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Thornton Windlass (Card Rising Reel). New Britain: Thornton Laboratories, ca. 1920.
Metal utility reel devised for the Rising Cards and other magical effects. Constructed with a double-spring mechanism for use in producing movements and other effects at a distance. Measures 2 ¾” in diameter. Retains a substantial length of thread, though less than the 40 feet originally supplied. Shows wear from age and use; good working condition.
Handkerchief Pedestal. Berlin: Conradi, 1920s.
Nickel-plated pedestal cleverly gimmicked to secretly introduce a silk handkerchief into a tumbler resting atop the stand. The concealed mechanism is manually operated by the performer. A large and substantial example of this classic piece of Conradi apparatus. Measures 13 ½” high. Wear to the fabric-covered surface on which the glass rests; otherwise very good condition.
Sesame Drawer Box. Owen Magic Supreme, Azusa, California, ca. 1970.
A large drawer is removed and shown empty, then returned to the cabinet. When withdrawn again, it is filled with a production of the performer’s choosing. The sides and rear of the cabinet open, allowing the interior to be displayed before the production.
Wooden construction finished in Owen’s characteristic red, black, and gold. Measures approximately 11 x 7.5 x 6.5". Shows wear consistent with age and use. Some hinges appear to have been replaced. Good to very good condition.
Jumbo Locking Card Box. Green River, Utah: Bill Adams’ A World of Magic, ca. 1990s.
Handcrafted hardwood locking panel box designed for the production, vanish, or exchange of jumbo playing cards and other objects. The secret panel may be locked into either side of the box, allowing for a variety of routines. Finely constructed with brass hinges and walnut finish. Measures approximately 8 x 5½ x 1¾".
Includes original printed instructions, dated 2001 by hand, with a handwritten note from Bill Adams to the original owner thanking him for his patience and wishing him a great year, together with a cloth storage bag. Near fine condition.
Liquid Appear. E-Z Magic, ca. 1960s.
A small metal canister with lid and an empty drinking glass are displayed. The glass is placed inside the canister and the lid replaced. Almost immediately, the canister is opened and the glass removed, now filled with milk or another liquid. The brightly lacquered red canister is decorated with a rabbit emerging from a top hat. Includes the specially prepared glass, original instructions, and uncommon original E-Z Magic pictorial box with applied “Liquid Appear” label. Box shows age and handling wear; apparatus in very good condition.
Dovette Pan. Owen Magic Supreme, Azusa, California, ca. 2000.
Compact version of Owen’s classic production pan. The pan is shown empty and covered with the domed lid; when the lid is removed, a quantity of small articles has appeared inside. Polished metal construction with black knob and Owen hallmark on bottom. Measures approximately 4 x 5½". Very good condition, free of scratches or dents.
Cut and Restored Ribbon. Haenchen, ca. 1976.
Finely made apparatus for Richard Resor’s cut-and-restored ribbon effect, manufactured by Carl Haenchen with the assistance of Resor. A ribbon is threaded through the decorated stand and its ends initialed by a spectator. The center portion is cut away and vanished, after which the performer visibly restores the ribbon with a pull of the two remaining ends.
Includes the stand, ribbon, necessary accessories, and original instructions. From the Viking Magic Vault, where a limited number of original Haenchen-made examples were later offered. Mint condition.
Large Double Load Pagoda. U.F. Grant and James King, ca. 1970s.
A decorated production cabinet that may be shown empty before producing two separate loads. The front panel opens to reveal the interior, while a second load may subsequently be produced through the top of the cabinet. The apparatus may also be used for transformations.
Wooden construction finished in green and gold with Asian-inspired stencil decoration. Measures approximately 13 x 7 x 8". Shows wear consistent with age and use, including scattered marks and paint loss. Very good condition overall. Includes original instructions.
Coin Fan. Tenyo, Japan, ca. 1970s.
A mechanical folding fan used to produce coins at its tip, whether the fan is displayed open or closed. The coins may be produced individually or in succession.
New old stock, opened for photography. Includes the mechanical fan, extra coin, original box, and instructions. Box retains its original store price sticker and “Made in Japan” sticker. Contents remain unused. Excellent condition.
Five-Shot Lota. Abbott’s Magic, Colon, Michigan, ca. 1950s.
A diminutive version of the classic Lota Bowl, allowing the performer to repeatedly pour liquid from the vessel after it has seemingly been emptied. Advertised by Abbott’s as capable of producing five successive drinks.
Spun brass construction with the rare chrome-plated finish. Measures approximately 3" high. An uncommon example of this Abbott apparatus, particularly in the chrome-plated version. Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition.
Sleeve Production. Janos Bartl, Hamburg, ca. 1930s.
A rectangular production cabinet is displayed empty, the open interior allows the performer’s arm to pass completely through. The cabinet is then placed on the table and a large production is made from within.
