(A continuation from Afghan Bands)
Introduction
A decidedly unlikely association with the Möbius strip is in the world of magic, with what is titled as the ‘Afghan Bands’ (since 1901, by Percy. T. Selbit and ‘Professor Hoffman’), of which despite the title there is almost certainly no connection with Afghanistan in any way! It should be noted that initially the appellation was not used initially, with instead ‘paper rings’ (or similar) being used to describe the trick. Assuredly, before the Möbius study, I was wholly ignorant of it. Although I now find it appears in passing in quite a few of the popular recreational books I was simply not ‘primed’ to to take cognisance of it in times gone by. And indeed, although it appears in the general Möbius strip Wikipedia entry, one of the first concerted readings I made, it took me a while to address the matter in the midst of the study in the round. Only later, in late May 2024, did I undertake a concerted study, and even that evolved from a general history look. Such a relative neglect, in hindsight, was shortsighted, although understandable, in that there is so much material to survey. A brief survey of the literature has found many interesting unknown historical aspects, that with more circumspection on my part I would have realised much earlier. However, in my defence, it is understandable, given the many different aspects I have had to study (and an unlikely field). Be that as it may, I began as usual with general searching, ‘reactivating’ David Mitchell’s excellent dedicated study as a starting point. However, although invaluable, in general searching with Google there still wasn't much in general aside from that. However, that swiftly changed when I changed tack, investigating dedicated magic sources! In contrast, there is an abundance of material that does not show up in general searching on the term. The exact chain of events I do not recall as one quickly followed another. These include ‘AskAlexander’, Conjuring Arts, Magicpedia. ‘Ask Alexander’ in particular was noteworthy. Upon signing up, to give it a try, given that is was free, a cornucopia of Afghan Band (and Möbius strip) material was found, not available elsewhere. Some though, is paywalled. Before, I had no inkling of this bounty! And then in the course of it I found a David Singmaster listing dedicated on the Möbius strip that I had forgotten about, of which I should have thought of looking right at the beginning of my studies here. Although somewhat late in the day, at least I now have the list to hand. It's noteworthy in that it has considerably enlarged since I last printed it out, from one page to four (way back in 1998!)
https://conjuringarts.org/askalexander/
Another good source was Conjuring Arts (associated with Ask Alexander search engine). The British Newspaper Archive was another invaluable resource, albeit to a much lesser degree and extent. Although unlike the others in that there are few in number here, they have important references, including historical ones. And this is not to mention the Internet Archive, which is indispensable. All these archives complement each other; what is in one is not necessarily in the others. What may be found in other archives that I do not have access to can only be speculation. The full story is yet to be told. That said, I have made a good start. And then latterly I once more examined Peter Prevos’s monologue bibliography, which should have been an obvious first thought, but inexplicable I initially neglected to do so.
Another dedicated monologue was Genii magazine entry on Afghan Bands.
Quite how best to present/order the study is unclear. It has evolved. Version 2 is different to Version 1, although based on it. The presentation is part affected by the sheer extent of the material to survey. Although ideally each entry would be discussed to the same in-depth level, the time required would be disproportionate as to worth. Therefore, I have decided to concentrate on the most important parts, of the beginnings as a magic trick, without the Afghan attribution and then when it became known as Afghan Bands, and by whom. For these, I study in depth up to and including 1920, which is sufficient to give a considered account, and then for after that date a simple bibliographic listing (as it is too time consuming otherwise), with more detail for select references deemed of more interest.
Looking back, a major shortcoming of Version 1 was that the study was essentially mostly ‘references’, which jointly served as ‘study’, of some 48 pages. This was followed by ‘Timelines of Afghan Band and Allusions, Félicien Trewey. It all seems a little disjointed, albeit understandable in retrospect, being unsure as to the exact remit and presention. For example, only include Afghan references? Further, conspicuous by their absence are any pictures. Likely this was purposeful (as a concise study?), but is now judged as decidedly lacking. I thus belatedly add pictures. Further, again, despite the magic background, the only distinct essay on individuals (with a timeline) was on Trewey. I have now effectively added a new chapter, ‘Prominent Individuals as Magic Acts’, with 15 magicians. To this end, I thus, for the first time, dicusss Blackstone’s role as a distinct sub essay.
Although I have previously looked at the ‘Ask Alexander’ archive, this was only of the limited free option. Even so, this still held 15,000 pages and was a great aid in the investigation. However, some references remained paywalled. To this end, I then (2025) choose the ‘all encompassing’ payed ‘gold’ option, with 1,100,000 pages. This thus leaves nothing incomplete.
Chapter 1
A History and Evolution
Of interest is the history and evolution of the Afghan Bands/allusion. When, and by whom so named, in particular come to mind. As such, this has been poorly documented, albeit understandably so, this is very much a niche interest! Indeed, I know of only one dedicated writing, an ebook by Peter Prevos, The Möbius Strip in Magic: A Treatise on the Afghan Bands. However, this is relatively lightweight, of just 45 pages. However, as short as it may be, it is to be welcomed, as the only moonolgue on the matter! Although the contents do not specifically give a history, in various chapters historical discussions are given, albeit generally brief. David Mitchell also gives a brief history. Martin Gardner has also written an overview, and enquired about how it got its title. To this end, I now document the matter in much greater depth and detail than previous authors. As far as is practically possible, a modular approach is adopted:
(i) Basic bibliographic detail, of the year, author, and publication.
(ii) A picture of the relevant page. In general, I show a full page (to better put the entry into context) rather than a clipping, although this is at the expense of clarity here.
(iii) A commentary thereof. Also generally included in the commentary is what I term as ‘secondary matters’, such as the author’s background and publication. Although non-essential, I think this helps better put the entry into context.
