Winter Magic Auction

FLOSSO, Al (1895-1976). A group of Coney Island Fakir ephemera. Including: a 3-page type-written article about “Al Flosso, the coney island fakir” (author unknown); an 8-page (on 4 sheets) hand-written article about Flosso (“Flosso By The Sea”; author unknown); several notes written to various people on Flosso’s behalf, on Flosso’s stationery; an autograph note signed by Flosso about tickets; five 8 x 10” black and white photos of Flosso interacting with audience members and others (including Joseph Dunninger; two audience members are children) – two of the photos have photographer’s credits on the verso; a small card of “Mme. Xenia – (mind-reading)” beneath it is written: “Mrs. Al Flosso”; and an advertising pamphlet for “Al Flosso Magical Entertainer and Punch and Judy Artist”. Some general wear, soiling. A good group. A Coney Island legend, Flosso was famous for his “Miser’s Dream” illusion of producing coins out of thin air (with a loud “clang” on a nearby bucket). He made several television appearances, including The Ed Sullivan Show (he was the first magician on that program), and The Steve Allen Show. He also appeared in the Marx Brothers film Monkey Business (1931). He also owned Martinka & Co. (later the Flosso/Hornman Magic Co.), the oldest magic company in the United States (at one point, it was co-owned by Harry Houdini).