This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
FAKIR OF OOLU (Alfred Sylvester, 1831–86). THE GREAT AND ONLY FAKIR OF OOLU. London: Phillips Bros. Steam Printers, (1873). Two-color letterpress broadside heralding an appearance of the Fakir at London’s famed Egyptian Hall, where he will present his version of the Ethereal Suspension entitled “The Last Link Severed.” Contemporary correction in ink at bottom. 22 × 11½". Folds, soiling, and short closed tears; B. Linen backed.
In the Fakir’s version of the illusion, after his assistant was suspended in the air, supported under one arm by a silver column – an effect popularized by Robert-Houdin and now more commonly known as the Broom Suspension (as the canes Robert-Houdin used or, in this instance, the silver columns are most often replaced by brooms), The Fakir removed the final support, and his assistant apparently floated in mid-air.