CHANIN, Jack (1907 – 97). Archive of Jack Chanin Magic Memo...

CHANIN, Jack (1907 – 97). Archive of Jack Chanin Magic Memorabilia. 1930s - 1990s. Approximately 80 items, including Chanin's membership cards in the I.B.M, Houdini Club of Philadelphia, and other clubs; advertising brochures; advertising novelties (diminishing cards, stage bills, paper tokens, etc.); typed “set lists"; candid photographs of Chanin performing and demonstrating at various magic conventions (10 x 8" and smaller); invitations, convention badges, and tickets to Chanin lectures; postcards; correspondence by and to Chanin from fellow magicians and other parties (including Ken Klosterman); programs, newspaper clippings, and greeting cards. 4to and smaller, with many items SIGNED by the magician. An impressive and diverse grouping.

Chanin was primarily a magic dealer, but was also widely regarded as a gutsy and talented sleight-of-hand artist. The methods he developed relied far more on chutzpah than finger flinging, and he was an acknowledged master of the Three Shell Game, tricks with silks, and most notably, the art of sleeving.