This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/2/2020
Chung Ling Soo (William Ellsworth Robinson). Chung Ling Soo’s Costume Wig/Headpiece. Circa 1915. The only known wig with attached braided pigtail worn by the “Chinese” conjurer Chung Ling Soo, one of the best-known and most successful magicians of the Edwardian era. Comprised of a reinforced flesh color cloth skullcap with attached human hair terminating in a braided queue some 33” long. Obtained by Irish magician Billy McComb from fellow performer Eric Mason (who performed as The Great Masoni), who obtained the wig at the sale of Soo’s personal property in Barnes in 1920, after Soo’s tragic on-stage death. A LOA from McComb regarding the wig is included with the item. McComb obtained two of Soo’s wigs from Mason, including this example. The other was of a more Western hairstyle, and without the braid. In nearly every poster, postcard, or publicity photo depicting Soo, his queue is visible. McComb starred as Soo in a television film about the faux Chinese magician’s life, and for years after, was associated with his remarkable career and tragic death. This wig was gifted to John Fisher by Billy McComb.