Wooden construction with a striking hand-painted geometric design in orange, blue, red, silver, and black. Measures approximately 6.5 x 6.5 x 9.5". Shows wear and paint loss consistent with age and use, otherwise very good condition.
Rattle Box. Azusa: Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 1980s.
Finely made hardwood box for the vanish of a borrowed coin, ring, or other small object. The article is placed inside and can still be heard rattling within the closed box, yet when opened it has mysteriously vanished and may be reproduced elsewhere. Owen catalog no. 1306. New old stock, retaining its original numbered Owen paper wrapper. Hallmarked. As new.
Rod, Ball and Ring Mystery. Ca. 1940s.
A borrowed finger ring vanishes and magically reappears linked to a wooden rod. Finished in black and tan lacquer. Measures approximately 11” long; balls approximately 1 ½” in diameter. Very good condition. No instructions.
Card in Pocketbook, No. 1919. Azusa, California: Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 2000.
A freely selected card is signed and vanished. The performer removes a wallet secured with rubber bands and, from within, a pair of highly polished metal plates likewise bound with bands. The spectator removes the bands and separates the plates to discover the signed card imprisoned between them. Hallmarked. Includes plates and gimmick. No instructions. New old stock.
Dis-Kor-Bal. New Haven: Petrie & Lewis, ca. mid-20th century.
Colorful wooden penetration effect in which four discs are threaded onto a length of rope above a ball. The ends of the rope are passed through holes in a handkerchief and held by spectators, yet beneath its cover the discs mysteriously penetrate the rope and are removed, leaving the ball securely in place. Finished in red, green, yellow, blue, and black lacquer. Includes rope, handkerchief, and photocopied instructions. Very good condition. Uncommon.
Memory Test Card Trick. American, ca. 1940s.
Pocket card effect in which a Deuce and two Threes of Hearts are displayed and placed on the table. When the cards are gathered, one of the Threes apparently changes into the Ace of Hearts. Accomplished with three specially printed cards.
Includes the three cards and original illustrated instruction envelope. Also accompanied by a period “Air Raid Warden” novelty card found inside the envelope, though not believed to have been originally issued with the trick. Light toning and wear from age; very good condition overall.
The Cannibal Cards. Azusa, California: Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 2000.
Macabre novelty card trick devised by Lin Searles in the late 1950s, in which a group of “cannibal” playing cards progressively devours other cards. Owen Magic Supreme’s presentation of Searles’ classic plot, housed in its distinctive illustrated sleeve bearing the slogan “They Eat Things!” Includes the prepared cards, original illustrated sleeve, and original instructions. Very good condition.
On the Spot. Everett Lyda and Ormond McGill, ca. 1953.
Pocket card trick employing specially printed spot cards for a six-effect routine of spelling, prediction, transposition, color divination, and related effects. Includes six red and six black spot cards, twelve cards bearing spots in various colors, three-page typed instructions, and original pictorial advertising envelope. Light toning and age-related wear to the cards and paper components; very good condition overall.
Split Deck. Merv Taylor/Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 2000.
Classic card effect devised by Bob Haskell. Two spectators each select a half-card; when the corresponding halves are brought together, they form a complete matching card. Produced using Fox Lake playing cards. Includes the specially prepared deck and original printed instructions. New old stock.
Millet Bell. Maker unknown, ca. 1910.
A quantity of millet or rice vanishes from one vessel and reappears beneath the bell. Finely turned hardwood construction with a natural finish and red-painted interior.
Measures approximately 4.5" high and 2.375" in diameter at its widest point. Shows light wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition.
Sho-Gun Wallet. London: Jerry O’Connell London/PropDog, contemporary.
Fine leather switching wallet based on the original design of Elbert L. Gardner and produced by Jerry O’Connell London and PropDog under authorization from Gardner. The cleverly constructed wallet permits a variety of changes, switches, productions, and predictions while retaining the appearance of an ordinary billfold.
Handcrafted in black leather and embossed with the Jerry O’Connell London mark. Includes original presentation box and QR-code instructions. As new.
Non-Geometrical Disks. Chicago: B. L. Gilbert Co., ca. 1940s.
Optical illusion consisting of three circular disks which, when arranged according to the supplied directions, create the appearance that the distances between them are unequal despite measuring the same. Includes three pale green disks, printed instruction card, and original titled envelope. Envelope and instructions toned with light age-related wear; disks very good. An unusual Gilbert pocket novelty, complete with its original packaging.
Penetration Frame. Chicago: Royal Magic/Fun, Inc., ca. 1970s.
Classic close-up penetration effect. Playing or business cards are placed on either side of the frame, completely covering its solid transparent center. A borrowed pencil is then pushed directly through the cards and center; when the cards are removed, they are pierced while the plastic remains unharmed. The frame may be examined before and after the effect. Includes the original illustrated box and instructions. Box shows wear from age and storage; apparatus in very good condition.
