it again in the same way, it will change to a hoop four times the size it was when first exhibited.

The secret of this seeming marvel is, in reality, extremely simple, and costs nothing, while its effect is good enough to warrant its production upon the stage. It is worked as follows:—To form the bands get three pieces of paper about twenty-four inches long by an inch wide. The first hoop is made by simply joining the two ends of the paper together, with the natural result that has been described.

The second one, however, is constructed in a slightly different manner; before fastening the ends together, the paper must be given a couple of twists and then joined. For the third, only one twist is necessary, and when the last hoop has been fastened together you are ready to present the trick.

Further instructions are superfluous, as when the bands have been made the working is simplicity itself, and it is impossible to go wrong when presenting the trick.

For obvious reasons, the bands cannot be passed round before the experiment, unless you are going to stick the ends together in front of the audience, but after the trick the hoops can be handed round without any fear of the secret being discovered.

Required reading, both historical and descriptive. Given the historical significance, I show all the text, rather than a selection. Not illustrated.

Text only.

Noteworthy as the joint earliest reference (along with Professor Hoffman) of the Afghan Bands, in 1901, and so historically of the greatest importance. One must be copying off the other, but who? Given that Hoffman's (newspaper) account is at the tail end of December, likely he is basing this on Selbit’s account. To be further investigated.

An open question is the date of the first edition, which seems unavailable.

As an aside, the tricks are listed under ‘The Art of Juggling’, a term at the time for conjuring and not of its modern-day meaning (as pointed out by ?).

Somewhat annoyingly, the 1st edition is seemingly not digitised (or if it is, not made readily available). A second edition, Marshall [with Hamley's Magical Saloon label], is 1902. For now at least, I will take the first date at face value pending further research.

Bio. P. T. Selbit (1881–1938) was an English magician and inventor who is credited with being the first person to perform the illusion of sawing a woman in half. His birth name was Percy Thomas Tibbles and he was born in Hampstead, London. He learned magic at an early age and became a professional illusionist in the early 1900s. He has been reported as working a "pseudo-Egyptian" act under the name Joad Heteb between 1902 and 1908. Later he created the stage name P. T. Selbit by spelling his last name backwards and dropping one of the "B"s. Wikipedia

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Nottinghamshire Guardian, Saturday, December 7, 1901, p. 12. Illustrated, albeit with strips of paper, and not a band as such.

New Christmas Tricks

By Professor Hoffmann

The simpler the appliances for a conjuring trick the greater the effect it produces. Judged by this standard, it would be difficult to find a better illusion for the drawing-room than the trick known as the

THE AFGHAN BANDS.

The requirements consist merely of a pair of scissors, and three strips of paper, each four feet long and an inch and a half wide, pasted together at the ends so as to form an endless band. Advancing with these threaded over his arm, the performer shows that they are neither more nor less than they appear to be, mere paper rings. Two of them he lays on the table or hangs over the back of a chair. As to the third, he remarks, "I shall now divide this band down the middle. Watch me closely and see that I do it fairly." With the points of the scissors he makes a hole in the band at about the centre of its width, and then divides it throughout its length. The result is naturally two bands, half the width of the first (as aa in Fig. 1). He shows one in each hand. "You don't see anything very clever in that? Well, to tell the truth, I didn't suppose you would.

[Figures]

The clever thing is to divide the band in half and yet keep it in one piece. That is what I shall do this time. Watch me again, as carefully as you please”.

Taking the second band, he divides it ...

Much about this reference remains unclear. Ideally, one would examine Hoffmann’s many books published before this date to establish context, but time does not permit such a survey.

This item is notable as the earliest joint appearance of the term “Afghan Bands”—not only in newspapers, but anywhere—although no explanation for the term is offered.

So far as I can determine, there are no antecedents of this piece in any of Hoffmann’s numerous writings. It remains an open question whether related material appears in his many books; at present, only the most cursory inspection has been possible due to time and accessibility constraints. The term, in its magical sense, appears only in the BNA archive and is effectively absent from Google Newspapers and Chronicling America.

The entry forms part of a long Christmas feature containing many seasonal tricks, typical of the period. It does not appear to be a weekly or irregular column, nor is the title of the piece a book or article title by Hoffmann, as might otherwise be assumed.

The text is repeated in The Liverpool Weekly Courier (21 December 1901), Leamington Spa Courier (27 December 1901), and Stockport Chronicle (28 December 1903). A closely related version—though with different diagrams—appears shortly afterwards in Hoffmann’s Later Magic (1903 or 1904), pp. 471–473.

Bio. Professor Louis Hoffmann (1839–1919), born Angelo John Lewis in England, was a lawyer, professor and the leading writer on magic, and on the games, amusements and puzzles of his time. Magicpedia

Syndicated, 1/4. 1901 (3), 1903 (1)

BNA

Professor Hoffman (Angelo John Lewis). ‘Conjuring Illustrated’. Liverpool Weekly Courier, Saturday, December 21, 1901, p. 5.

Conjuring Illustrated.

By Professor Hoffmann.

Author of “Modern Magic”, &c.

The simpler the appliances for a conjuring trick the greater the effect it produces. Judged...

THE AFGHAN BANDS.

As detailed above.

Syndicated, 2/4. 1901 (3), 1903 (1)

BNA

Leamington Spa Courier, Friday, December 27, 1901, p. 2.

THE AFGHAN BANDS…

The simpler the appliances for a conjuring trick the greater the effect it produces. Judged...

As detailed above.

Syndicated, 3/4. 1901 (3), 1903 (1)

BNA

c.1901. Professor Hoffman. ‘New Christmas Tricks’. Northern Newspapers Syndicate, p. ?

Illustrated. First, the title of the paper itself is not given, omitted (excised?) from a clipping of Houdini’s scrapbook. Although not dated as such, all the indications are that this is of December 1901, as the text and illustrations repeat Hoffman’s ‘Conjuring Illustrated’ in Liverpool Weekly Courier, Saturday, December 21, 1901, p. 5. 1901.

A minor difference is that another of Hoffman’s books is added to the credits, More Magic.

His classic Modern Magic (1876), and three sequels (More Magic (1890), Later Magic (1903), and Latest Magic (1918) have been reprinted numerous times in many different editions since their original publication. Modern Magic (48 articles, first serialised in Routledge's Every Boy's Paper, was published as one volume in 1876.)

Source: Conjuring Arts

1902 (4)

William J. Hilliar. ‘The Mystic Afghan Bands’. In Modern Magicians’ Hand Book: An Up-to-date Treatise on the Art of Conjuring. Frederick J. Drake & Co.,1902, CHAPTER XV: Miscellaneous Tricks, pp. 289–290.

THE MYSTIC AFGHAN BANDS.

This trick is supposed to have been invented and worked by the old East India fakirs, who presented it in such a seemingly innocent manner that its secret was not discovered until just lately. Whether or not that is true I do not know…

Text only. Of some historical importance, the third (1902), after Selbit and Hoffmann (1901), albeit overstated as to originality, as the text is plagiarised, from Selbit, essentially word for word! Magicpedia states that he plagiarised widely here, and this is confirmed by examination; the text is exactly the same throughout save for the addition of ‘East’ to the Indian fakirs! Therefore, this account is of lesser interest. Not illustrated.

Bio. William "Bill" Hilliar (1876–1936), born in England, was a professional magician that performed in vaudeville and was founder of the Sphinx magazine.