Select
1926 (2)
Harlan Tarbell. ‘King Solomon’s Marriage Bands’. Tarbell System Incorporated Magic. Tarbell System, Inc., 1926, pp. 9–11.
KING SOLOMON'S MARRIAGE BANDS
This is a modification for practical use of the old Afghan Bands. It is an age-old principle brought up to date.
There is a touch of comedy in this effect and because of its nature, it is adapted to mixed audiences made up of a group of young people of the marriageable age…
Illustrated. Gives detailed instructions for the trick, including patter. Is this the first reference to the ‘King Solomon’s Marriage Bands’ patter?
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
James M. Nelson. ‘The Three Links’. The Sphinx, Vol. 25, No. 10, December 15 1926, p. 290.
THE THREE LINKS
Or the Missing Link in the Afghan Bands
I have added this finish to the Afghan bands before Odd Fellow audiences and have always been well received. I will assume the reader is acquainted with the effect under above named title. This band, which I am explaining when cut length wise two times will make a chain of three links.
[Fig. 1, Fig. 2]]
Make two cuts about three inches long on each end of a paper band (Fig. 1) making three ends. Now make two twists of the end of the band I have lettered B and be sure to make your twists from left to right. Next join small ends together with gummed stickers (Fig. 2). Ends 2 and 3 together, and ends 2 and 2 together. Next loop No. 1 end through slit between 2 and 3 and stick to its mate No. 1 on end A of band.
Start cut between 2 and 3; when cut is completed you have a chain of two links. Now cut again between 1 and 2. When cut is completed you have a chain of three links. Try this out with paper and gummed stickers until you get the idea. Then use your system, either paper or fabric.
Illustrated. The first reference I have to James Nelson in association with the trick.
A true study. Martin Gardner refers to Nelson in?
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1927 (*)
Half page advert. Donald Holmes. ‘The Afghan Band Mystery’. Catalog No. 12, 1927, p. 2.
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, but 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.
Complete, including one dozen prepared bands, ready to perform.
Price postpaid…$1.25
Illustrated. Of interest is the Blackstone reference.
Source: Conjuring Arts
James C. Wobensmith. A TALK ON MAGIC. The Sphinx, Vol. 26, No. 10. December 1927, p. 374.
Broadcast by James C. Wobensmith, Past President and Secretary of Philadelphia Assembly No. 4, S. A. M., from Radio Station WIAD, November 22, 1927.
Before coming on the air this evening, I was warned not to talk too much, as the audience would rather have some tricks. The trick which I am going to do this evening is one which I originated, and which has since become a standard trick performed by many vaudeville and lyceum magicians. The invention of this effect came about through a misunderstanding. There is, in many books on magic, a description of a trick which is reputed to be several hundred years old, and is commonly known as the "Afghan Bands." On several occasions I had attempted to put it over, but it dragged too much to be entertaining. As described in the books, the trick is done with paper bands. I discussed it with Carl Brema, the well known manufacturer of magical apparatus, and he told me that he had frequently done it, using muslin strips to make his bands, instead of paper. This was a considerable improvement, and from then on the trick in that form was a part of my standard program. One day Mr. Oscar Thomson asked me whether I had seen a new version of this old trick in a recently published book, and he attempted to describe it to me. I tried to do it according to his description, but it was a
failure. This started a train of thought which resulted in the development of the effect in its present form, and when I subsequently procured a copy of the book referred to by Mr. Thomson, I found the method and effect were entirely different. (Here followed the presentation of the Red Muslin Band trick, swinging from that into the Cut and Restored Tape, using the long band for the tape, and finishing with an effect acquired from Dr. Tarbell at the S. A. M. meeting last June, in which a tape (one of the bands) is pushed through a slit in an ordinary envelope, a laundry check then being in serted in the envelope, and the envelope sealed, and upon being opened it is found that the tape has passed itself through the laundry check. The trioks were broadcast by means of each step being de scribed by the performer, accompanied by running comment from the regular station announcer.)
Required reading. Gives a good history of the new trick. Quite where Wobensmith gets the reputed to be several hundred years old line from is unclear. Possibly ‘implied’ from Selbit. Likely just a throwaway comment. If true it would be a quite sensational discovery!
Source: Conjuring Arts
1928
Max Holden. ‘TROUPING [SIC] AROUND IN MAGIC’. The Sphinx, Vol. 26, No. 11, January, 1928, p. 406.
The British Broadcasting Corp. arranged with Mr. Cyril Shields, (a drawing-room and concert conjurer), to broadcast simple conjuring tricks during the childrens hour. The Magic Circle objected, but eventually raised the ban. The afghan [sic] bands of paper was to be one of the tricks broadcast. Selbit has a new act in preparation called "Transfiguration."
Interesting; this must be one of the first film recordings! To be looked for.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Cyril Shields. BROADCAST CONJURING LESSONS. Letter to the Magic Wand. The Magic Wand. Vol. 17, No. 137–140, March–May 1928, pp. 106–107.
To the Editor of THE MAGIC WAND.
Dear Sir,—It has been suggested that my side of this subject would be of interest to your readers and the following is a true account of the whole affair.
Some two or three years ago (not considering myself well known enough at that time) I suggested to Capt. E. Clive Maskelyne that he should obtain an interview at the B.B.C. and explain that a great percentage of the boxes of tricks sold each Christmas found their way into the lumber room because the children could not follow the printed instructions, and that it would be a great help to Magic if he explained some simple tricks during the Children's Hour…." We have to cater for all classes, some of whom could not afford even a penny box of tricks." Some days later I returned to the B.B.C. and performed about a dozen tricks such as the Afghan Bands and the Flexible Pencil, and when they saw the children could be taught to make the apparatus themselves at little or no cost, they were interested and gave me three contracts straight away and promised others.
