This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/12/2020
Nixon Checker Cabinet (Vari-Colored Checker Cabinet). Chicago [?]: W.J. “Doc” Nixon, ca. 1925. Sturdy wooden cabinet with two curtains at front, finished in bright gold. Accompanied by plush-covered cylinder bearing a turned wooden top. A stack of checkers and a glass tumbler transpose locations at the command of the magician. With instructions. 17 ½ x 15 x 7”. Paint flaking, sliding compartments a bit slow, else very good. Rare. Nixon’s version of the Checker Cabinet effect popularized by Thayer and Okito, with purple curtains in the place of wooden doors, and including the appearance of water and goldfish in the tumbler placed in the cabinet, an interesting touch and refinement. Nixon claimed inspiration from the standard Tea Caddy prop as explained in Hoffmann’s Modern Magic, though it is more likely he was inspired by Okito, whose entire act (name, props, and all) he purchased and performed. Later, Paul Fox would improve the Nixon design significantly. Nixon’s complete routine is described in his famous Nixon Manuscript.