This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/26/2022
Vernon, Dai (David Frederick Wingfield Verner). Wooden Sculpture of Vernon Performing the Ball and Cone. British, ca. 1960s. Deeply carved half-length sculpture of Vernon performing one of his trademark routines, the Ball and Cone. The ball is held up for view in one hand while the cone rests flat on the palm of the other. 10 x 15 ½ x 14”. Said to be the work of a carver who was employed by Harrod’s department store, and who produced carved walking sticks for the shop, these two sculptures were prominently displayed in Ken Brooke’s well-loved London magic shop for years. After Brooke closed his store, he sold the pair to Klosterman, and imparted the story regarding their history to him, as well. The same carver crafted a sculpture of Buatier de Kolta which was also on exhibit in the shop. Both of these likenesses of Vernon were prominently displayed in the library of the Salon de Magie for decades.