The Public Paperfolding History Project

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Last updated 15/2/2024

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The Newspaper Sword
 
This page is being used to collect information about the history of the design known as the Newspaper Sword. Please contact me if you know any of this information is incorrect or if you have any other information that should be added. Thank you.

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1882

As far as I know this design first appears, as the 'Horn' in 'The Kindergarten Guide' by Maria Kraus Boelte and John Kraus, which was first published in single volume form by E. Steiger and Company in New York in 1882.

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The design also appears:

1920

In 'Paper Magic' by Will Blyth, which was first published by C Arthur Pearson in London in 1920, where the effect is presented as a way to make a paper sword.

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1922

In 'Houdini's Paper Magic', which was published by E P Dutton and Company of New York in 1922, where the idea is used as the basis of a magical effect called 'An Effective Finish'

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1931

In 'La Nature' Issue 2853 of 15th March 1931, which contains an article by Albers headed 'Pliages de papier' and subheaded 'L'echelle de bambou' which says, roughly, 'The rolled paper ... is also used in conjuring to produce a candle from a hat. It uses a strip of strong glossy white paper, ten to twelve centimetres wide and several meters long, which has been rolled up, not very tight, and fixed so as not to unwind. In the center of the roll, a five-minute candle match was fixed in a thin metal tube, protruding a little. It is a game, for a prestidigitateur to introduce without being seen this little roll in a hat. At the desired moment, passing a sandpaper over the match, it ignites it, and, drawing the paper through the center by means of the small tube (fig. 4) carrying the match, it lengthens the candle which reaches a length of two meters and seems to come lit from the hat.'

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1939

As 'The Barber's Pole (a two colour version) in 'Fun with Paper' by Joseph Leeming, which was published by Spencer Press Inc in Chicago in 1939.

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