The Magic Collection of John Daniel

[Gimmicks] Over 300 Secret Magicians’ Gimmicks. 1900s – 60s. Large and impressive collection of sub rosa devices crafted by various makers to secretly aid magicians with a variety of tricks. Objects fall into several broad categories, among them cigarette and cigar devices, silk gimmicks, match holders, ball clips and holders, card gimmicks, liquid gimmicks, loading devices, and many more. Makers represented include Mysto, P&L, Abbott’s, Thayer, and dozens more. Among the more unusual objects are various spring-loaded hat loading devices, Abbott’s Sav-A-Drink, various “spiders” used to conceal handkerchiefs, secret ringing devices to create “spirit” sounds including what is presumably the Reilly table rapping device, various hand boxes for producing silks, cigarette loaders, vanishing faux cigars, giant and tiny pull vanishers, table pistons, spring flower clips, and more. At least two unusual holders for fans of cards and complete decks, along with card-in-wallet loading devices are included, as well, along with all standard magic gimmicks from the Buatier pull (of many sizes and styles), to salt pour devices, handkerchief balls, body loading clips, cigarette pulls, and dye tubes in many versions and sizes. Condition varies, many with paint worn from use, but generally very good condition. Many of the Rube Goldbergian devices offered here appear unusual, if not as mere pieces of twisted metal to all but the most carefully trained eyes. Many of the devices are, in fact, little more than twisted bits of metal. But all of them make possible magical effects not possible by sleight-of-hand or by other means. While many common devices are included in the collection, others are perhaps truly rare, as, due to their unusual appearance, gimmicks of this nature are often mistaken for trash by the uninitiated and summarily discarded.