This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2022
MARO (WALTER TRUMAN BEST). MARO’S TRI-COLOR PLUME TRICK. Circa 1900. The magician produces a large, bright, red plume from a bundle or ribbons or silks. On command, it splits visibly into three plumes – one red, one white ,and one blue. These plumes are placed into a rolled cardboard tube and when removed moments later, have metamorphosed into a single large plume that is red, white, and blue. Includes mechanical plume and second gimmicked plume for finale. Length of latter 17”. Owned and used by Maro, and later owned by Karl Germain. Accompanied by documentation from Stuart Cramer, Germain’s student, explaining the routine and history of the props. This routine is a relic of the Victorian era and is little-known today, though plume trick was made popular by Alexander Herrmann and was regularly featured in his show. The props offered here were purchased by Germain from the widow of Maro, who had used the apparatus in his Chautuqua and Lyceum shows.