The Tarbell Course in Magic. Chicago: Tarbell System, Incorporated, 1927.
Complete file of Harlan Tarbell’s celebrated mail-order course in magic, comprising Lessons 1–60 and the index, extensively illustrated throughout. The individual lessons are gathered between the original cloth covers and secured with the cord binding. A scarce complete example of the original correspondence course that would later form the basis of the Tarbell Course in Magic books. Covers show expected wear and pages are toned from age; very good condition. Scarce.
Thayer Quality Magic Catalogue No. 6. Los Angeles: Thayer Manufacturing Company, 1925.
Substantial 240-page catalogue illustrating and describing Thayer’s extensive line of magic apparatus, stage illusions, card effects, and conjuring accessories. Bound in pictorial wrappers featuring the firm’s distinctive Egyptian-themed artwork and trademark. Covers show light wear and soiling, with small edge tears and a penciled price notation to the front; contents not examined for completeness. A desirable trade catalogue from one of America’s foremost manufacturers of fine magic apparatus.
Card Magic of Le Paul. New York: Louis Tannen, ca. 1959. Third edition.
One of the classic texts of card magic by Paul Le Paul, detailing his influential techniques and routines with playing cards. Illustrated throughout, 219 pages. Bound in blue cloth with gilt titles to the front board and spine. No dust jacket. Very good condition.
[SMITH, Leslie C.] The Auction of Master Craftsman and Collector Leslie C. Smith. 2009.
Illustrated catalogue produced for the June 28, 2009 auction of the personal collection of Leslie C. Smith, longtime owner and master craftsman of Owen Magic Supreme. Held at Owen Magic Supreme in Azusa, California, the sale documented Smith’s extensive collection of magic apparatus, books, posters, and related material assembled over a lifetime in magic.
Limited edition of 500 numbered copies, this being no. 118, signed by Gertrude Smith and Alan Zagorsky. 77 pages, extensively illustrated in color. Apparatus text by Zagorsky; book text by Byron Walker. An important record of the Smith collection and a desirable piece of Owen Magic Supreme history. Very good condition.
25 Rice Bowl Methods. Winston H. Freer, ca. 1950s.
Original mimeographed booklet by magician and inventor Winston H. Freer devoted to twenty-five methods and variations for the classic Rice Bowls. Includes Freer’s “Maxam” Glass Bean Bowls Routine on page 10, reflecting his inventive approach to the possibilities of a familiar effect.
Freer, who also performed under the name Doc Maxam, was an inventive and influential figure in twentieth-century American magic, known for developing unusual effects, methods, and apparatus.
Mimeographed sheets in stapled wrappers, with the original $2.00 price printed on the cover. Wrappers toned with age, with minor spotting and wear as shown. An uncommon Freer publication.
Adelaide Herrmann Theatre Program. Boston: B.F. Keith’s Theatre, 1919.
Original vaudeville program featuring Adelaide Herrmann, billed as the “Widow of the famous ‘Herrmann the Great,’” presenting “A New Series of Mystery Problems.” Herrmann appears as part of a multi-act vaudeville bill. Pictorial wrappers depicting the B.F. Keith Theatre. 8vo.
Pages browned with age, with scattered edge wear and minor chipping; wrappers show light soiling and handling wear. Very good overall for a period theatrical program.
Wallace the Magician Metamorphic Christmas Card. Durham, North Carolina, ca. 1950.
Uncommon Christmas card issued by Wallace Lee (1892–1969), the Durham magician and author of Math Miracles. The color-printed card incorporates a clever folding metamorphic design, transforming the illustrated duck into a rabbit when opened. The interior bears a second view of the transformation, Lee’s portrait, and his Durham, North Carolina address. Very fine condition.
Magic. Barrows Mussey. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co., 1942.
Illustrated introduction to the art of magic, covering tricks and techniques with cards, coins, handkerchiefs, ropes, rings, mental effects, and other classic conjuring material. Illustrated with photographs by Margaret Hawthorn. Red cloth boards decorated in black, with original pictorial dust jacket. 83 pages. Dust jacket shows considerable edge wear, chipping, and creasing; cloth with scattered wear, particularly along the spine. A good copy in the original dust jacket.
Richie Magic Signed Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Feature. 2010.
Printed Ripley’s Believe It or Not! feature depicting magician Richie Magic of Scarsdale, New York, commemorating his feat of extinguishing 200 lit cigarettes in his mouth in 6 minutes, 37 seconds on August 29, 2009. Signed and dated by Richie Magic in silver ink, “Richie Magic 2010,” above his portrait. Magic was a professional magician and later served as president of the Society of American Magicians’ historic Parent Assembly No. 1 in New York. An unusual piece of signed magic ephemera documenting one of his best-known performance feats. 8 ½ x 11”. Very good condition.
