Just to set the record straight: The switch belongs to Alexander DeCova from Germany who originally performed it with a clothes pin. I wish I had a ten pound note for everytime I have told people this over the years.

Best

John

Hey John,

I too have been telling people about DeCova creating this for quite some time.

I lectured in Munich a few years ago and learned about the real history of "Paperclipped" from some local magicians.

Hopefully between us, we can put the record straight!

Speak soon mate.

Iain.

I've always thought that Allan Hayden's Mighty Silver Bulldog is superior. I've seen Allan use it professionally and it's great. It can be used exactly the same way as Paper Clipped, but it's even cleaner in appearance (when the card is removed from the bulldog clip, the clip is seen to be empty).

Someone else invented Paperclipped?
When I first saw it, I thought it was pure genius and that Sankey was the originator. Seriously, a letdown. At the very least, his theatrical context of the performance being a mathematical trick is a powerful addition, I guess, not knowing how deCova handled his -- because the Sankey s****h come on an offbeat, completely hidden in plain view -- in the midst of asking a question about "mathematical probability."

Does Sankey even give credit? I've never watched the Paperclipped credits

It's good - very good. Worth the money for the very detailed explanation on the Mercury Fold alone.
Buy it!

Video:

http://www.sankeymagic.com/detail.aspx?ID=48076

I've heard a bit about this controversy but, honestly, I don't know the facts so I give Jay the benefit of the doubt.

Paperclipped: Special Edition is a great dvd full of awesome applications. This has been a go-to effect for years. I really love it.

Saw Sankey's lecture in Cleveland last Friday. Great lecture and what a NICE guy. I recommend Front Row Sankey. It's great, explains paper clipped, and is I think the only dvd showing him performing live.