This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2021
Demon Drum. Circa 1900. Vintage Radio King Orchestra Drum hangs between two posts, well away from the performer, yet plays individual beats or drum rolls on command, without any connections to drumsticks or a live player, as if being operated by a ghost. Diameter 14 ½". Clockwork mechanism with batteries; includes keys. Accompanied by a note in an unknown hand calling the prop “The Drum that Plays Itself” and describing its operation. Rare. Said to be part of the fabled Hooker collection, and later part of the magic collection at the Circus Museum of Sarasota. Similar props were manufactured by Bland and Hartz.