Magic, Inc. Ephemera Collection. Chicago, ca. 1960s–90s.
Collection of 28 pieces of ephemera issued or distributed by Magic, Inc., including trick and routine manuscripts, instructional booklets, catalogs, advertisements, and related printed material. Subjects encompass close-up, card, stage, and general magic. Various formats and sizes. Condition varies, with expected toning and handling wear from age and use. A substantial group of printed material from the longstanding Chicago magic dealer and publisher.
Leroy’s Mammoth Pictorial 20th Century Up-to-Date Illustrated Catalogue. W. D. LeRoy, Boston School of Magic, Boston, ca. 1900s–1910s.
Extensively illustrated catalogue of conjuring apparatus, illusions, books, puzzles, novelties, and related goods offered by W. D. LeRoy’s Boston School of Magic. 213 pages, with several inserted portraits of prominent magicians. Of particular note is a tinted portrait of Harry Houdini; the other inserted portraits are printed on white paper.
Original pictorial wrappers. Light rubbing and wear, with creasing and light sunning to the spine and occasional minor wear and creasing to the contents. Very good condition overall.
Herrmann the Great Theatre Program. Newark, New Jersey: Proctor’s Theatre, 1904. Original vaudeville program featuring a half-page “Coming Soon” advertisement for Herrmann the Great (Leon Herrmann) and Eugene Sandow, together with numerous other forthcoming attractions. Illustrated wrappers advertising Proctor’s Theatre and its Newark and New York locations. 8vo.
Pages browned and brittle with age, with chipping and losses along the edges and spine, most noticeably at the lower left corner. Pencil notation to front wrapper. A scarce piece of period theatrical ephemera advertising Herrmann during the later years of his career.
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From The Magic Shop
Jumbo Slat Card Frame. Owen Brothers, ca. 1940s
An open slat frame is shown with a jumbo size card showing through the openings. On command the card instantly disappears or if desired, a card may be changed by simply passing it through the frame. Measures approx. 8” x 5 ¼. Minor wear to finish, otherwise in very good condition. Original instructions included.
Merv Taylor, ca. 1959
Merv Taylor’s Por-Mor/Fil-Mor set is a rare and ingenious liquid measure effect. The slender Por-Mor vessel, despite its deceptively small profile, is able to completely fill the companion Fil-Mor glass—a hefty 22-ounce malt glass—seemingly defying logic.
Introduced in the late 1950s, this clever combination quickly became a favorite among working professionals for its practicality and surprise factor, and today stands as one of Taylor’s more seldom-seen creations.
Finely machined in metal and glass, reflecting Taylor’s reputation for precision craftsmanship.Merv Taylor hallmark on Por-Mor. Includes original box (damaged). Apparatus in excellent condition.
Tambor. Merv Taylor, ca. 1950s.
From Ken Klosterman’s renowned Salon de Magie (inventory no. K1924).
A classic production device in which an abundance of silks appears from two metal rings, previously shown empty and capped with tissue. Constructed in brass and copper and hallmarked by the maker. Measures 10” in diameter. Minor age wear. With original box. Very good condition.
ABC Blocks, Owen Magic Supreme.
A colorful block disappears from a stack only to reappear in a borrowed hat or other container. One of the less common designs from Owen Magic. Wear from age, very good condition overall.
Davenport Cabinet. Circa 1875
A coin or small object inserted into the cabinet's drawer vanishes when the drawer is reopened. Unusual version with closed bottom of the outer case. Hardwood construction with ivory-like knob. Early example. Height 4".
Chop Chop’s Egglass. Al Wheatley, mid-20th century.
Gimmicked stemmed glass for the classic egg on fan style effect using a brandy snifter style glass. Crumpled paper placed in the bowl visibly becomes a real egg, which may be broken into the glass. With original printed instructions. Glass intact; light wear to metal base. Measures 7 inches tall. Very good condition. Uncommon.
Television Frame. Bob Kline, ca. 1950–1959. One of 24 made.
Painted wooden “television” frame with gilt-trimmed viewing window and original base, styled after early portable TV sets. The screen is covered with paper, secured by a wooden retaining ring (present here, and often missing). The covered frame is displayed upright; the paper is then broken, followed by a production of silks from the opening, the frame shown otherwise empty. An uncommon, limited-production piece from Kline. Screen approximately 12” square. Visible wear to paint and finish consistent with age and use. Good condition.
Obedio Ball. Los Angeles: F.G. Thayer [?], ca. 1930s to 1940s.
A clever Thayer control effect. A black ball travels along a length of cord, stopping and releasing at the performer’s command. Ball measures approximately 3 ¼” in diameter, threaded on cord with metal rings. Smooth, responsive internal mechanism. Light wear with minor scuffing consistent with age. Very good condition. A scarce item, seldom encountered.