Source: Haithi Trust, Google Books

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433017993696&seq=3

Stockport Chronicle, Monday, December 28, 1903, p. 6. (Illustrated, albeit with strips of paper, and not a band as such).

New Christmas Tricks

By Professor Hoffmann

(Author of “Modern Magic”, “More Magic” Etc.)

The simpler the appliances for a conjuring trick the greater the effect it produces. Judged ...

THE AFGHAN BANDS..

As detailed above.

Syndicated, 4/4. 1901 (3), 1903 (1)

BNA

1904 (4)

Professor Hoffmann. Later Magic. New York, E. P. Dutton & Company, Routledge, London, 1904, pp. 471–473.

THE AFGHAN BANDS.

The requirements for this trick consist of a pair of sharp-pointed scissors and three or four strips of white paper, each five or six feet long and one inch (or thereabouts) in width, pasted together at the ends so as to form endless bands. The familiar telegraph paper answers the purpose very well…

No discussion is given as to the nomenclature or its background. Illustrated. Of note is that the same drawing appears in the same year of the New York Times piece titled ‘Some Secrets of the Art of the Conjurer’, without attribution. Likely, this is by Hoffmann.

The Afghan bands, pp. 471–473. Cuts various strips in half. Gardner, MM&M, 1956, p. 71, says this is the first usage of the name Afghan Bands that he has found. Singmaster

Source: Conjuring Arts?

Quoted by: David Singmaster, Peter Prevos

‘Some Secrets of the Art of the Conjurer’. The New York Times, Sunday, March 20, 1904, p. 12.

The Afghan Bands Trick.

Another trick which can be used to advantage for drawing room entertainments is that known as the Afghan bands. The requirements consist merely of a pair of scissors with sharp points and three or four strips of white paper, each five or six feet long and about one inch in width, pasted together at the ends, so as to form endless bands.

[Picture]

Here are the instructions: ‘‘The performer comes forward with these bands. strung on his left arm. Taking them one by one in the right hand and showing that they are all separate. He lays them on a table or chair, or if he prefers it, hangs them around his neck. Then, taking one of them he makes a hole with the scissors in the centre of its width, and, handing the paper round, says: ‘I didn’t want the two rings separated. I wanted them linked one between the other. You couldn't do that? You evidently are not a conjuror. If you had been a conjuror, you would just have whispered softly to yourself, Aldiboronticophosphikoformio! and the result would have been quite different. See!’ With these words

he takes the second band, perforates it with the scissors, and divides it lengthwise like the other. Two bands are again formed, but the one is linked with the other, as b in the illustration.

“The secret lies in the making up of the paper bands. The first is a perfectly ordinary band, one end being brought fairly round and pasted on to the other. In the second case the strip of paper is twisted half round before the ends are pasted together. In the third case it is twisted fully round before the ends are joined. If yet another twist be given to it before joining, the band, when cut, will appear as D in the illustration.

“The chief point the novice has to bear in mind in preparing the bands is to have them long enough. The longer they are the less likely is the twisting of the bands tion.” [sic]

A major discussion of conjuring in the round, including the Afghan bands. No direct indication of the author is given. However, of note is that the illustration of the three rings also appears in Professor Hoffmann’s Later Magic of the same year (1904). This strongly suggests that he was the author. Of historical importance, being the first US newspaper reference.

Source: Internet Archive.

Full page advert for Stanyon & Co. Stanyon's Magic, Vol. 4, No. 6, March 1904, p. 68.

SECRETS! SECRETS!! SECRETS!!!

Of Conjuring, Magic and Illusions…

Mystic Afghan Bands…9d

Text only. A simple mention in an advert for magic tricks. Also see May 1904 for another advert by Stanyon, but of a more extensive text on Afghan Bands.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Ellis Stanyon, (ed.). Stanyon's Magic, Vol. 5, No. 8, May 1904, p. 84.
SECRETS! SECRETS!! SECRETS!!!
As above

The Mystic Afghan Bands.-Performer shows three plain white paper hoop about…

A discussion in a series of adverts of magic tricks.

Source: Conjuring Arts

1908 (1)

Full page advert for Stanyon & Co. Stanyon's Magic, Vol. 9, No. 1, October 1908, p. 7.
SECRETS! SECRETS!! SECRETS!!!
As above

No. 7 - “New Juggling Tricks”

…mystic Afghan paper bands, etc., etc.

A simple mention in in passing in a series of adverts by Stanyon of magic tricks. Also see entries for 1904.

Source: Conjuring Arts

1910 (3)

Henry Hatton and Adrian Plate. ‘The Afghan Bands’. In Magicians’ Tricks: How They Are Done. New York The Century Co., 1910, pp. 306–309.

The Afghan Bands:

This is a trick that many conjurers, professional as well as amateur, imagine they can do, but if they will read this they will find it a "somewhat different" explanation. The effect of the trick is that three strips of paper, each with its ends pinned together so as to form a ring, are cut around with a pair of scissors. The result is that, in one case, two rings are formed, as is to be expected. In the two other cases, however, although the procedure seems to be identically the same as with the first strip, the result is entirely different, for with the second strip only one ring is obtained instead of two rings, but twice the original size, and with….

The text and illustration are original. A detailed instruction is given. Illustrated, with line drawings, albeit none form a ring! The text is more on the wiles of the presentation rather than the science. Goldston refers to the book in a review, 1910.

Bio 1. Henry Hatton (1837–1922), born in New York as Patrick Henry Cannon, was inspired after seeing magicians such as John Henry Anderson. He took the stage name in 1867 and wrote the "Lessons in Magic" series (as Cannon) which ran from 1865 to 1867 in "Our Young Folks". Magicpedia

Bio 2. Adrian Plate (1844–1919) moved to New York, in 1877, and became a successful society magician. Magicpedia

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Arthur Mee (ed.). The Children’s Encyclopedia. The Educational Book Co. Ltd. Vol. 1, 1910, p. 664.

The Boy Conjurer’s Magic Scissors

THE trick we are going to describe is more usually known as “The Afghan Bands,” but the title of ‘‘The Magic Scissors” is better, as it tends to persuade the spectators that the secret lies in the scissors used, though, as a matter of fact, they are quite an ordinary pair….

In relative depth, and illustrated. Dating this book is problematic for a variety of reasons. First, it is not given in the book, in any edition. Mee is sometimes given as the sole author, but is also later joined by Thompson. Then there are different forms, with numerous editions, by different publishers, in the UK and the US. Also, the title varies. It could not be more obscure than if it purposefully set out to be!

The background in full is given on a Wikipedia page, to which I defer. The date above is as given by Google.

Will Goldston. Review. ‘Magicians Tricks’. The Magician. No. 12, Vol. 6, November 21, 1910.

"What, another?" I fancy I hear some of my readers say. Yes—and a very good one too; indeed, I know I am right in saying that the book is one of the very best books on conjuring that has ever been published. The explanations are clear and concise; the illustrations are so well drawn that they really do help the reader to execute the various "moves" explained in the letterpress, and, lastly, several tricks new to English performers, and therefore to English audiences, are really 'given away."...

Everyone knows "The Afghan Bands." Some professionals despise it because the trick has been frequently explained, but I fancy that when some of our big performers read the directions given by Mr. Henry Hatton and Mr. Adrian Plate, they will agree with me that the trick, presented in that form, is worthy of public performance. Here is a chance for a public performer to test his ability to make an old trick "go." If he be wise he will not shrug his shoulders at the suggestion merely because all he will have to bring on to the stage will be a few strips of paper, a packet of pins, and a pair of scissors. (I may remind my readers that the egg bag trick may be bought for sixpence; it would be interesting to know how many performers count it as one of their best tricks).

