This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
SCOTT, John. RATIONAL AMUSEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 1797. London, 1797. Letterpress broadside advertising magical apparatus and optical devices of a great variety constructed by and sold by Scott, a leading toy maker of London in the late eighteenth century, who operated “nearly opposite the Adelphi, London,” and including many classic pieces of apparatus, among them, “The Sagacious Swan, A Large Instrument,” “A Machine to Tell Hidden Thoughts,” “The Impenetrable Secret,” “A neat Magic Lantern with Twelve fine Painted Slide variations, complete.” Over fifty different wares are offered, and below the pricelist, Scott also describes “Superfine Water Colors” and dyeing agents he can also offer for sale. One sheet, 12¼ × 7½", with losses at old central fold and two chips in margins, with only minor loss of text. RARE AND HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT; this is the earliest known English catalog/price list we have been able to trace for the sale of conjuring apparatus as it predates the Crambrook catalog by over four decades. EARLIEST KNOWN ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE SALE OF CONJURING APPARATUS. The prefatory text leading up to Scott’s list of wares explains his reasoning for, “establish[ing] a little manufactory for these amusing articles in Saxony, having collected at considerable expense, a few machinists used to the works, and of which, for the present, the following are offered for sale, each accompanied by printed instruction, being well adapted for every age and sex, for fire-side amusements and innocent family recreation.” According to more text on the broadside, “many books have been written, explaining how a variety of entertaining matters may be prepared, few of which are remarkable for anything but the difficulty of being understood… .” Though remarkable for its rarity and apparently being the first example in English known regarding the manufacture and sale of conjuring apparatus, even more remarkable is one further phrase Scott turns in the lowermost paragraphs of the broadside, which has been echoed by magic dealers in the ensuing centuries: “The nobility and gentry are humbly requested to alight, as the amusements cannot be explained at the door of a carriage. Nor can these goods be exchanged after sold and delivered.” In the parlance of modern times, the phrase has been turned more succinctly as, “When the trick is sold, the trick is told.”