More on the BBC film recording. At the end, the editor then closed the correspondence.
Source: Conjuring Arts
1930
Ellis Stanyon. ‘Remarkable Evolution of the “Afghan Bands”’. An Original Conception for Conjurers and Fantaists, 1930 (unpaginated)
Showing how to cut a single continuous band of paper into a dozen bands, all linked together in the form of a chain, or in a manner to form various designs; also how to cut bands varying in diameter (separate or linked) from the one original—all bands perfectly flat, i.e., not twisted. The whole forming an amusing travesty on the trick known as "The Chinese Rings.”
LONDON: ELLIS STANYON'S "School of Magic, 1930.
Source: Conjuring Arts
1931
Barkann Rosinoff. ‘POETIC PATTER’. The Sphinx, Vol. 29, No. 11, January 20 1931, p. 472.
Let us consider the time-honored effect known as the Afghan Bands; why they are Afghan, I am at a loss to say, but as long as that is what they are called, let us call them the Afghan Bands, among ourselves. When I was just about old enough to read, I received a present of the Book of Knowledge. Included with in this wonderful set of books was a series of childish tricks for "The Boy Conjuror." And the first of these that I attempted was the Afghan Bands. Two strips of paper are pasted together at their respective ends, to form loops. It one were to tear these strips, lengthwise, one would expect to form two loops from each. But, wonder of wonders, instead of this, one loop forms a large loop, and the other forms two interlocking loops. The reason for this, as all of you must know, is that the Boy Conjuror, in pasting the paper together, first twisted one strip half way, and then twisted the other strip completely around….
Of substance, although not particularly worthy. Laments as to the reasoning for the obscure naming. Just over a third of the page is given over to patter. Refers to the ‘Boy Conjurer’, presumably in Knowledge.
Quoted by: Peter Prevos. (Prevos erroneously gives Kosinoff)
Source: Conjuring Arts
1935 (2)
Advert for Foxwell’s Paper Cutting Race. Ireland Magic Company Catalog No. 4 By Laurie Lowell Ireland, 1935 ca., p. 61.
FOXWELL'S PAPER CUTTING RACE
One of the feature effects in Philip Foxwell's show. A new, original presentation of the Afghan Bands. Here is a practical performance tested routine that is really worth the money. It gets laughs. Good for kid shows, too.
Complete with sample of the material made up ready to perform, also patter and original presentation. No. 365. Price $1.00
First mention of Foxwell.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Douglas M. Kelley. ‘Patter for the Afghan Bands’. In Lloyd E. Jones (ed.) Meet the Boys. Walter Adrian, 1935, p. 26.
The following patter idea for the Afghan Bands, a popular effect that requires good patter for its proper presentation, was originated by my good friend Douglas M. Kelley. As a medical student at the University of California he has been asked many times to present programs before groups of medical men and instructors. Desiring always to make his program fit the occasion, rather than to present the same program under all conditions, he has experimented with his effects to make them seem created for that particular performance alone. A very commendable idea and one which has made his programs more greatly appreciated than otherwise. His patter I have adapted and enlarged to suit my own presentation and having used its basic principle at a doctor's meeting and a banquet for druggists, can guarantee its favorable reception by any group of scientific men.
"Gentlemen, I am indeed pleased to announce this evening that I have been honored by receiving exclusive sales rights for a new umbilical band invented and perfected by our noted colleague Dr (prominent physician). After my demonstration I will be pleased to accept your orders at fifteen dollars a dozen, a muchly reduced price over the Doctor's contemplated marketing price…
A dedicated piece on patter!
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Source: Conjuring Arts
1936 (1)
W. W. S. Larsen? Special Announcements. Plagiarism. Genii, Vol. 1, No. 2, October 1936, p. 6.
About nine years ago Page Wright and I wrote The L. W. Mysteries For Children. Included in its contents was some patter for the Afghan Bands called, "At The Circus." It was, we thought, good material, and Page had used the lines himself very successfully. Just recently a highly reputable manufacturer of magic asked my permission to include it in a new patter book and it was genuinely a pleasure to oblige him. In "Magic for 1936," recently published by Lewis and Bellman, appears the very same patter. The contributor is Harry Cecil of Detroit. No credit is given either Page or me and Cecil obviously intended that readers would believe the patter to be original with him. We doubt that many will be deceived, especially if they happen to be familiar with Cecil's own literary style. I am not angry. Fortunately I can devise new patter ideas faster than Cecil could possibly steal them. I pity the man who wants to be original and can't make the grade. Probably Harry Cecil is a good teller of jokes and a great convention glad hander. But why doesn't he stay way from his abortive attempts to write magic? Both the Linking Ring and Tops would be better off without him. And, as if the low quality of his writings were not bad enough, he is constantly chiseling in his columns: advertising his own sales items. Undoubtedly I have already written too much. This is more fame than Cecil has ever enjoyed before and, probably, more than will be his again. We enjoy having others use our material. But we do object to others attempting to pass off our ideas as their own. Harry had better go back to stuffing his chocolate creams.
Of note in that although the subject matter is inconsequential, it makes clear who wrote the patter for ‘At the Circus’.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1937 (1)
Ned Asbury. AFGHAN BAND OPENING. Linking Ring, Vol. 17, No. 1, March, 1937, pp. 52–53.
As presented in patter by Ned Asbury, Houston, Texas.
For the performer who likes to work leisurely, and adopt a pleasant, chatty style with his audience the following opening provides something novel and different. It might be observed, here, that following the use of the Afghan Bands, the performer can then go into his regular "flash production" opening, if he uses such a thing. Enter performer. Smiles affably. Patters:—"Oh, good evening folks. Very glad to see so many of you here this evening. Hope we have a pleasant time of it. (Picks up Afghan Band cloth, without revealing what it really is).….