In the new version of "The Afghan Bands" the performer will pin the strips together into rings. While he is thus engaged the movements of his hands will be quite natural, but the necessary twists in the paper will be made, and therefore the trick will be accomplished. I give this merely as an example of how the authors have improved on old tricks…

A review of Magicians’ Tricks by Henry Hatton and Adrian Plate. Goldston sings their praises of the presentation. Of note is the comment that ‘Everyone knows "The Afghan Bands", which thus indicates the popularity of the day.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Jean Hugard. ‘The Afghan Bands: A Comedy Setting’. The Magic Mirror, October 15, 1912, p. 96.

(Poor resolution as of the original)

The Afghan Bands

A Comedy Setting’.

Requisites: 3 paper bands about 3 feet long and 2 inches wide, some pins and two pairs of scissors.

Performer invites two boys on to the stage. He shows the 3 paper bands and then as described as ”Magicians' tricks," he pins the ends of each band, making 3 paper rings, two of which have the necessary twists. Taking the ring without twist he cuts it in half and exhibits two separate rings. Then handing one of the prepared bands to each boy he offers a half crown prize to the lad who cuts his band into two similar separate bands. Placing the boys in position and giving each a pair of scissors he gives the the word, go! They work feverishly, but, alas for them hopes one finds himself with one ring and the other with two rings interlaced.
A further effect can be obtained which I have not yet seen in print. By cutting the big ring two rings interlaced will result.

In effect, a race between the participants. Peter Prevos makes an interesting (secondary) observation as to the priority of the concept:

Presenting the trick as a paper race is credited to Foxwell, but can be found in the literature as early as 1912. Did Foxwell read the Magic Mirror in 1912 and plagiarise the idea from Australian magician Jean Hugard, or was it a case of simultaneous invention?

Bio. Jean Hugard (1871–1959) was born John Gerard Rodney Boyce in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. He would insist throughout his life, though, that he was born in 1872. Hugard used the stage names of Kelmann, Hugarde, Jean Hugard and Chin Sun Loo. He began his professional career in the 1890s… Magicpedia

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

42. “Jay Gee”. The Magician Monthly, Vol. 8, July 12, 1912, pp. 125–126.

No. 4 —What Tricks To Do.

I have already advised my readers not to attempt to perform in a hall or any large building until they have had some little experience in drawing-room performances. The next question to be answered is:—What tricks shall I do?...

Take, for instance, the trick known as the Afghan Bands. (No one can tell you why it is called by that name, so please do not inquire). The effect is quite good. The conjurer shows several paper bands with their ends joined together, making paper rings….

Reference is made to the "odd" nomenclature.
Source: Conjuring Arts

George Mackenzie Munro. ‘The Mysterious Afghan Bands’. The Magic Wand, May 1913, pp. 524–526.

THE MYSTERIOUS AFGHAN BANDS.

AN IMPROVED METHOD OF WORKING.

AN EXCELLENT PAPER "ACT."

In this splendid little trick, the effect of which is so well known, the performer shows three bands of white paper about 1½ inches wide, and about a yard long, joined together so as to make an endless loop. These three separate pieces are exactly alike. The performer now takes the scissors and pierces the point through any portion of the band as nearly mid-way as possible. He now proceeds under the very eyes of the audience to cut the band through its entire whole length and when he has finished there are two loops as nearly alike as possible as was to be expected. He next takes up one of the other two bands, once more showing it is precisely the same and cuts it through and around the centre the same as the last cut band, but when he has finished, to the astonishment of the audience, instead of being divided into two parts it is one long band just double the length it was before being cut. The remaining band he cuts off in precisely the same manner as at first, and as a climax, instead of one paper ring, and instead of two separate ones, the two bands are interlinked in each other. We are indebted to Mr. C. H. Shortt a well-known member of the Magic Circle for an ingenious method of working and presenting the above trick. Mr. Shortt has dignified the trick into the form of an "act" which can be presented on stage, platform, or in drawing-room. The moves to get the "twists" into the rings are clever yet very deceptive, but we regret to say most difficult to explain in writing. Anyway, with the further assistance of the sketches that our artist has made from practical manipulation we hope our readers will be able to lollow all the necessary "moves" required in present Fig 1. Method of Working.—Hold one end of the first strip ot paper in the left hand, with the fingers in front and the thumb at the back, about level with the face; then slide the right hand, with the thumb in front and the Fig. 2. fingers at the back down the strip until nearing the "act.”...

Illustrated. Credits C. H. Shortt (p. 524) as the deviser of the presentation as given. Gives a lengthy patter (p. 525). Munro is not apparently credited as the author in the piece itself. Peter Prevos credits him.

The piece generated a little controversy as to attributions, with three letters (C. H. Shortt (2), Adrian Plate) to the ‘Our Letter Box’ page.

Bio. George Mackenzie Munro (Scotland: c1864–26th August 1929) Aka "G.M. Ornum". Businessman in London. Amateur magician. Then semi-pro dealer (Ornum's [later Munro's] Magical Repository) in London 1889 until sold to Stanley Norton around 1918. Founding publisher of The Wizard 1905 and The Magic Wand 1910–14. Edited The Wizard 1908–09. Lybrary

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

44. C. H. Shortt. ‘The Mysterious Afghan Bands’. The Magic Wand, June 1913, p. 536.

Dear Sir,—As you have mentioned my name in connection with the mere outline and sketches of the trick which I gave you I should like to say that I never use paper 2½ inches wide, but nearer 1¼ inches, and the sketches do not properly illustrate the moves as did the sketches I gave you and which you are unfortunately not able to return.

The position of the hands and the paper slips are as seen by the performer himself.

Fig. 1 is fairly correct.

Fig. 2 (2nd). The right hand should be turned more inwards and be above the level of the left hand after the manner of Fig. 1 (2nd).

Fig. 3 (2nd) was much more clearly shown in my sketch, as you simply raise the right hand vertically to above the level of the left hand, letting the loop of paper fall down over the back of the right hand as you raise it.

The left hand has never to turn at all in any of the moves.

Only one end on one side of each strip requires to be gummed, viz., the visible end and side above the thumb in the left hand in each case.

There is no necessity to roll the papers first, and all the moves can be done quite slowly and naturally, and each ring hung over the left arm when made.

In the patter, which is not mine, I think it is a mistake to call attention to the way the scissors are presented. 5th June, 1913.

Letter from C. H. Shortt in response, as above. The letter elicited two further responses by Plate and Shortt again.

Bio. Shortt is not known at Magicpedia.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Max Sterland (ed.) The Magical World. ‘Reviews’, No. 1, Wednesday, June 4, 1913, p. 27.

Brief review of the May issue of Magic Wand, featuring ‘The Mysterious Afghan Bands’, as above. Inconsequential. The same review as above is reprinted. No. 2, Wednesday, June 11, 1913, p. 11.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Adrian Plate. (Letter) ‘The Mysterious Afghan Bands’. The Magic Wand, August 1913, p. 571.

To the Editor of The Magic Wand.

