The Public Paperfolding History Project

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The Propellor / Helice
 
This page attempts to record what is known about the origin and history of the design known as the Propellor or Helice, of which there are many variations. 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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The earliest appearance of this design that I know of is in L'Illustration 2608 of 18th February 1893. It was subsequently published Volume 3 of 'La Science Amusante' by Tom Tit (real name Arthur Good), which was also published in 1893.

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The design also appears in 'Winter Nights Entertainments' by R M Abraham, which was first published by Constable and Constable in London in 1932, under the title of 'The Spinning Aeroplane'.

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The extended version of 'El Mundo de Papel' by Dr Nemesio Montero, which was published by G Miranda in Edicions Infancia in Valladolid in 1951, contains a slightly more sophisticated version of the Propellor design under the title 'El Autogiro'.

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'At Home Tonight' by Herbert McKay, which was published by Oxford University Press in London, New York and Toronto in 1940, contains a version of this design made from two paper strips twisted together.

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'Au Pays des Mains Agiles', which was published by Editions Fleurus in Paris in 1949, contains 'L'Autogyre' which is another variant of the Propellor idea

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