bubble wand: Gem Bubbler

D.C. Beard's 1882 book, "The American Boys Handy Book: What to do and How to do it," included a chapter on "Novelties in Soap-Bubbles." Beard noted that bubbles are "such a common, every-day sight to us that we seldom give much attention or realize how wonderful and beautiful is this fragile, transparent, liquid globe. Its spherical form is typical of perfection, and the ever-changing, prismatic colors of its iridescent surface charm the eye." He further explains that soap-bubble parties are becoming quite fashionable. These parties often included a fancy punch bowl filled with soapsuds, clay bubble pipes, and prizes. Beard provides boys with tips for bubble-blowing that will amuse fellow party-goers. The Gem Bubbler came with instructions on how to blow a bubble within a bubble.