This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2022
VANISHING LAMP AND MECHANICAL PULL. Hamburg: Willmann [?], ca. 1890. A burning oil lamp, with a bright cloth shade is covered with a foulard and held between the magician’s hands. The cloth is tossed in the air and is empty – the lamp has vanished completely. Spun metal lamp with brass hardware and elaborate heavy mechanical pull, the latter from the Circus Museum of Sarasota collection. Lamp height 15 ¾”. Shade restored, else very good. Uncommon in this form. The large and elaborate mechanical pull that effects the vanish of the lamp is larger than, and in other ways unlike any other we have encountered; it includes a sturdy network of cloth straps to attach it to the performer’s body, as well as a pressure trigger to activate it and cause the lamp to vanish. If modified, the pull could also vanish a bird cage, ring, or other objects in the magician’s hands.