from, How To Be A Retronaunt
“Champion Sword Swallower of the World” c.1900
“Edith Clifford (1886-1942) began swallowing swords at the age of 13. Clifford was said to be “generously endowed” and “possessed of more than ordinary personal charms, a refined taste for dressing both herself and her stage, and an unswerving devotion to her art”, and she “perfected an act that found favor in the Royal Courts of Europe”. C
Clifford was said to have swallowed 18 to 20 inch blades without a problem, and a longer blade up to 26 inches long, as well as 10, 16, and up to 24 swords at one time. At around the age of 15, Clifford married 33-year old Thomas Holmes who worked for Barnum and Bailey Circus under the stage name the “Elastic Stretch Man””