Karson Two-Hole Wrist Chopper. Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 1990s.
Hardwood stocks with fitted metal blade, cut with two circular openings. The blade is shown for examination before use. A spectator places both wrists through the stocks, which are secured; handcuffs may be added. The blade is then driven downward, passing through the wrists. Stocks are opened to show the interior empty; the spectator is unharmed. Wood finish recently restored by Paul Lembo. Includes original ATA case (foam requires replacement). Hallmarked.
Magician’s Side Table. Boston: W.D. LeRoy, ca. 1910
Cast composition metal side table in the familiar stork-leg style associated with W.D. LeRoy. The center rod is supported by four flat metal legs decorated with raised floral motifs and stork figures. As with other known examples, the legs disassemble for easier packing, a feature mentioned in period advertising.
A period endorsement attributed to Harry Kellar reads: “I have traveled all over the world, and must acknowledge they are the handsomest tables I have ever seen.”
Approximately 34” high; top 14 × 12”.
Milson-Worth, ca. 1980s.
A spectator's wrist is unharmed when the blade is pushed through the stocks, but the carrot underneath his hand is chopped in two. Finely made from hardwood with gold finish and pinstriping. Height 15". Some wear to paint and veneer, otherwise in very good and fully operational condition.
Owen Magic Supreme.
Finely finished circus wagon designed for the visible production of a live rabbit. A classic Owen stage piece, beautifully constructed. Measures 16 × 10 × 12 inches. Excellent, near-fine condition with original instructions.
Azusa: Owen Magic Supreme, 2000s
A classic of magic, in which milk poured from a clear 2-quart Lucite pitcher into a paper cone vanishes completely. Constructed of heavy-duty Lucite with a thin, seamless design patterned after the original Merv Taylor model. Height 9¼”. Regarded as one of the finest and most durable versions of this professional utility prop. Minor wear, very good condition overall. Hallmarked.
Imperial Rice, Orange and Checkers. MAK Magic, designed by Jimmy King, 1978.
A large stack of checkers, a quantity of rice, and an orange transpose among three tubes. Minor wear, otherwise in very good condition. Includes faux orange and original instructions. Supply your own rice.
Click here to see a performance by the fabulous Keith Raleigh
The Miracle Glass. D. Robbins & Co., ca. 1940s
A classic vanishing milk effect, devised by John Frank—winner of first prize in liquid magic at the 1947 I.B.M. Convention in Pittsburgh. The effect allows the magician to pour milk (or other liquid) into the glass, only for it to mysteriously vanish at command. Mild toning to the original celluloid insert, otherwise in very good condition. Complete with original container and instructions.
Aquarium. Petrie & Lewis (P&L), ca. 1949
A clever P&L creation: a small rectangular glass aquarium, shown filled with clear water, suddenly and visibly comes to life with swimming goldfish. Finely constructed and hallmarked, Measures 7 ½ x 4 x 6”. A classic of stage and parlor magic, engineered for both durability and elegance. Wear to frame; very good condition overall. Not tested with water.
Cups and Balls. Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 1970
Beautifully polished set of three spun aluminum cups by Owen Magic Supreme, each 3 3/8” high with a 2 1/8” mouth. Owen’s cups are celebrated for their balance, precision, and graceful design.
In the long tradition of the Cups and Balls, Owen’s engineering offered 20th-century magicians a professional-grade apparatus that combined practicality with elegance. Light wear, very good condition.
Eddie Gibson’s Money Blotter. Sold by The Magic Hands (Germany), ca. mid-20th century.
Classic blotter-style money printing effect attributed to Eddie Gibson. A blank piece of paper is placed within the tray, pressed with the brass blotter, and transformed into a genuine banknote. Well-made with gilt-finished tray and brass blotter with decorative knob.
The method is simple, deceptive, and practical in performance. Accommodates any currency that fits the tray.
Complete with mechanical blotter, gimmicked plate, magnet for removal, and original illustrated instructions (German). Light wear consistent with age. Measures 7.5 × 5”. Excellent condition.
Scarce, and rarely encountered complete.
Mini Phantom Tube. Petrie & Lewis, ca. 1930s-1940s
A miniature version of the classic production tube by the New Haven makers. Tissue paper is placed over both ends of the empty tube; the papers are burst, and a silk is produced from within. Measures approximately 3.5 inches high. Includes original box. Wear to the finish consistent with age; overall very good. Uncommon in this size.
Ring of Cinimod (Deluxe Model). P. Cinimod, 1975.
Close-up penetration effect in which a bracelet visibly frees itself from a slotted aluminum block under impossible conditions. Complete with bracelet, block, pin, and gimmick. Original packaging and illustrated instructions included. Box shows light wear; contents very good.
