Magic Collection of Rudiger Deutsch: Part 1

[Williams, Oswald] Oswald Williams Bottle, Barber Pole, and Candlestick Effect. [England], ca. 1930. Well-constructed set of props that transforms a bottle of “Black & White” whisky into a short barber pole, and then into a white candle on candle stick in quick succession, when covered by a cardboard mailing tube. The tube addressed to Williams at Maskelyne’s, London. Height of bottle 11 ½”. Finely made. Likely unique. Williams, an inventive illusionist, is credited with several now-classic effects, among them the Dizzy Limit and Merry Widow. He was also famous for his “Box of Tricks” routine, in which an entire act was performed from what was, ostensibly, a child’s magic set. He was one of the principal players in the later years of the Maskelyne dynasty, and invented many small tricks and routines for use at St. George’s Hall. The exact use of these props is unknown, but the quality of their construction and the attachment of Williams’ name offer a tantalizing look at his creative mind and a storied time in British magic history.