This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023
COPPERFIELD, David. Interactive Illusion from The Magic of David Copperfield XIV Television Special. Being the custom-made props used by Copperfield for an interactive mindreading effect performed through the television screen for millions of at-home viewers of his ABC television special, The Magic of David Copperfield XIV: Flying – Live the Dream, broadcast in 1992. In effect, viewers were asked to choose one of twelve symbols suspended on a sheet of glass positioned close to the camera. Among the choices were images of The Eiffel Tower, The Statue of Liberty, and mountain. Viewers were invited to move about their screens at home, fingers on the glass, from one symbol to another. Then, Copperfield began eliminating symbols one at a time, causing them to fall from the glass as if by magic. Finally, a large pointer was affixed to the glass at the center of the remaining images – simulacrum of a large clock’s hand. The dial then rotated as if guided by a mysterious force, until it pointed to one symbol, a picture of the moon. At Copperfield’s command, the other images remaining on screen fell away, leaving only the moon – the object chosen by the at-home viewers – affixed to the glass. Offered here are fourteen custom-printed and designed symbols (including the twelve objects, one arrow, and one “X” marks the spot), used in the performance of the effect, along with the central oversize arrow, the latter constructed from acrylic with orange overlay (cracked and repaired). The largest symbol approximately 4 ½ x 6 ½”, pointer length 8 ¼”. Only the second screen-used prop from Copperfield’s storied career to come to auction through these rooms, and an important piece of magic history if not television history. Note: This is one of only two items from Copperfield's career that have been offered for sale with the express consent of the Copperfield organization.