This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/26/2022
Talking Vase. The Voice from the Great Beyond. Los Angeles: F.G. Thayer, ca. 1917. Thayer’s version of the David Abbott-devised Talking Teakettle, being a green/gold leaf gesso-covered vase from which a ghostly voice emanates, answering questions posed by audience volunteers. Height 17 ½”. Finish worn. Sold with a lengthy and detailed TLS from Thayer to W.W. Durbin regarding the operation of the outfit purchased from Thayer, together with a pencil sketch diagram of the coil required to operate the device, and typewritten directions. Rare. See Salon de Magie, page 282. Thayer’s letter (dated June 20th, 1917) is revealing, stating in part, “These various details regarding size of coils, wire, number of turns etc. etc. is taken from Abbott’s own data on this subject, and which from my own personal experience I am very sure is correct.” Thayer’s letter gives considerable information about the type of wire to use in setting up the effect.