Of patter interest. A dedicated piece, and further of length, hence judged worthy of inclusion in the sub essay.
Source: Conjuring Arts
1939
Walter B. Gibson. Houdini's Escapes and Magic. Prepared from Houdini's private notebooks and memoranda with the assistance of Beatrice Houdini, widow of Houdini, and Bernard M. L. Ernst, President of the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians. Blue Ribbon Books, Inc New York City, 1939, pp. 128–132.
AMONG Houdini's notes on magic is a finale for the Afghan band trick. It appears without diagrams; hence the details of working it must be left in some degree to the individual performer. The instructions given here are more specific than Houdini's actual notes; but the author has adhered quite closely to the original rather than depart from the idea itself….
Of depth and substance.
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Source: Conjuring Arts
1940 (1)
Chester Galeza. PAPER MAGIC. The “Tops”, Vol. 5, 1940, pp. 28–29.
EFFECT: Magician exhibits a loop or ring of paper and a pair of scissors, he states that he will cut all the way around the loop, thus making two loops of paper. He does so, but inasmuch as anyone would have obtained the same result there doesn't seem to be much to it. There isn't. But he takes another loop exactly the same as the first one and again cuts.…
SECRET: A combination of two standard tricks — the Afghan Bands and Clippo that blend so nicely as well as mystify….
PATTER SUGGESTIONS
Performer could say he knows a secret of how to select a good wife. The bands are to be "Test bands" to be put around the neck of the lady friend. First test band cut is not a good sign, because it shows they are too far apart, the young lady is not in harmony. The second band cut, shows the girl is not sincere. The third band cut shows the right kind of girl for a wife, because of the harmony and they are joined to gether as one.
Dedicated explanation, including patter guidance.
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Source: Conjuring Arts
1941 (1)
J. T. Kennealy. AFGHAN BANDS–DELAYED LINKING. The “Tops”, Vol. 6, May, 1941, p. 30.
There is nothing new in the preparation of the bands; the new kink comes in the linking of them. Rather than merely tearing the bands and causing them to link immediately — when you have the two bands separated (but really linked,) hold both bands in one hand. The audience suspects nothing and after pattering along solid through solid lines, allow one loop to drop and apparently link within the other.
This idea is particularly effective if used before, or as an encore to the Linking Rings.
Bio. Kennealy is unknown at Magicpedia.
Inconsequential.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos. I fail to see why he quoted this.
Dell O'Dell. ‘Patter for Afghan Bands’. The “Tops”, Vol. 6, November? 1941, p. 15.
Oh, yes! Thought you might like one of my stories for the Afghan Band trick. Here it is:
Round these United States of ours is stretched a friendly band Of Freedom, forged by patriots' hands who died to save our land….
Bio. Dell O'Dell (1897–1962), born Nell Odella Newton, was an American magician regarded in her profession as a pioneer who provided a role model for modern female performers and noted for being one of the first magicians to appear on television. At the height of her career she was billed as "The World's Leading Lady Magician" and "The Queen of Magic." Magicpedia
On patter.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Rev. Willard S. Smith. ‘The Belt of Fidget the Fixer’. Genii, Vol. 5, No. 10, June 1941, pp. 323, 327.
Here is a story for the Afghan bands that will delight an audience of youngsters while bringing to them the lesson of unselfishness.
PROBABLY Arthur didn't mean to be selfish. He just seemed to hate to share anything with the other boys, sometimes even with his best friends.
Bio. Rev. Willard S. Smith (1898–1981), a Baptist clergyman, was a member of Magiclub, American Society of Psychical Research, Magic Circle of London and served as the first National Chaplain of the S.A.M. when the position was created in 1943. Magicpedia
A lenghty piece, but I fail to see why Prevos quoted this.
Inconsequential.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1942 (1)
Will Goldston. Tricks of the Masters. Philadelphia, David Mackay Company, Washington Square, 1942, pp. 178–180. Illustrated
The New Afghan Bands.
Why this trick, in its original form, was ever called "the Afghan Bands”, no one has ever been able to tell me; I imagine that the original inventor acted on the principle that a trick has to have a name of some kind, and that one name is as good as another.
Reviewer
Tricks of the Masters is a typical Goldston book...and why Mr. Goldston has seen fit to publish once again The Afghan Bands (still using paper instead of the vastly more effective Wobensmith cloth rings),...
https://archive.org/details/TricksOfTheMasters/page/n209/mode/1up
Source: Internet Archive
1943 (1)
1943 (1)
Lloyd E. Jones. TRIUMPH OF THE DEMOCRACIES. The Bat, No. 2, February? 1943, ‘p. 5’ (unpaginated)
Long a favorite of many magicians, the Afghan Bands are now modernized by Magic Limited. Many performers have several patter routines for this trick because it is one that can be performed under all conditions, requires no preparation and is packed in the minimum of space.
PATTER OUTLINE
A few years ago a band of nations emerged from a titanic struggle bathed in blood…
Mostly on patter.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1944 (1)
E. T. Frankel. LOOP OF SURPRISING LENGTH. The Linking Ring, 1944, pp. 40–41.
Edward T. Frankel. Our hero is a Budget Analyst and not by any stretch of the imagination a magician. He is fond of mathematical problems and not uncommonly springs one on the Ring that is short and sweet but has a very subtle and not readily perceived angle. THE LOOP OF SURPRISING LENGTH is one such…
LOOP OF SURPRISING LENGTH
Effect: A loop of paper, about one inch wide and 20 inches in circular diameter, is measured for length by holding one end of a piece of string against a marked spot, then unravelling the string against point, the loop until the spot reappears. At that the string and the loop are cut simultaneously. When the cut loop and the string are dangled from their common point it is found that the string is twice the length of the straightened loop.