DEAR SIR,—No. 33 of your magazine contains an article given to you by Mr. C. H. Shortt in regard to the Afghan Bands. The way he describes it, to make unnoticed the twists, was worked out by me about 20 years ago, and I explained it on page 300 of Magicians' Tricks by Henry Hatton and Adrian Plate, published about two years ago.

Furthermore the way Mr. Shortt suggests to work it by the assistance of some boys by way of a race was suggested also by Mr. J. Huggard in the "Magic Mirror" of October, 1912. It is quite a coincidence that Mr. Shortt struck on both ideas.

Yours, etc.,

ADRIAN PLATE.

(Knowing Mr. Shortt as we so intimately do, and a great many of our readers do as well, especially members of the Magic Circle, it cannot for one moment be maintained that Mr. Shortt is guilty of any plagiarism in connection with this very old effect of the Afghan Bands, nor does Mr. Plate prefer any charge in this respect, but it is only fair to Mr. Shortt to state that the secret method of joining up the strips with the necessary twists was confidentially shown to the writer long before the publication of the book "Magicians' Tricks" referred to by Mr. Plate.—ED.)

Letter from Adrian Plate in response, as above. Of note is that Plate claims (in so many words) he was familiar with the trick in 1893!

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

C. H. Shortt. ‘The Afghan Bands’. The Magic Wand, September 1913, p. 587. Letter.

Dear Sir,—With reference to the letter of Mr. Adrian Plate in Number 36 of the MAGIC WAND, I was interested to see that he had stumbled on similar methods to mine, of joining the paper. The original sketches I made from my own hands many years ago now, therefore long before the publication of Mr. Plate's description, are, I consider, much better than his, and I can but regret, that you did not publish mine, exactly as I gave them to you.

With regard to the presentation, I simply stated what my practice had been, and having never seen a copy of the "Magic Mirror," it certainly was not copied from it.

Yours etc.,

C. H. SHORTT.

Shortt in response to Adrian Plate, as above.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

1914 (3)

‘A Glad Surprise Is Awaiting You’. Successful Farming, January 14, 1914, p. 70.

Half-page column promotion for next month’s issue.

Magicians’ Trick Exposed.

The subject of home and school entertainment attracts a good deal of attention during this season of the year. Mr. Charles F. Oursler, in his article, ““The Magician’s Tricks Exposed,”’ which will appear in our February number, will tell you of some mystifying and almost sensational tricks by which you may entertain your friends either at home or at a schoolhouse or church entertainment. For instance, Mr. Oursler tells how to perform some interesting tricks with a cigar - how to make it dance a jig, sway back and forth, etc. Then, he will tell you how to perform the goblet and coin trick in which the coin appears to vanish into space. An exceedingly interesting and puzzling trick may be performed with an egg. The egg, without being touched by any one, comes out of a hat, moves over a table,etc. Mr. Oursler gives an explanation of the “Mystic Afghan Bands.” This is reputed to have been one of the choicest deceptions of East Indian fakirs, and it has only been in recent years that its secrets became known in this country. By all means read this intensely interesting article in our February number and learn how to perform the tricks that are explained.

Source: Internet Archive?

Chas S. Oursler. ‘The Magician’s Tricks Exposed’. Successful Farming, February 14, 1914, pp. 104–105.

“The Mystic Afghan Bands,” which is the title of the next experiment, is reputed to have been one of the choice deceptions of East Indian fakirs,..Comes now that amusing Eastern deception, the Afghan bands…This illusion was a favorite with Harry Kellar at his private performances…

A lengthy discussion. Seemingly quoting Selbit.

It's quite extraordinary to find a reference to the Afghan Bands is in a farming journal! And even more so is that it's not in passing either; there is considerable depth that puts dedicated magic journals to shame!

The first reference to Harry Kellar in association with the trick?

The same text was repeated in The Nebraska Farmer. Volume 56, 1914, p. 102. books.google.co.uk › books. Snippet view

Source: Internet Archive?

Paul R. Semple (Secretary). REPORT OF WHEELING MAGICAL SOCIETY. The Sphinx, Vol. 13, No. 6, August 1914, p. 109.

The second meeting of the Wheeling Magical Society was held at the residence of President Wm. Linnett on July 2nd, in Wheeling. After a brief business session, entertainment was naturally in order. "Yours truly" opened the evening's entertainment with a few new sleights with billiard balls, followed by cards and the Afghan Paper Band trick.

Inconsquential

Source: Conjuring Arts

1915 (2)

Everett Wrest. ‘The Afghan Bands. A New Way of Doing an Old Trick’. The Magicians Monthly, April 15, 1915, p. 77.

Most schoolboys know the trick of the Afghan Bands; but I have never met anyone who could tell me why the trick is so-called. However, the origin of the name of the trick is of little importance, and in any case I will leave that matter to someone more learned in the history of magic than I can ever hope to be.

For the benefit of the few readers who may not know the effect ol the trick, I may say that, in its original form, the presentation of the trick was something- like this: — The conjurer came forward with several large rings of paper—ordinary paper cut in sirips with the ends gummed together. Taking a pair of scissors and cutting one ring ol paper in half, in circular fashion, he divided the ring into two rings, showing that the scissors and the paper were quite unprepared…

"In Magicians' Tricks," by Henry Hatton and Adrian Plate, there is an excellent explanation of how this trick can be done without prepared papers. The conjurer fastens the strips of paper into rings before his audience and in an undetectable way. The explanation is accompanied by diagrams which make the trick quite clear. When "Magicians' Tricks " was first published I learned this trick from the book, and one day, while talking magic to one of our leading performers, pinned up a couple of strips of paper under his eyes and did the trick. I was just off to perform before a Sunday school, and I asked the "great man" if he thought that that trick was good enough for such an audience…

Of note is the assumed familiarity of schoolboys with the trick, of what everybody knows. He also laments the unknown origin. After, he then gives his ‘new way’ of the trick, involving a false thumb.

Bio. Wrest is not known at Magicpedia.

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Source: Conjuring Arts

Prof. Edgar. ‘Entre Nous’. The Magic Wand. September 1915, p. 198.

Afghan Bands.-Use thin tissue paper, sold at eight sheets a penny. Cut lengthways into strips two inches wide, and paste these, end to end, in alternate colours. Now roll paper as in manufacturing throw-out coils. Two strips are sufficient for each band. Thus performed, the trick is far more effective than when shown with white paper. The stock supply takes up but little room, and may be always carried.-R. C.

A brief mention by ‘R.C’ among other tricks, advising about the preparation.

‘Entre Nous’ was a (presumed) monthly column.

Entre Nous = between ourselves; privately (which I had never heard of!)

Source: Conjuring Arts

KANSAS CITY, MO, JUNE 15, 1916. The Sphinx, June 1916, pp. 70–71.

I trust my subscribers, advertisers and readers will pardon me for devoting more space to one Collins Pentz, who has taken it upon himself to defame The Sphinx and assume the great and grave responsibility of rescuing magic from impending doom and raising it to the Empyrean Heights of purity. Who is this Pentz? Where did he come from? Who ever heard of him until he began to advertise in The Sphinx? What has he ever done for magic, either by word or deed?