Harries Fingerborgs-trick (Thimble Trick). Sweden: Harries Magic, ca. early–mid 20th century.
“Det bästa Fingerborgstricket” (“The best thimble trick”). Boxed thimble routine billed as a sensation for performance, culminating in the production of eight oversized thimbles in succession—four white wooden and four white-painted metal examples. Complete with original printed carton, production gimmick, and instructions. Box with “Vita” retailer stamp. An unusually well-preserved example, retaining its original wraps and crisp presentation. Light wear from age; contents clean and scarcely handled. Very good to near fine.
Wooden Finger Chopper. Maker Unknown
An unusual and scarce version of the finger chopper. Works like a Clarence Miller model, but has a much nicer design. Includes velvet storage bag. No instructions. Very good condition.
Nest of Boxes, ca. mid-1900s. Edwin A. Dawes Collection
Six circular boxes with matching lids, exquisitely turned in wood. Very good condition. Largest box measures approx. 2 ¼” in diameter, 1 ¼” high . From the collection of Edwin A. Dawes.
Mark Jacobs, 1943
A ribbon penetrates a wood frame at the command of the magician. The original version of this clever penetration invented by Mark Jacobs and built by John Snyder in 1943.
Excellent condition. Includes original instructions (photocopied).
Eddy Taytelbaum, ca. 1970, Holland
One side of a paddle shows the number six, the other side a nine. With a wave, both sides show the sum of the numbers: 15. Two handmade Lucite paddles. Gold paint shows wear.
Steve Dusheck, ca. 1986
The magician asks a spectator to think of a number on a die and place it, number-up, onto a wooden card case. The die is then clenched tightly in their fist. Turning back, the magician removes a set of cards numbered Ace through Six, focuses briefly, then reveals the exact number the spectator had in mind. Rare and hard to find.
Petrie and Lewis Foo Can, ca. 1960s
Liquid is made to vanish and reappear in the beautifully spun can. Very good, near fine condition. Measures approximately 4 3/4”
Flash Houlette. Merv Taylor, 1950s.
A selected card mysteriously rises from the deck after the cards are placed into the clear acrylic houlette. Includes gimmicked deck. Measures 4 ½ x 2 ½ x 1”. In good condition. Hallmarked.
Early Eddy Taytelbaum classic paddle trick hand crafted in wood. Painted wood and red Lucite handle. Measures 6 × 3/4”.
A.C. Gilbert/Mysto, ca. 1930s
From Ken Klosterman’s Salon de Magie. A classic mystery from the early Mysto line. Three painted wooden rockets are presented, each distinctively finished in patriotic colors. A spectator secretly selects one and slides it into the black tube, securing it with the fitted cap. The remaining rockets are concealed in a pocket hidden from view.
Despite the performer’s back being turned, and the chosen rocket completely sealed from view, the magician is able to identify the spectator’s selection.
Wood elements show handling and age-appropriate wear. Very good overall condition. Rockets measure 7” in length. A pleasing example of a seldom-encountered Mysto apparatus.
Includes Ken Klosterman’s inventory number on inside cap.
Color Changing Knife. Enardoe, ca. 1960s [?]
The classic color changing knives effect from Enardoe. Black and white set with blades that unlock by pressing on the blade and tilting the knife to release the pin lock. Includes original box and instructions. Note one end of box is missing and tape has been applied. Wear with age, very good condition overall.
Flash Dice (T-72). Tenyo, ca. 1976
Six dice are dropped into the case and given a shake, yet when the lid lifts, they’ve arranged themselves perfectly from one to six. Original instructions included. Damage to original packaging.
Adelaide Herrmann Photographic Print. Mid-20th Century or Later.
Photographic print depicting Adelaide Herrmann (1853–1932), celebrated as the “Queen of Magic.” Following the death of her husband, Alexander Herrmann, Adelaide continued performing and became one of the most prominent magicians of her era, presenting full evening entertainments and helping to secure a place for women in the history of stage magic.
Shown in a dramatic profile portrait wearing an ornate jeweled headpiece. The image incorporates a facsimile inscription reading, “Yours truly, Adelaide Herrmann.”
Glossy black-and-white photographic print measuring approximately 8 × 10”. Evidence of prior mounting on the reverse, with remnants of adhesive and paper loss. Light wear consistent with age and handling. Good to very good condition overall.
A Magician Among the Spirits: The Original Manuscript. Harry Houdini (Erik Weisz, 1874–1926). Washington, D.C.: Kaufman & Greenberg, 1996.
Facsimile edition reproducing the original typescript of Houdini’s final work exposing fraudulent spirit mediums and spiritualist deception. Illustrated and bound in full black cloth with mounted cover portrait, housed in the original matching slipcase. One of 1,000 copies issued. Book in excellent condition; slipcase with minor wear. An important Houdini reference and desirable addition to collections of Houdiniana and magic history.
