Summer Magic Auction

LeRoy, Servais (Jean Henri Servais LeRoy). Servais LeRoy & Co. Illusion Instruction Archive. London, ca. 1912. A trove of typed and manuscript instructions and advertisements for illusions, gimmicks, pocket and parlor tricks sold and manufactured by the Servais LeRoy Company, some in LeRoy’s own hand. Effects described and explained include several LeRoy specialties: The Rabbit and Watch from the Nest of Boxes (see next lot), Decapitation of Rooster & Duck (subtitled “Original effect by Servais LeRoy as performed by Bosco…”), and the Pigeon, Pail & Platform. Tricks of other magicians are also explained, as well: The SLR Magic Bricks (Selbit’s Bricks), [Chung Ling] Soo Water Cylinder, Devant Divining Clock, Box of Cagliostro (“one of the greatest successes of the late Imro Fox.”), and more. Illusions described and/or explained include The SLR Hypnotic Trance Illusion (a sketch), Strange Disappearance, Prisoners Illusion, Well I’m -----!, Aga Levitation, Quick, and the Great Sack Escape. Over 90 pages, including a few printed instruction sheets and typed advertisements, and a SLR Co. mailing envelope. Most on 4to sheets, some explanations running to three or more pages. A unique record of a short-lived but important magic company and the secrets sold by its famous and inventive proprietor. LeRoy owned and operated his eponymously-named magic shop/illusion building/theatrical supply company in London’s Hatton Garden. He partnered with I.F. Halton and Harry Jansen (Dante) in a Chicago-based magic business. LeRoy’s distinctive handwriting is scattered throughout these instructions and notes, correcting errors, alluding to sources for information (“lookup method i.e. Hercat book…”), and suggesting changes. Memorabilia from his short-lived London business is scarce.