AFGHAN BANDS DETAIL. If you are one of the boys who still programs this laughing spectacle, the above bit may be handy as an explanation…
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1945 (4)
Arthur Leroy. ‘It’s an Unusual Universe’. In Frank Ducrôt Presents Magic from A2Z. Publisher? Published? p. 24. 28 pp. 1930? 1945?
Dating the book is difficult, as there are no dates in the book (I examined all pages). Internet Archive gives 19__? Google Books gives 1900. This is ridiculous as Leroy was born in 1911! Don’s Magic & Books gives 1930's. Prevos gives 1945. Quite a difference! The typography is not of 1900. Of the above, 1930 or 1945 seem the likeliest date.
The tricks are in alphabetical order, hence the title.
It is an Unusual Universe
Here’s a novelty. The performer is not introduced as a magician, but as an explorer. He enters attired as an explorer, and commences speaking of the queer ways of other races…
He patters on Hindu wedding customs, and uses the Afghan bands to demonstrate.
Many of the stories in the book begin with Here’s a…, as here.
Bio. Arthur Leroy (1911–1995) was a magician and columnist doing show reviews for various periodicals. He also wrote a column entitled "Conjuror's Carousel" in the short-lived dealer publication, Grant's Inner Circle Magazine. Magicpedia
Review. This book is loaded with gags, touches on classic effects, card tricks, coin tricks, magic with needles, eggs, handkerchiefs, and even a misers dream with shot glasses filled with drinks. Forward by Frank Ducrot. Conjuring Arts
https://archive.org/details/frankducrotprese00leroiala/
Source: Internet Archive
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1946 (2)
Milbourne Christopher. The Afghan Band — The Mobius [sic] Strip. Hugard’s Magic Monthly, 1946, pp. 524–526; 536; 571; 587.
[Begins with a quote from "Mathematics and the Imagination," by Kasner and Newman].
"Get yourself a strip of paper about a yard long and an inch wide…”
Although this Mobius Strip has been used by magicians over a long period, probably few, if any, have realised its peculiar property described above. The fact that it has but one side, in its entirety, can be proved very easily. Make up such a band and with a pencil, starting at any point in the middle of any part of it, draw a line down the middle of its length. Continue until you come back to your starting point ... If you now examine any section of the band you will find it has the pencil line on both sides, yet, in making that line you kept the pencil on the same side of the band the whole time. The peculiar results obtained by cutting such a band in strips length wise have probably found a place in the repertoire of every magician at one time or another. Mr. James Wobensmith, of Philadelphia, was the first to use cloth for the bands, tearing the material to produce the peculiar results. A vast improvement over the tedious method of cutting with scissors. Mr. Wobensmith's latest development of the trick is most intriguing. He produces from the band, first two bands interlocked, then a chain of three bands and finally a chain of four. We hope some day he will reveal the secret.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1947 (5)
Joseph T. Fleckenstein. PATTER FOR AFGHAN BANDS USED BY FLECKY. The Linking Ring, 1947, pp. 43–44.
JOSEPH T. FLECKENSTEIN.
"Flecky," as he is known to acquaintances, is Tampa Ring's perennial secretary. He is also one of the most beloved members. A friend of old and young, he is always willing to do more than his share, and to help out with a show wherever it's needed…
PATTER FOR AFGHAN BANDS USED BY FLECKY
"The piece of cloth I hold in my hand that resembles that tattle-gray wash we hear so much about on the radio, bears a very important part in the marriage ceremony of the Afghans. The prospective bride and…
On patter.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Senor Mardo, ‘Uncanny Rags’. In The Hands Only, Lloyd E. Jones, Oakland, 1947, pp. 11–13. 13 pp.
Perhaps one of the oldest tricks in existence is the basic principle of the Afghan bands…
Bio. Senor (Charles) Mardo (1895–1976), born Medardo Lonzano in Havana Cuba, performed as a full-time professional, close-up, club, and stage magician from the 1940s through the 1960s. Magicpedia
Source: Conjuring Arts
https://pdfcoffee.com/qdownload/the-hands-onlypdf-pdf-free.html
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
G. McAthy. ‘Patter for the Afghan Bands’. In Smart Tricks For Magicians & MC’s. Tommy Windsor Studio, Marietta, Ohio, 1947, p. 10.
Patter for the Afghan Bands
Short paragraph on (new) patter for the trick only (in a little village in Greece…). Not illustrated. Inconsequential. (Prevos gives a different publisher to that in the book.)
Bio. George McAthy (1910–1971), also known as Mandroop the magician, was an amateur magician and member of the IBM. Magicpedia
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Les Vincent. ‘The Afghan Races’. The Magic Wand, Vol. 36, No. 213–216, 1947, pp. 166–168.
THE FOLLOWING routine can be a riot of fun and is suitable for inclusion in a magical programme, or can be equally effective when used by a "Games Master."...
The requirements are two large bands of paper, about six feet long by three inches wide. Lengths cut from the rolls of paper sold for use in cash registers are quite economical. Give the first length half a twist before pasting the ends together…
Bio. Vincent is not known at Magicpedia
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1948 (1)
Warren E. Simms. ‘Circus Bands’. The Conjurers’ Magazine, March 1948, p. 11.
I have been performing for years and many of our readers will recognize part of the tricks the very old and well known Afghan Bands. When, where or why it was ever called the Afghan Bands is a mystery to me…
Then gives the standard magic treatment of patter, presentation etc.
