This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2020
Vernon, Dai (David Frederick Wingfield Verner). Dai Vernon’s Harlequin Act “Snowstorm” Fan and Chopsticks. Gilt and lacquered wooden fan with silk accent, used by Dai Vernon for the finale of his Harlequin Act, in which torn squares of dry tissue paper, dipped in a tumbler filled with water, transformed into dry tissue butterflies, which were fanned over the audience in a stage-filling swirl. Spread of fan (open) 22”. Length of sticks (stamped “Made in China”) 12”. Fan in fragile condition, but just holding. Vernon’s handling of the effect employing these props – now so common among magicians as to be virtually passe – is described in his first book for the trade, Select Secrets, published only a few years after it was developed for the Harlequin Act (see lot 359). Vernon used the chop sticks to lift the wet tissue paper from the tumbler before wringing it out and fanning the now dry tissue butterflies over the audience. Since Vernon’s development of the routine, his presentation and technique has become a standard. The fan was a gift to Vernon from Charlie Miller.