Carter the Great — Carter Beats the Devil. Otis Litho Co., Cleveland, ca. 1930.
Color lithograph window card depicting Carter the Great seated at a poker table with the Devil, revealing the winning hand. A classic image associated with Carter. Light creasing and short edge tears. 22 × 14”.
Rauscher the Magician Good Luck Throw-Out Card, ca. 1950s–60s.
Promotional audience giveaway card featuring Rauscher with colorful theatrical imagery on the front and a portrait with “Good Luck” on the reverse. Produced as a souvenir piece for performance audiences. Light wear consistent with age; very good overall.
Stephen Minch. The Vernon Chronicles. Tahoma: L&L, 1987–1996. Four volumes.
Illustrated. Publisher’s cloth with pictorial dust jackets. A complete set of Minch’s landmark work documenting the teachings, routines, and thinking of Dai Vernon. From the personal library of the famed mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, bearing his ownership signature in ink. Near fine.
Goodyear Theatre Program, Thurston, The Master Magician. Week beginning Dec. 31, 1928.
Single-sheet program issued for Howard Thurston, detailing the “Order of Illusions” across three parts, including the Levitation of Princess Karnac, Spirit Cabinet, and The Vanishing Whippet, with cast and staff listings. Toning and light wear consistent with age; minor creasing and small loss at lower corner. Presents well.
Merlin Broadway Window Card. New York: Mark Hellinger Theatre, 1983.
Original window card poster for Merlin, starring Doug Henning, with Chita Rivera. Striking full-color artwork depicting Henning conjuring a glowing sphere, surrounded by imagery from the production. Card stock construction, approx. 14 x 22”. Minor edge wear and light handling; presents well. Very good.
Zingone’s Recorded Card Tricks. New York: Magic Record Co., 1939
A scarce and historically significant instructional set consisting of three 78rpm phonograph records, each capturing Luis Zingone’s celebrated card techniques in his own voice. Issued by the Magic Record Company, this pioneering attempt to teach conjuring through sound recordings was among the earliest audio-based instructional media in magic. Complete with the original cloth-covered case and the printed instructional booklet. Case shows staining; discs exhibit minor wear consistent with age. Overall, very good condition—a rare survival of this fragile medium, and an important artifact from the golden age of recorded magic instruction.
Original Signed Photograph of Carl Ballantine, 1945
Carl Ballantine (1917–2009), born Meyer Kessler, was a seminal figure in 20th-century magic and comedy. Known professionally as “The Great Ballantine”, he is widely credited as the originator of comedy magic—a performance style that intentionally subverted traditional illusions for humorous effect. His vaudeville-inspired act, marked by deliberately flawed tricks and sharp-witted commentary, paved the way for a new genre of performance that would influence generations of magicians and comedians alike.
Dr. Q’s Sight Unseen or the Real Blindfold Eye Act. Thayer Studio of Magic, 1944.
Instructional manuscript, seven stapled pages in the original blue paper wrapper. An uncommon survival in this format.
Collection of Six Throw-Out Cards.
Colon Blackstone Society (August 12, 1977); An Extra Good Joker — Tommy Windsor (Ace of Club Entertainers); Heaney the Magician (Good Luck to You); Melinda, First Lady of Magic; Ernest K. Schieldge, The Magical Humorist; Hormann Magic Co., New York. Good to very good vintage condition.
Midget Bagatelle. Early 20th century, U.S.
Lithographed metal tabletop bagatelle with original scoring graphics, steel balls, and folding wire legs. Printed instructions on the reverse. Light wear consistent with age; displays well.
Sideshow “Four-Eyed Man” Wall-Mount Bottle Opener.
Cast iron novelty bottle opener depicting a classic sideshow four-eyed man. All original, with minor paint loss consistent with age. Designed as a wall mount, using the open mouth to remove bottle caps. Measures approximately 3.5 inches wide.
Modern Hand Shadows: Describing the Real Art of Shadowgraphy.
Max Holden, 1935.Pictorial wrappers. Illustrated. 32 pages. Very good condition
Little Johnny Jones. Chicago: Magic Inc., 1990 (reprint).
Pictorial wrappers. Illustrated. 76 pages. Inscribed by the author to David and Virginia Price. Clean, well-preserved example.
Owen Magic Supreme Catalog with Inserts, 1959
Catalog No. 5, issued in 1959 when Carl Owen was operating from 334 S. San Pedro Street in downtown Los Angeles. A substantial, well-illustrated volume featuring artwork by Nelson Hahne and Roland Hill, complemented by numerous period photographs throughout.
75 pages, measuring approximately 9 × 12 inches. Includes two original insert letters: one announcing Owen’s then-new line of signature magic, and a second offering a special promotion on working plans. Rare to find with original inserts.