Bio. Warren Simms (1889–1976), aka Sheldon Simms, was a professional magician, ventriloquist and novelty entertainer who at one time billed himself as "the White House magician" after Eleanor Roosevelt once mentioned him as one of her favorite magicians. Magicpedia
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1949 (1)
Martin Gardner. ‘The Afghan Bands’. Hugard's Magic Monthly, Vol. 7, No. 7, December 1949, p. 615. In the middle of the last Century a German astronomer and mathematician named Augustus Ferdinand Moebius discovered that if you take a strip of paper, give it a half-twist result is a paper ring with only one side. The strip became known as the Moebius strip, and the astronomer's treatise on its properties was one of the first studies of a new branch of mathematics called topology.
As every magician knows, a curious property of the Moebius strip is that a cut in half lengthwise results, not in two rings as you would suspect, but one single band with twice the circumference of the original…
It was not long until magicians saw the entertainment value of these paper rings. They became known as the Afghan Bands (does any reader know when and why they were called this?) and descriptions of the trick began to appear in books published in the 1880s…
One of the most important references in the literature. As ever, Gardner’s exposition is exemplary. Of note is that he clearly links the association of Mobus strip to the Afghan Bands, this account, amazingly, being one of the first.
Describes Foxwell’s race idea, but not by name. Carl Brema, James Wobensmith, Harry Blackstone, Elllis Stanyon, William R. Williston. He also gives two new effects (Muslin Version Effect No. 1, Effect No. 2), albeit it is not entirely clear if these originate with Gardner.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1951 (2)
Francis J. Rigney. ‘A New Twist to an Old Twist’. The Linking Ring, 1951, Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 73–75. Illustrated
Most magicians are familiar with the twists of what are called in the profession, AFGHAN BANDS. The.first band is merely a simple loop of. ribbon, silk or paper, made by bringing the ends of the material together and joining them by sewing or pasting. The second band is made by giving the strip a half turn before joining. The third band gets a full turn.
When cut lengthwise along the center, the first band becomes two separate loops. The second half twist band when cut, pulls into one large loop. The third or full twist, becomes two interlocked bands.
There are further possibilities of the second band, scientifically called the "Moebius Band." It is named after a German mathematician who, in 1858 did some figuring with a strip of paper giving it a half twist and joining the ends. When the loop was made Moebius found that the strip had only one side and only one edge!...
EDDIE-torially . . . The experiments of Moebius were long a subject of speculation in abstract science. However, the present presentation of this "twist" business is very, very, good for small gatherings or parties. I certainly appreciate Francis bringing this to our attention. I sincerely hope that many of you will experiment with this as 'the results are quite surprising even if it isn't used for entertainment.
An in depth treatment. Includes a biography of Rigney. Gives a brief reference to Mobius himself, where the association is made with topology.
Bio. Frank Rigney (1882–1962), born in Waterford Ireland, was an illustrator, cartoonist and magician.
Rigney had done illustrations for Irish newspapers before coming to America in 1914. He had several articles that he illustrated in The Boy Scouts Yearbook in 1921 and 1922. A 1946 mention in The Linking Ring states that he was Art Director for the magazine for the Boy Scouts of Americam, "Boy's Life". Rigney retired from "Boy's Life" in 1945. Magicpedia
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Martin Gardner. ‘Encyclopedia of Impromptu Tricks’. Hugard's Magic Monthly, (c. March 1951, to Vol. 15, no. 11, April 1958*.) pp. 389, 391.
…(1) Afghan Bands. If a paper strip is given a twist before its ends are pasted together, the resulting band forms a structure known to topologists as a "Moebius surface." It has only one side and one edge, and cutting it in half lengthwise will produce one large band instead of two. If the cut is begun a third of the way from an edge, the scissors will travel twice around the band and the result will be one large band with a small band linked through it. If the strip is given two twists before the ends are pasted, cutting the band in half results in two interlocked rings of the same size. A thrice-twisted band cut in half forms a single band tied in a knot. The cutting of bands with one and two twists is described in many recreational works of the late nineteenth century. Professor Hoffman called them "Afghan bands" in his Later Magic, 1904, but the origin of this name remains a mystery. An entertaining presentation of the trick, suggested by Phil Foxwell, is as follows. Prepare three bands from three strips of wrapping paper, each strip about 8 inches wide and 12 feet long. One band has no twists, one has one twist, and the remaining band has two. Because of the large size of the bands, the twists are not noticeable. Select two spectators and hand them each a band (giving them the twisted ones) and a pair of scissors. On command of "Go," each begins to cut. The first to cut his band into "two separate rings" wins a five dollar bill. Illustrate what you mean by cutting the unprepared band and showing the se
A rigorous treatment. Of the utmost importance. Gives an excellent history, with all the people involved in innovations of the trick, such as Foxwell, Stanyon, Nelson, Grimes, Wobensmith etc., named. Prevos appears to have missed this!
“ I am unclear if the date was given by Conjuring Arts. Whatever, I have not recorded it. As an indication, Genii gives:
Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic was serialized by Martin Gardner in Hugard's Magic Monthly from Vol. 8, no. 10, march 1951, to Vol. 15, no. 11, april 1958. It contains many effects which may be performed at any time with commonly available objects. It was later published as a book in 1978.
For anything better than an footnote placing, I thus place under the earliest possible date.
1952 (1)
The Back Room, Phoenix, Issue 251 300, April 3 1953, p. 1113.
L. Vosburgh Lyons, too long absent from these pages will be back presently with some oddities on which he has been working. Most interesting to us, is a strange effect he has discovered, one that we think is a new bit of topology.
It's quite a problem. He has a method of doing the Afghan Bands, (the effect that topologists know as the Moebius Strip,) but as you know, if you have ever performed this, the strips must have a twist in them before the ends are joined. Well, sir, in the Lyons method, the endless bands have no twists in them, and despite this impossible fact, you can do all the Afghan Band effects from the cut that re sults in a double loop to the interlocked loops.