…And speaking of exposing, perhaps Mr. Pentz does not know that Mr. Charles F. Oursler, in the November, 1915, issue of The Woman's Home Companion, under the caption of "Magic Tricks for the Boy Wizard to Perform," exposes five tricks, viz.: Bracelet on Cord, Dissolving Half Dollar (glass disc fake), Traveling Egg and The Mystic Afghan Bands, and the magic appearance of a streamer of ribbon by which he exposed one of the subtlest productions known to magicians. Probably Mr. Oursler "fessed" up to Mr. Pentz and was forgiven…

In a diatribe against Collins Pentz on exposing tricks, the author briefly mentions Charles Oursler’s own exposé of the Afghan Bands.

Inconsequential

Source: Conjuring Arts

1917 (1)

Small classified advert for Gilbert Magic Co. The Eagle Magician, March 1917, p. 247 (or p. 393)

SET OF HOCUS POCUS TRICKS. Box containing; the Afghan Bands, Growing Fir Tree, Jacobs Ladder,...Gilbert Magic Co., "E," 11135 S. Irving', Chicago.

The same ad is repeated June 10, August 10 September 10, October 10, November 10 December 10. Also in The Sphinx June 17, albeit in a different typescript.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Small advert by Ted Beal. The Magician Monthly, No. 4, Vol. 16, March 1920, p. 51.

LATEST MAGICAL NOVELTY-DEBUR IMPROVEMENT ON AFGHAN BANDS (ONE Band only used instead of THREE) 1/3 Post free, Sole Agent—TED BEAL. 95 Luke Read, Portsmouth.

Small advert (by Ted Beal) on the Afghan Bands which mentions the ‘Debur Improvement’. Could be significant as this is the first mention of the ‘Debur Improvement’.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Oscar Schutte Teale. Higher Magic: Magic for the Artist. New York: Adams Press Print, 1920, p. 310.

Afghan Bands. So simple a thing as the Afghan Bands, is made more interesting by variation in simple detail. Some writers advise pinning the ends of the bands together, which seems crude in the …

Bio. Oscar Schutte Teale (1847–1934) was an architect, researcher for Houdini, and illustrator. He published books under the name "Adams Press". Magicpedia

Source: Google

1921 (7)

Ted Beal. ‘The “Debur” Afghan Bands’. In Percy Naldrett, editor, More Collected Magic, 1921, pp. 31–32. Percy Naldrett, Portsmouth.

EFFECT—
The performer has one apparently unprepared band of paper which he cuts down the centre, thus making two rings of paper. He gives one ring to the audience and the other he divides again; the result being one large ring. This in turn, when divided, becomes two rings linked together…

Illustrated.

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Source: Conjuring Arts

Max Holden. AMERICAN MAGICAL NEWS REPORTED BY MAX HOLDEN. The Magazine of Magic, Vol. 8, January 1921, p. 89.

"SCIENCE AND INVENTION" for December (1920) explains the Afgan [sic] Bands and an Electrically Controlled Coin Wand.

A brief report, as with other entries in the list

The mentioned journal is to be looked for.

Source: Conjuring Arts

J. O. O. Review of More Collected Magic compiled by Percy Naldrett. The Magician Monthly, September 1921, p. 121.

We have received this, the second of Mr. Naldrett's books of collected magic, for review, and it was with a feeling of great expectation that we opened it. To say that the book fulfilled these expectations is to say at once that its contents are distinctly good. The idea of such a collection of magical items by a magician is quite a sound °ne. The present work contains some 17 items contributed by 15 writers, all of whom are well known to our fraternitv. To make selection of items which make special appeal…

The Debur Bands is really an improvement on the old Afghan Bands, and is a contribution by Mr. Ted Beal. This is a real improvement, and we tried the effect for our selves immediately after reading of it and quite determined that it gave a new lease of life to a really good old experiment.

Mentions ‘Debur Bands’ as a variation on the Afghan Bands, noting that it is a real improvement,

Source: Conjuring Arts

Review of More Collected Magic by Percy Naldrett. The Magic Circular, Vol. 16, No. 181, November 1921, p. 225.

Another collection of original effects, this book is far from being an unwelcome addition to the literature of Magic…

This is followed by a novel improvement on the Afghan Bands, by Ted Beal, whose method should puzzle the wise ones.

A brief mention in passing to the Afghan Bands. Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Paper-Tearing Tricks

A good addition to paper-tearing, combining a little magical effect, is to exhibit what is known as the “Afghan Fakir's Mysterious Bands.” This puzzling and mystifying paper trick was invented by the Afghan fakirs, who presented it in London and other cities; but it is only comparatively recently that the secret of the trick has been discovered. All that is required for this trick are three strips from an ordinary newspaper about 20in. long and 3in. wide. Take up one strip, and make it into band by joining the ends together with gum. Before joining the second strip give one of the ends a twist ...

For ‘Young Folks’. In a section on ‘paper-tearing tricks’.

The first newspaper reference to Afghan Fakir's, in a long section on ‘paper-tearing tricks’.

Syndicated, 1/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

West Sussex Gazette, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent, Thursday, December 22, 1921, p. 10. Not Illustrated

Paper-Tearing Tricks

A good addition to paper-tearing, combining a little magical effect, is to exhibit what is known as the “Afghan Fakir's Mysterious Bands.” This... Syndicated, 2/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

Kent Messenger & Gravesend Telegraph, Saturday, December 24, 1921, p. 5. Not Illustrated.

Paper-Tearing Tricks

A good addition to paper-tearing, combining a little magical effect, is to exhibit what is known as the “Afghan Fakir's Mysterious Bands.” This... Syndicated, 3/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

1922 (12)

Tonbridge Free Press, Friday, January 6, 1922, p. 10. Not Illustrated.

Paper-Tearing Tricks

A good addition to paper-tearing, combining a little magical effect, is to exhibit what is known as the “Afghan Fakir's Mysterious Bands.” This Syndicated, 4/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

Advert for Carl Brema & Son. ‘The most puzzling effect of all times’. ‘Exclusive Tricks’. The Sphinx, January 15?, 1922, p. 415.

The most puzzling effect of all times.

The well-known Afghan Bands very much improved. As performed by James C. Wobensmith, past president of Philadelphia branch S. A. M.

(Effect). A band of bright red fabric is shown. Performer rips the band in two lengthwise, which causes the natural result, two bands. Now for the puzzling part. One of the two bands is ripped through the center and again the same result, two bands, but entirely different, one band is linked within the other. In conclusion, the remaining band is ripped through the center. The result, only one band, just twine the size of the former bands. The trick presented in this new manner will puzzle the most skeptical, including the fellow that knows the old method with three strips of paper. Bear in mind that the three different effects are created from the first single band. No waste of time in presentation, as in old paper strip method. The bands are prepared, no cutting, just rip them through the center and you get to the final point quickly. This very puzzling effect is a good number onn any program both for silent or talking acts. No lover of magic can afford to be without this most puzzling effect.

1 doz. prepared ready to do bands. Price $1.10 postpaid

The advert is more in-depth than most and gives a full discussion. Further, it is the first featured trick in the list.

The same ad is repeated in The Sphinx, February 15, p. 459; March 15, p. 29; April 15, p. 75; May, p. 119, June p. 155, July, p. 195, August, p. 235; October p. 311.

Source: Conjuring Arts

‘Philadelphia Assembly S. A. M. Banquet to Houdini’. The Magic World. Vol. 5, No. 11–12, February–March 1922. p. 154.

The annual banquet of the Philadelphia Assembly, Society of Ameica Magicians, was held on the night of January 23rd, at the Hotel Hanover…

The dinner itself was a most unusual affair, forty persons attending. Harry Houdini and Mrs. Houdini were the guests of honor, with Harry Jordan, the manager of Keith's Theater…

First on the program was Past President James C. Wobensmith, who presented an improved version of the Afghan Bands, using one strip of muslin to accomplish the various designs.