New in Our Collection…
Escaping Vampire by Ben Wallace, Wallace Magic Shop, Culver City, California, circa 1946. Featured in Wallace’s 1946 advertisement in Genii magazine, this surviving example represents one of the distinctive illusions produced by the Wallace Magic Shop and later imitated by other makers.
…Offered for Yours
The Magic of Slydini… And More
Originally issued under the title The Magic of Slydini… And More, this scarce first issue was quickly withdrawn following a publishing rights dispute and later reissued as The Best of Slydini… And More. Only about 100 copies were released under the original title. This copy is inscribed by Slydini to Sol Stone, uniting two legendary names in close-up magic.
New & Noteworthy
From The Collector’s Cabinet
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Bullseye Card Trick
Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 2000. A selected card is returned to the deck and placed before the target. With the “fire” of an air gun, the cards scatter and the selection appears in the bullseye. Previously offered by Potter & Potter with its “Our Sample” box from the Owen stockroom.
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![Escaping Vampire. Ben Wallace, ca. 1946]()
Escaping Vampire
Ben Wallace, ca. 1946. A block is placed inside a decorated cabinet and pierced through the center with a wooden stake. Despite the stake passing completely through the cabinet, the block mysteriously escapes.
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![Red Chinese Puzzle. Alan Warner, ca. 2000.]()
Red Chinese Puzzle
Alan Warner, ca. 2000. A finely crafted geometric puzzle in which a completed white puzzle visibly transforms to red, leaving a single space perfectly filled by the red piece left outside the box. Complete with original instructions.
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R. Vernon Cook Comedy Routines
A collection of 17 privately printed comic routines by magician R. Vernon Cook, dating to the 1940s. Obtained directly from Cook by the previous owner, these unusual surviving scripts preserve a little-seen part of his performing repertoire.
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![Card Rising Table. Thayer, ca. 1930.]()
Card Rising Table
Thayer, ca. 1930s. Selected cards rise from a wooden houlette resting on the tabletop while isolated from the performer.
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![20 Best Card Secrets. Mephisto Novelty Company, Los Angeles, 1936.]()
20 Best Card Secrets
Mephisto Novelty Company, 1936. Small-format booklet of card effects using a regular deck. Illustrated paper covers with bold court card design. 56 pages in pocket-sized softcover format.
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![Enchanted Rabbit Hutch. Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 1950s]()
Enchanted Rabbit Hutch
Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 1950s. A classic production apparatus: an open-front cage is shown unmistakably empty, yet in an instant a live rabbit appears within.
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Maro, Prince of Magic
Thayer & Jackson, Chicago, ca. 1905. Window card printed in black, white, and red, featuring an oval full-length portrait of Maro holding a magic wand above the bold "Prince of Magic" title.
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![Chinese Sticks- Silent Mora (Louis McCord), 1953]()
Chinese Sticks
Silent Mora (Louis McCord), 1956. A classic sympathetic-cord illusion in which the cords running through each bamboo stick mysteriously respond to one another. Hand-made and hand-painted by Silent Mora.
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Knife-Er. Abbott's Magic, ca. 1970
A knife is thrown at a young lady standing before a target. The knife visibly passes through her body and lodges in the bull's-eye behind her.
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![Phenix]()
The Phenix
E.J. Moore, ca. [?]. Inspired by Egyptian mythology, the Phenix—the legendary bird said to rise from its own ashes—serves as the basis for this effect. A marked strip of paper is placed on a staff, burned, and instantly restored. Provenance: Andrew Pinard Collection
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![Watch Stand]()
Watch Stand
Ireland Magic, ca. 1930s. A finely engineered mechanical stand designed to facilitate the production or vanish of up to six pocket watches in rapid succession.
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![Bird Box, after Martinka]()
Bird Box
After Martinka & Co., ca. 1890s. A selected card is placed into a finely crafted wooden box, its lid gently closed. Moments later, when reopened, the card has vanished—only to be replaced by a live bird.
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Flyto Cage
Turn-of-the-century magic apparatus featuring a brass cage that vanishes beneath a handkerchief, only to reappear instantly—and in full view—within the open frame of a skeleton stand on the magician’s table.
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Talking Skull, Dawes Collection
Papier-mâché skull mounted on a glass column atop a wooden plinth clicks its jaw in answer to questions, once for “yes” and twice for “no.”
Jumbo Rising Cards Houlette. Los Angeles: Thayer Manufacturing Co., ca. 1930s.
Parlor version of the classic Rising Cards houlette, constructed in hardwood and designed for use with standard jumbo playing cards. The deck is placed within the open-front frame, where selected cards mysteriously rise one at a time. The form closely follows Thayer’s Presto Rising Cards, advertised with a skeleton houlette through which the cards remained plainly visible. An uncommon jumbo-card version; minor wear, very good condition. Houlette only; cards not included.