A bizarre bit of thinking indeed.
It would be very interesting to see this new discovery! Further, the Afghan bands are associated with a Möbius strip, which is rarely stated.
Source: Conjuring Arts
1958 (1)
J. Le Rossignol. ‘The Afghan Bands—A Novel Twist?’ The Magic Circular, 1958, p. 60.
THE following is quite literally a novel "twist" on an old trick.
This version of the "Afghan Bands" was shown to me by a fellow holiday maker this summer. He was not a magician but knew one trick which he showed me and which I shall describe, I have read many books on magic but do not remember seeing this particular version in print.
In the normal presentation the magician has three endless bands of paper, each of which he cuts down the middle. The first band which is only what it claims to be naturally cleaves into two separate bands. The second, which has been given a single twist before being joined up, when cut in half forms one larger band, while the third, which has been given a double twist forms two rings which are interlocked. If these bands are prepared carefully and handled casually they look like three oidinary endless bands without twists.
The version shown to me this summer consisted of one band only—this had been given one twist—in other words it was similar to the second band in the normal version. The band was cut, the audience naturally assuming that two narrow ones would result, but of course one larger band was produced. He then cut this larger band in half, and the audience, expecting to see an even larger one resulting, were surprised to see the production of two interlocked in each other.
When a band with one twist is cut in half and a larger one results, the latter is auto matically equipped with the necessary extra twist for producing the two interlocking ones.
Rossignol refers to one band of which it would appear that he was unfamiliar with Wobensmith of the 1930s?
Bio. le Rossignol is unknown at Magicpedia
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1960 (1)
Leslie P. Guest. ‘James C. Wobensmith. magician-of-the-month’. M-U-M, 1960, pp. 448–449.
A new series of articles on Magic Patents started in our November 1959 issue, authored by Jim Woben smith. Since he is also our oldest living Past National President, he is our welcome Cover Subject for this month. Here are some short vital statistics on him:...
…Of course you know the old, old trick, "The Afghan Bands," done for hundreds of years with separate paper strips, cut apart with scissors. It was Jim who first did it with cloth, combining the necessary twists into a single band, tearing instead of cutting, and making it a popular platform mystery. He also invented, "The Ultimate Rope and Ring Trick,'' a standard dealer item.
Excellent background reading on Wobensmith, a person of historical interest more than most. As an aside, the "Magician of the Month" feature in M-U-M began in June 1951 (AI),
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos (who erred on the date, giving 1959)
1966 (1)
Louis Bertol. ‘THIS IS OLD!!!’. The Linking Ring, 1966, pp. 56–57.
Some forty years ago I borrowed a trick from Hoffmann's Later Magic and I am still using it for an audience composed mostly of young ladies. In fact at times I have been requested to include it in the act. What can be so old and still be worth writing about? Well, nothing but the lowly Afghan Bands Of course, I no longer use the "Aldiboronticophos phioformio" type of patter I did then, but I still do the Afghan Bands. Not the more modern cloth tearing type, but the very original three paper bands of antiquity! Three slight adaptations were made, and that perhaps is what keeps this old effect alive in some of my programs. One is the patter story which has a "boy meets girl" angle; this appeals to the gentler sex. Second is the fact that an assistant from the audience joins the paper rings in the presence of everyone; and third is the little accessory tray which makes the above possible…
Gives a lengthy patter!
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1967 (1)
Paul Marcus. ‘Pages from my Notebook’. Magicana, 1967, p.11.
If you use the Afghan Bands try giving one band three twists and thread a bangle on it before the ends are joined. This will result in one large ring with the bangle knotted on it. I believe this is a Stanley Collins idea.
Of note is the Stanley Collins reference.
Prevos gives 1967, but I cannot find this date on the publication.
Bio. Marcus is unknown at Magicpedia.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1968 (1)
Gene Anderson and F. I. Marshall, F. I. CLASSIC EFFECTS AFGHAN BANDS Newspaper Magic. Magic Inc., Chicago, IL, 10 edition. 1968, pp 114-123. (Book)
Gene Anderson
The derivation of the name given to this classical magic effect is unknown. The effect itself, or at least the phenomena surrounding one of the strips used in the effect, was not invented by a magician but rather was discovered by a German mathematician, August Mobius. (1790–1968)...
With contributions from Gene Anderson, ‘Afghan Bands’, 114–116; Francis J. Rigney, ‘A New Twist’, 116–117; ‘Chinese Version’, Louis Bertol, 118–119, Martin Gardner; ‘Martin Gardner on Afghan Bands’, 120–122; Tommy Thompson, ‘Look! No Twist’, and ‘Books on Paper Magic’, p. 144.
https://archive.org/details/NewspaperMagicPart2-GeneAndersonFrancisMarshall/
A nice scholarly treatment on Afghan bands, with good mathematics.
Bio. Gene Anderson (1941–), a chemist by profession, is noted for his award winning newspaper magic. He is best known for his marketed version of the Torn and Restored Newspaper, which was featured by Doug Henning. Magicpedia
Bio. Frances Ireland Marshall (1910–2002) was an accomplished magicienne, specializing in children's shows. Magicpedia
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1971 (1)
Fred DeMuth. THE SIAMESE MATRIMONIAL BANDS. PATTER FOR AFGHAN BANDS. Linking Ring, Vol. 51, No. 12, December 1971, p. 81.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the description of many curious and interesting customs and ceremonies comes to us from distant lands. And in the same degree many of our customs appear equally strange and incomprehensible to the peoples of those lands. A most interesting one comes to us from the far away land of Siam. It is used there to determine the compatability of candidates for matrimony.
"When a couple present themselves to the priest to be married, he hands them a cloth band such as this one. (Take up band number 1.) He directs them to divide the band longitudinally into two as nearly equal parts as possible. The way and manner in which this is done indicates their fitness and congeniality as partners for life.….