A brief mention in passing on an improvement to the Afghan Bands by James Wobensmith.

Of Wobensmith interest.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Oscar M. Thomson. ‘Notes from Philadelphia’. The Sphinx, Vol. 21, No. 1, March 15, 1922, p. 6.

…A little entertainment followed, opened by our Secretary, Mr. Wobensmith, who gave us the new Afghan Bands trick, something we believe that Mr. Brema has now put on the market. Mr. Wobensmith has made a specialty of this trick and his presentation shows that if you stick at a thing long enough you will do it better than anyone else.

Source: Conjuring Arts

‘Book Notes’. The Conjurer, June 1, 1922, p. 63.

MORE COLLECTED MAGIC, by Percy waldrett [sic], A.I.M.C. This book comes with a "refreshing" effect after so much of the rubbish we have become accustomed to since "shell-shock" added another terror to life….

and the Debur Afghan Bands, credited to Ted Beal, rightly belong to Paul Debur, of Melbourne….

A review.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Paul Debur. The Conjurer, July 1, 1922, p. 82.

Mr. Paul Debur writes, re Improved Afghan Bands:—"I gave the Secret of my FIRST improvement to the Afgan [sic] Band trick, together wifh sole rights to do as he pleased to Ted Beal, two years ago.

This same secret is included in Percy Naldrett's latest magical publication, and is the improvement in its infancy only of the trick as I perform it to-day."

Source: Conjuring Arts

Arthur N. West. ‘THE AFGHAN BANDS With only One Band’. August 1922, pp. 104–105.

Being called upon to do a performance before some very young children—only about a dozen—it occurred to me that our old friend "The Afghan Bands," with bright coloured papers for the bands, would be very suitable. While experimenting with some of the papers with the object of getting a certain colour scheme to work I hit upon another effect.

Possibly, my "discovery" may already be known to some of the readers of THE MAGICIAN, though probably not to all of them; one or two of my brother magicians, to whom I have spoken about this little matter, assured me that it was new to them. Here it is…

Bio. West is not known at Magicpedia

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

The New York Clipper, August 16, 1922. Not Illustrated

The Afghan Bands was sold well and a number of neat and well-executed card manipulations preceded the concluding illusion of the “Vanishing Horse,” an origination of Blackstone’s that wins by a head and neck against all other competitors in the race of vanishing animals.

On Blackstone. Questionable as to a ‘true’ newspaper, described as ‘a weekly entertainment newspaper’. However, as it is classified as such by the Internet Archive, I will document it as such.

Internet Archive

Leslie P. Guest. ‘QUEEN CITY MYSTICS’. The Sphinx, Vol. 21, No. 7, September 15, 1922, p. 251. …Guest performed the improved Afghan Bands as sold by Brema.

Report.

Of minor Guest interest.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Skyrack Courier, Friday, October 27, 1922, p. 3. Not illustrated

Syndicated, 5/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

Mail (Australia), Saturday, December 16, 1922, p. 17. Not Illustrated

Syndicated, 6/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

Trove

The Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands (Scotland), Wednesday, December 27, 1922, p. 6. Not Illustrated

Syndicated, 7/9. 1921 (3) 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

1923 (*)

Editorial. The Magical Bulletin, Vol. 10, No. 6, January, 1923, p. 83.

No. 5. Improved Afghan Bands

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Roscommon Messenger (Republic of Ireland), Saturday, January 13, 1923. p. 4. Illustrated

Paper-Tearing Tricks

One of many tricks.

Syndicated, 8/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

Half-page column advert for Thayer Manufacturing Co. Magical Bulletin. Vol. 10, No. 7, February 1923, p. 108.

Six Improved Afghan Bands

Advert for F. G. Thayer.

The same advert is repeated in The Sphinx, February, p. 459; April, p. 59.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Paul Debur. ‘The Afghan Band Trick’. With Debur Improvement. The Conjurer, March 1, 1923, p. 156.

Effect.

The performer calls the attention of his audience to a band of paper, apparently unprepared, made from an ordinary sheet of newspaper….

Illustrated. Of importance in that Debur gives his improvement, namely that of using just one band, with many subsequent references to this variation of the trick

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Arthur N. West. ‘THE AFGHAN BANDS With only One Band’. August 1922, pp. 104–105.

Being called upon to do a performance before seme very young children—only about a dozen—it occurred to me that our old friend "The Afghan Bands," writh bright coloured papers for the bands, would be very suitable. While experimenting with some of the papers with the object of getting a certain colour scheme to work I hit upon another effect.

Bio. West is not known at Magicpedia

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

The New York Clipper, August 16, 1922. Not Illustrated

Internet Archive

Leslie P. Guest. ‘QUEEN CITY MYSTICS’. The Sphinx, Vol. 21, No. 7, September 15, 1922, p. 251. …Guest performed the improved Afghan Bands as sold by Brema.

Report.

Of minor Guest interest.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Skyrack Courier, Friday, October 27, 1922, p. 3. Not illustrated

Syndicated, 5/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

Mail (Australia), Saturday, December 16, 1922, p. 17. Not Illustrated

Syndicated, 6/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

Trove

The Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands (Scotland), Wednesday, December 27, 1922, p. 6. Not Illustrated

Syndicated, 7/9. 1921 (3) 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

Editorial. The Magical Bulletin, Vol. 10, No. 6, January, 1923, p. 83.

No. 5. Improved Afghan Bands

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Roscommon Messenger (Republic of Ireland), Saturday, January 13, 1923. p. 4. Illustrated

Paper-Tearing Tricks

One of many tricks.

Syndicated, 8/9. 1921 (3), 1922 (4), 1923 (1), 1924 (1)

BNA

Half-page column advert for Thayer Manufacturing Co. Magical Bulletin. Vol. 10, No. 7, February 1923, p. 108.

Six Improved Afghan Bands

Advert for F. G. Thayer.

The same advert is repeated in The Sphinx, February, p. 459; April, p. 59.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Paul Debur. ‘The Afghan Band Trick’. With Debur Improvement. The Conjurer, March 1, 1923, p. 156.

Effect.

The performer calls the attention of his audience to a band of paper, apparently unprepared, made from an ordinary sheet of newspaper….

Illustrated. Of importance in that Debur gives his improvement, namely that of using just one band, with many subsequent references to this variation of the trick

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

C. H. Tickell. ENGLISH MAGIC NEWS. Magical Bulletin, Vol. 10, No. 8, March, 1923, p. 117.

It is surprising how few Magicians present "Bonus Genus" and the "Afghan Bands". An English correspondent who has been in the Magic game for over 30 years, states that he has never seen the latter—and only saw the former presented for the first time last year!

Tickell is obviously referring to Mr. Gambling (March 1923)

Source: Conjuring Arts

Clinton Burgess. ‘MISCELLANEOUS MAGICAL MENTION’. The Sphinx, Vol. 22, No. 1, March 15, 1923, p. 12.

Grover George and Company, billed as presenting Hong Kong Mysteries, were featured on the bill at Proctor's 125th Street Theatre. New York, last half of week February 19th….

George presented a neat series of handkerchief knots, while a male assistant at opposite side of stage worked the new Afghan Bands…

Source: Conjuring Arts

Inconsequential.

