Select Secrets: Rare & Important Magicana

Platt, John. Johnny Platt’s Own Indian Cups and Balls and Costume. A set of three turned wooden cups lacquered in three colors, together with Tayade-made magic wand, metal loading device, cork balls, and bag. Accompanied by the embroidered white and black robe and fez worn by Platt when performing his version of the venerable Cups and Balls routine, a photo of Platt wearing the robe, and a vintage Platt business card with his Chicago address and a caricature depicting Platt wearing his trademark fez. Owned and used by Johnny Platt. A Chicago stalwart and bar magician of the old school, Platt (1903 – 1990) made a regular feature of the Cups and Balls. While he used traditional sets of metal cups, it was his presentation and use of a “Hindu” version of the feat that made the biggest mark. In later years, he marketed and sold a limited number of these wooden cup sets (with the special balls and loading device) which are, in their own right, coveted collector’s items. Included with this set is a copy of the Tayade instructions, crediting the routining of the trick to Platt.