duck tape?

[Douglas G. Wilson]

>Now I'm starting to believe that "duck tape / duct tape" was originally
>sold only in nine-yard rolls.

Here is the earliest example known to me which MAY refer to the substance
in question:

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_New York Times_, 22 Oct. 1945: p.23:

<<SURPLUS PROPERTY -- / Govt. Agencies & Contractors / TERMINATION
INVENTORY DISPOSAL / [many items] / Cal. .30 Cartridge Bandoleers .... /
Cotton Duck Tape, 1" to 1 1/2" wide, 44,108 yds / M1917 Terne Plate Packing
Case Liners ... / Cal. .30 Brass (70%-30%) Cartridge Cases 28,745 / [many
items]>>

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The tape yardage does not appear to be an exact multiple of 9.

-- Doug Wilson