Frederick DeMuth. ‘How to Conceal the Twist in the Afghan Bands’. The Sphinx, Vol. 22, No. 1, March 15, 1923, p. 21.

The most popular method of presenting the ''Afghan" band trick nowadays is to use cloth bands instead of paper, and to tear the bands apart instead of cutting them with the scissors…

True discussion. Illustrated.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Book Review. "After Dinner Tricks," by Walter B. Gibson. The Magic Wand and Magical Review, Vol. 12, No.? March - May 1923, p. 46.

…Despite the publisher's fifty odd reiterations that the book is copyright, we fear that busy compilers will continue to give us the "Wafers on the Paper Knife," the "Afghan Paper Bands," and so on, for many a weary day.

Disparaging?!

QUEEN CITY MYSTICS ASSEMBLY NO. 11, S. A. M. The Sphinx, Vol. 22, No. 2, April 15 1923, p. 37

Reported by Leslie P. Guest…

Our twenty-fifth meeting took the form of a Ladies' Night at the Palace Hotel. Tuesday, March 13th…

Guest tore some Afghan Bands, found some borrowed coins in a lemon, as advised by Alexander, and finally got some dirty raps out of the hand of Old Tut.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Inconsequential.

E. Ervin. A VARIATION OF THE AFGHAN BANDS. The Sphinx, May 1923, p. 87.

I happened to be an "also" upon the bill of a Legion benefit recently, where stage "conditions" were not the most favorable for magic of any kind. I made use of, and with good effect, an Afghan band. This was made up some four feet in length, before tearing, and two juveniles from the audience, which happened to be a boy and a girl, were called up to assist in the tearing. The result exceeded my expectations. I was called upon to repeat it. The trick, when presented in this way, not only made possesses great comedy possibilities, but really makes it a stage trick out of a parlor stunt. From Charles Waller, the magical enthusiast of Mitchell, South Dakota, comes the idea of making up the band in red, white and blue, for a patriotic trick. If properly approached-he is approachable-he might be prevailed upon to explain his method, including patter for Sphinx readers.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

The Sphinx, Vol. 22, No. 3, May 15, 1923, p. 79?

2. Afghan Bands

Source: Conjuring Arts

Inconsequential.

E. G. Ervin. MAGICAL ITEMS. The Sphinx, Vol. 22, No. 5, July, 1923, p. 136.

…The Alpena South Dakota Journal gives very flattering press notices to Charles Weller of Mitchell, for a magical entertainment for Alpena Commercial club. His program included the Giant Afghan bands described in May Sphinx.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Editorial. Magic World, Vol. 7, No. 4, August, 1923, p. 50.

Credit.
An excellent article will appear as the feature of the September number of the “MAGIC WORLD,” being supplied by James C. Wobensmith, past president of the Philadelphia Assembly, S. A. M. In it, Mr. Wobensmith will detail the history of the improved “Afghan Bands,” and will give some interesting information regarding the origin of the improved version, of which he is the recognized originator, despite some unestablished claims to the contrary. 'The “Magic World” is always ready to give credit where credit is due, and the article in question will be in accord with our regular policy. The article will be fully illustrated.

Of minor Wobensmith interest.

Source: Conjuring Arts

‘Estrange’. Briefs. ‘Afghan Bands’. The Conjurer, Vol. 2, No. 7, September 1, 1923, p. 201.

Afghan Bands.

Make up in 2in. Denison Crepe Paper, one red, one white, and one blue. Useful for pretty contrast, and saves confusion as to which is which after bands have been examined. Also after working this tear off a piece of each, or of one only, light and produce Union Jack or hanky, ready for next effect (using match box load)

ESTRANGE.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

James C. Wobensmith. ‘The Red Muslin Band Trick’. The Conjurer, Vol. 2, No. 7, September 1 1923, pp. 68–69.

Some time ago I developed the Red Muslin Band Trick, which is now included in the repertoire of many vaudeville performers, many of whom are, in the customary manner, claiming to be the originators of the same. As the development of this trick to its (present interesting form is a typical illustration of the manner in which many popular effects are evolved, a brief recital of the history of the same, as well as an outline of what the writer has found to be the best way of making the bands, may be of interest to the magical fraternity. The old Afghan Band Trick, with the three bands of paper, always seemed to me to be an interesting idea, but when, on several occasions, I attempted to perform the same, I found that it was of little interest to the audience, principally on account of the time required in cutting around the paper bands with a pair of scissors. One day I happened to mention this to our versatile Carl Brema, and he told me that he had frequently done that trick, but always used muslin bands, instead of the paper ones invariably described in the books, as making the bands of muslin permitted them to be ripped instead of being laboriously cut. I tried this stunt at my next performance, and it went over so well that thereafter I continued to include it as a regular feature in all shows that I presented. Shortly after the appearance of Naldrett’s book “ More Collected Magic,” Mr. Oscar Thomson, President of the Philadelphia Assembly No. 4, 'S. A. M., told me that this book contained a new version of the Afghan Bands which might be of interest to me. I did not get a very clear understanding of what Mr. Thomson had seen in Naldrett’s book, and after he left I sent out for some muslin and began experimenting, and finally worked out the trick in its present form, which, however, is quite different from that described by Naldrett. The effect was presented for the first time at a meeting of the Philadelphia Assembly No. 4, iS. A. M., and Carl Brema, who was present at that meeting, was so impressed by the effect that he asked me whether I had any objection to his putting it on the market. As I am not particularly interested in making money out of magic, and as I also felt indebted to Mr. Brema for his earlier suggestion, I cheerfully consented. The cred it for the widespread popularity of the effect is largely due to Mr. Brema for his advertising and distribution of the same, and Mr. Brema, in his advertisements, always gave me credit for the original presentation. Later appropriators of the idea, like the flea in the riddle, have not been so particular. Now for the method of making the bands. You purchase, at any dry goods store, a piece of red cambric of the length that you desire to make the bands. I have found a yard and a half to be the most satisfactory length for my own presentation. You then mark off the piece in widths of about…

Illustrated. A true study in detail is given.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Quoted by: Peter Prevos

Hints & Suggestions. The Billboard, September 16 1923, p. 50.

The fallacy of following the line of least resistance applies to magic as well as to any other line of endeavor. Just because “So and So” is doing a certain trick is no reason why YOU should. Blackstone does the Afghan Bands, a very old trick that has not been in vogue for a number of years. Immediately a hundred or two others run to Afghan Bands. Gus Fowler comes over here with a watch and clock act—we see many magicians scurrying around buying up cheap alarm clocks and tinkering with Ingersolls. How foolish!

Source: Conjuring Arts

Prince Kita Banzai. ‘A Japanese Program’. The Magic World, Vol. 7, No. 5, September 1923, p. 70.

After a lapse of two months, while I have been vacationing in Ohio, and the “Magic World ” has been too crowded to make room for my articles, I am here again with my long-promised program of Japanese tricks, which I consider suitable for a Jap-American act…

I will give a list of the tricks, and then suggest arrangements. Rice Bowls; Paper torn and restored (thumb tip; Brema’s Rice Bowls and Flowers; Tissue Paper to Confetti; Afghan Bands (improved method described in this issue);...

The best plan is to submit a few sample programs, after classifying the various tricks. Introductory:

1. Afghan Bands.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Inconsequential.

MAGICAL PROGRAMS—NO. 7 OF A SERIES. The Sphinx, Vol. 22, No. 9, November 15, 1923, p. 264.

