Salon de Magie: The Klosterman Collection Part II

Blackstone, Harry (Henry Boughton). Blackstone’s Traveling Garter Trick. Circa 1945. A sequined garter, placed in a long blue velvet-covered box, vanished from its interior only to visibly reappear on the thigh of Blackstone’s assistant who assisted him in the performance of the effect. Includes box, tray, and garters. Tray 16 x 10”. Accompanied by letters of provenance, including one from former Blackstone assistant Nick Ruggiero. A memorable “in one” effect from the Blackstone show that crisscrossed the United States for decades. While Blackstone’s show was a stage-filling spectacle made up of large-scale illusions and production numbers, it was arguably the presentation of small effects like the Garter Trick (along with trademarks like the Vanishing Birdcage and Floating Lightbulb) that made the biggest impression on audiences, as they best showcased the personality and warmth of the show’s star. After Mary Harris performed the Garter trick with “Mr. B” during her tenure with the show, the trick was performed by Adele Friel Rhindress, another member of the company who toured with it for two seasons, and also played the role of Blackstone’s “elusive moth.” A photograph of the trick in performance is being offered as lot 162 in this catalog.