On patter.
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos (who mispells DeMuth (as de Muth))
1974 (2)
Will Staar. LET'S ALL BUCKLE UP! Linking Ring, Vol. 54, No. 11, November 1974, pp. 68–69. Illustrated
Effect: The cloth Afghan bands, sold by dealers is used to teach the importance of using seat belts in cars. (Instructions to make up the bands are found on page 860 of Greater Magic by Hilliard. Also in the Tarbell Course)
Presentation: "How many of you use the seat belts in your car when you go anywhere? I have a band of cloth to represent a seat belt. If we tear it in half, we will have two belts - one for you and one for another friend or member of your family. If we take this one and tear it, we now have two belts linked together - your mother and father have fastened their safety belts. And when we take the last piece and tear it, we now have a larger belt which takes in all the members of your family." (As you patter you tear the cloth, thus forming the various pieces).
Additional Patter Ideas: "Cars today must, by law, be equipped with seat belts, but less than 40% of all drivers use them. These belts are to keep one from being thrown into the dashboard or windshield, or being thrown out of the car in case of an accident. The Safety Council states that..
Bio. Wilton S. Clements (1898–1985), known as Wil Staar, was very active in the I.B.M. Magicpedia
Source: Conjuring Arts
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1977 (2)
Martin Gardner. Mathematical Magic Show. First published the US by Alfred A. Knopf, 1977.
Also Viking, 1984. Chapter 9, pp. 123–136. (My copy) See p. 126.
Also Mathematical Association of America, Washington, D.C. 1989 (Prevos).
In my Dover paperback Mathematics, Magic, and Mystery, I explain how magicians have exploited these properties in an old cloth-tearing trick called “the Afghan bands.”
This is the only Afghan band discussion in the book
Source: Internet Archive
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
1978 (1)
The Linking Ring, Vol 58, Issue 1, December 1978, p. 81.
NEWSPAPER MAGIC, 1968, by Gene Anderson and Frances I. Marshall. There are many, many effects, stunts, folds, gags and puzzles in this category. I will include just one classic here because of its strong entertainment potential for large audiences, whether of children or adults.
Afghan Bands. If a paper strip is given a twist before its ends are pasted together, the resulting band forms a structure known to topologists as "Moebius surface." It has only one side and one edge, and cutting it in half lengthwise will produce one large band instead of two. If the cut is begun a third of the way from an edge, the scissors will travel twice around the band instead of once and the result will be one large band with a small band linked through it. If the strip is given two twists before the ends are pasted, cutting the band in half results in two interlocked rings of the same size. A thrice-twisted band cut in half forms a single band tied in a knot.
The cutting of bands with one and two twists is described in many recrea tional works of the late nineteenth century. Professor Hoffman called them "Afghan bands" in his LATER MAGIC, 1904, but the origin of this name remains a mystery.
An entertaining presentation of the trick, suggested by Phil Foxwell, is as follows. Prepare three bands from three strips of wrapping paper, each strip about eight inches wide and 12 feet long. One band has no twists, one has one twist, and the remaining band has two. Because of the large size of the bands, the twists are not noticeable.
Select two spectators and hand them each a band (giving them the twisted ones) and a pair of scissors. On command of "Go," each begins to cut. The first to cut his band into "two separate rings" wins a five dollar bill. Illustrate what you mean by cutting the unprepared band and showing the separate rings which result. Of course, neither spectator wins. One produces a single large ring and the other finds himself holding two rings that are interlocked.
Comment: Those who feel they already know the Afghan Bands and are wont to skip over the foregoing description may want to reconsider that decision. Martin Gardner can get more exposition into fewer words than most anyone, and it is extremely difficult to improve upon the descriptions even when the ability to be more verbose.
Entertainers will see the comedic possibilities of pitting boys against girls, men against women, the younger versus the older, faculty against students, etc. Noise makers, cheer leaders, ridiculous prizes all add to the fun.
The Afghan band/Möbius strip association is made.
Source: Conjuring Arts
1997 (1)
Jim Steinmeyer. ‘The One-Man Band’. Magic, September 1997, pp. 71–73.
The "Afghan Bands" began with the fascinating twists and turns of the Möbius strip, a topological wonder. In the early years of this century, there was fervid activity towards improving and perfecting the trick as a piece of stand-up magic. Carl Brerna, Ellis Stanyon andJames Wobensmith brought notable variations to the effect, and it wasa "standard" by the time John Northern Hilliard devoted an important chapter to the effect in Greater Magic. Another wonderful summary of the effect, including the latest variations, can be found in Gene Anderson's and Frances Marshall's Newspaper Magic….
Bio Jim Steinmeyer is an American author, inventor, and designer of magical illusions and theatrical special effects. He holds four US patents in the field of illusion apparatus, including a modern version of the Pepper's Ghost illusion. Wikipedia
A nice treatment in explaining the trick. Of note is that the association with topology is clearly made, something that is rare.
Source: Conjuring Arts
2006 (1)
Clifford A. Pickover.The Möbius Strip: Dr. August Möbius's marvelous band in mathematics, games, literature, art, technology, and cosmology. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press, 2006.
Afghan bands p. 3. …Today, magicians often call this stunt the Afghan Bands trick, although I am not sure where the name originates. The trick, performed under this name, dates back to around 1904….Carl Brema…James A. Nelson…
A basic introduction to the Afghan Bands, recycling what is given in the literature.
Quoted by: Peter Prevos
Page Created 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.
The study stopped at 1925 due to the sheer extent of the entries. Upon request, I will continue, perhaps as another page. For such a niche page, I want to judge the interest before embarking on a time-consuming compilation.
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