By Baffles Brush

HOOPS MY DEAR:—(This is new version of Afghan bands, using one piece of cloth.) There are all kinds of bands, hat, rubber and brass; this is a band of cheese cloth but it reminds me of some brass bands because it is tear-able. Now we have two bands; of course two bands make a lot more noise than one band. I suppose you think if I tear this one in half I will have two bands again; nothing like it; see this is one long band. Now the reason for that is that the shortest distance between two joints is a Taxi. Let's see what this one will do now if we tear it. One inside the other; speaking of inside reminds me of how expensive a little inside information is. You see I just got my doctor bill this morning.

The patter is semi-amusing.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Inconsequential.

Charles Waller. ‘The Afghan Bands’. In For Magicians Only, F. G. Thayer, Los Angeles, 1923, pp. 29–30.

The Afghan Bands Three Bands of tissue paper are used. Each is made from a strip four or five feet long. As a result of this great length the bands naturally hang somewhat loosely so that the neces sary "Twists" are disguised…

A true study is given. A major part here is the patter (as is the premise of the book). Not illustrated.

1924 (*)

Full page advert by Carl S. Lohrey. The Magic World, Vol. 7, No. 9, January 1924, p. 133.

THE AFGHAN BAND MYSTERY

NEW METHOD.

The well-known Afghan Band Trick very much improved, and so good that Blackstone and other leading performers are using it. A band of bright red fabric is shown…

Of Blackstone interest. Three tricks are featured and suitably described, including the Afghan Bands. The same advert is repeated in The Sphinx, May 15, p. 108; June, p. 142; August p. 205.

Source: Conjuring Arts

‘Literature’. Magical Bulletin, Vol. 11, No. 3, January 1924, p. 36.

The Magical Observer—Mr. McKay's November number in neat typescript form contains in addition to snappy and interesting editorials, "The New Afghan Bands," by Chas. Tickell;...

A mention in passing.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

The Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands (Scotland), Wednesday, January 2, 1924, p. 2. Not Illustrated

BNA

The Conjurer, Vol. 3, No. 2, February 1, 1924, p. 237.

Some of the features in back issues of THE CONJURER include

1922 [sic] .

1923 [sic].

...Improved Afghan Bands.

The same text is repeated in 1 March, p. 248; 1 April, p. 263.

A mention in passing.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

WM K. Longacre and R. A Carrell. (Report). DOINGS OF THE RUBBER CITY MAGIC CLUB AKRON, OHIO. The Sphinx, Vol. 23, No. 2, April 15, 1924, p. 43.

…George Rattlesdorfer was next with a novelty act consisting principally of his trained cards, coins and thimbles, also wine and water and the Afghan bands. His act went over big…

A mention in passing.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

COUNTRY MEMBERS' NIGHT. Magic Circular No. 4 Vol 19, OCTOBER 1924, TO SEPTEMBER 1925, p. 170.

Another Session was brought to a successful conclusion at Headquarters on Friday evening, the 2 6th June,...

Mr. Harold H. Saunders, F.S.S., followed up his recent success with another miscellaneous programme. His main problem concerned the mysterious movements of blocks depicting the adventures of "three men in a tub." Other magical items were the Afghan Paper Bands, and the flight of black handkerchief from a tube to join a white one in a glass securely covered with tissue paper.

A mention in passing.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

The Magic Wand and Magical Review, Vol. 13, No. 121–124. By George Johnson March - December 1924, p. 138.

The Whole Art of Legerdemain, just referred to, was the title of another long series of books of tricks.

…The paper cutting trick now known as "The Afghan Bands" is explained,...

A mention in passing.

Inconsequential.

The same text is repeated in October-November, p. 138 SAME

Page 137 need to be examined for context.

R. G. Schell. Report. REVIEW OF HOCUS POCUS A NEW MAGIC ACT OF CHARLES R. BRUSH AND YOUNG DAUGHTER JANE, The Sphinx, Vol. 23, No. 11, January 15, 1925, p. 359.

…The tape tie, new hindoo or afghan [sic] bands with cloth,...

A mention in passing.

Inconsequential.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Editorials. The Osirian, Vol. 1, 1925, p. 6.

And speaking of exposes, a certain well known magician writes and says that Houdini is sometimes careless with other magicians' tricks. A few weeks ago Houdini exposed the "Afghan Bands" a very clever trick and used at present by a number of magicians. Blackstone uses this trick and gets a lot out of it as it is a clever little bit in his show. A certain magician gave a show recently and worked the "Afghan Bands" and while doing the trick a little girl cried out and said that she knew how the trick was done as Mr. Houdini explained it in a Boston newspaper. It is funny how peeved Houdini got when a certain person published an article on Magic and Magicians in the Saturday Evening Post, in a would be attempt to expose some of Houdini's tricks. As Dr. Wilson once said, "It makes a difference who's bull is being gored.

The same text is repeated in June 1925, p. 6. Only of note due to Houdini references.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Full page advert for Carl S. Lohrey. The Sphinx, Vol. 24 No. 1, March 15, 1925, p. 25.

THE AFGHAN BAND MYSTERY

New Method

The well known Afghan Band Trick very much improved, and so good that Blackstone and other leading performers are using It. A band of bright red fabric is shown. The performer rips it In two lengthwise, thus securing the natural result—two separate loops. Now for the puzzling part. One of the two loops is again ripped, and again the same result, hut this time THE TWO LOOPS ARE LINKED WITHIN EACH OTHER. In conclusion, the remaining loop is ripped in the very same fashion, the result this time being but one loop just twice the size of the other bands. This superior method will puzzle the most skeptical, Including the fellow that knows the old method with the three strips of paper. Bear in mind that the three different effects are created from the first single band. There is no waste of time in presentation, as the bands are ripped, not cut. Note.—We include an ORIGINAL line of patter with this effect that makes the effect a real laugh producer, without additional charge. Just mention that you want the patter FREE. Complete, including one dozen prepared bands, ready to perform, Price, Postpaid, $1.80

The same text from earlier.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Full page advert for Carl S. Lohrey. The Linking Ring Vol. 3, No. 6 [December 1925?], p. 93.

The well known Afghan Band Trick very much improved, and so good that Blackstone and other leading performers are using it…

The Afghan Band has its own sub box.

Advert for Carl S. Lohrey, as seen above. The first appearance in Linking Ring.

Source: Conjuring Arts

Page History
16 April 2026. Added text.
17 April 2026. Started adding pictures.
20 April 2026. Continued adding pictures.
21 April 2026. Added select entries after 1925. (see next page), Changed my mind the next day, and placed the material as a dedicated page, under "Afghan Bands (Select)"
29 April 2026. After completing the follow‑on page covering selected instances from 1925 onwards, I returned to the main page to update the introductory section. The previous introduction had been copied directly from the dedicated essay below, but much of it consisted of internal notes that were not intended for readers. I have therefore rewritten the introduction, removing these notes while retaining the essential material and adding new text where needed.
30 April; 1 May 2026. Reappraising my comments for each entry, with additional text if thought necessary.

More can be seen here, with, in addition, allusions to Afghan Bands:
Afghan Bands/Allusions Dedicated Essays En Masse. 4 June 2024+
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10KXmetdB9mEa2uUtYlDtu4nDcFSeV_o9NS_UKCW38mY/edit?usp=sharing

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