Blackstone, Harry (Henry Boughton). Cloth Pattern for Blackstone’s “Red Rags” Trick. Circa 1950. Heavy cloth pattern used to make up the Afghan Bands trick Blackstone featured in his magic show. 17” long. Several notations on cloth, one stating “left arm.” Owned and used by Blackstone. Collection of George Hippisley (List No. B1168). Blackstone featured the Afghan Bands – basically a theatrical presentation for the venerable mobius strip puzzle – “in one” before the theater curtain. It was a memorable interlude in the show, not only for its puzzling effect, but because of the riddle-like recitation Blackstone gave when he performed the trick. In fact, theatergoers might have remembered his “why fire engines are red” speech more than the twisted strips of cloth he manipulated and tore.