This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
[THROW OUT CARDS] Five Magicians’ Scaling Cards. American, ca. 1910 – 35. Including four cards picturing magician Howard Thurston on the recto at various stages throughout his career, with various images on the versos, including Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum, Do the Spirits Come Back? (two versions; one in color, the other black-and-white), and one with a portrait of Jane Thurston; and one black-and-white card advertising Will Rock, the illusionist who toured with a portion of Thurston’s show in the 1940s. Each approximately 3 ½ x 2 ½” or smaller. Condition varies from fair to very good. These cards were printed as souvenirs to be tossed to members of the audience from the stage, and this act was a staple of Thurston’s show for years. “Though known in his later years for a huge illusion show (at one time ten railroad baggage cars were needed to transport his props) his reputation was originally made by his skill with cards; card-throwing was a major feature of his act. Like Herrmann, Thurston threw thousands of good luck cards into the outstretched hands of eager fans throughout the country.” (Cards as Weapons.)