This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2021
[Robert-Houdin] Gimmicked Playing Card Said to be Owned by Robert-Houdin. Vienna [?], 1860s. Gimmicked court card representing both the Jack of Hearts and Jack of Clubs on its recto, and with a printed verso in a repeating pattern of red crescent moons and dots. 3 ½ x 2 1/4". The verso bears the lengthy inked inscription of Les Levante: “This card given to me by Okito in March 1939. Came down to him from his grand father & is was one of the usual hand made cards used by Robert-Houdin. I now present it to Doc Mahendra. June 15, 1939. Levante.”
Note: In all likelihood, Levante conflated Robert-Houdin and Hofzinser, as this card was manufactured in Vienna by the firm of Carl Tietze.