Select Secrets: Rare & Important Magicana

T. Downes Magic Set. London, ca. 1880. Fine and elaborate early British conjuring set filled with turned wooden tricks, miniature cards, and brass apparatus for a wide range of classic effects. Included are large and well-made marble and ball vases, a large boxwood Skittle trick, magic wand, puzzle barrels, a Divination Bottle, coin boxes, a Devil’s Coin Bank, Cap and Pence with swiveling stack, and more. Instruction sheet describes methods for four or five effects and identifies the manufacturer. Plain paper box 13 ½ x 8 ½ x 2 ¼” well preserved. Lid of one trick lacking, a few elements possibly added later, and internal wear to paper compartments, but overall an exceedingly handsome and well-preserved magic set of the Victorian era.