Carl Bremer’s patent for his improved version of the Break-apart Fan effect was issued in 1922. The basic idea had been established in Professor Hoffmann’s day, but Bremer (who was a magic dealer under the name of Brema), had worked out a clever system of bent metal and fabric, which was used to make most of the American-style fans in the 20th century. Sometimes performed as a cut-apart and restored fan, it became popular as a trick to use on kid assistants—as if they accidentally broke it.
Image courtesy of Jim Steinmeyer