This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/2/2020
[Scrapbook] Victorian Scrapbook of Magic, Ventriloquist, and Thought-Reading Programs, Letters, and Ephemera. [London, 1880s]. Tall octavo scrapbook likely gathered by magician and ventriloquist Sidney Oldridge, filled with letterpress programs, handbills, ALSs, business cards, catalogs, newspaper clippings, chapbooks, and other ephemera related to variety entertainments in London in the late Victorian era. Among the conjurers represented are Carl (Compars) Herrmann (program), Charles Bertram (program and advertising card), Aldabert Frikell, an imitation of Maskelyne’s Psycho automaton dubbed “Han-Kee” (two pictorial handbills), Frank and Henri Hiam (pictorial programs), Dr. Lynn (four-page program), Douglas Beaufort (ALS), Verbeck, Hercat; and ALSs, cards, and programs for many lesser-known magicians. Ventriloquists represented include Thomas Lenton, Jarvis LeRoy, Alexander Fox, Edward Longstaffe, and others. A number of musical and concert programs, fireworks shows, dissolving views, cards for “steam round-abouts” (carousels), and catalogs of variety artists, song books, magic lanterns and slides, and lecture bureau literature are also included, as well as a chapbook regarding Blondin, the “Hero of Niagara.” Most contents in good condition, but chipped and worn at extremities as expected. Binding weak and splitting, but intact. A marvelous record of Victorian-era amusements, magic, and ventriloquism. Should be seen.