[CUPS & BALLS]. Frise-Poulet. Circa 1875. Bronze desk set in the shape of a conjurer performing Cups and Balls on a draped, folding table. The magician wears a gibecière, and is surrounded by a trunk, horn, and drum; he holds a ball in one hand and a wand in the other. The conjurer's hat lifts to hold a pen, the trumpet forms a seal, the drum opens to reveal a porcelain-lined inkwell, and the trunk opens to accommodate stamps. When depressed, the small figure on top of the center cup rings a bell. Overall height 8". Joints a bit loose, a few spots of wear. An iconic magic-themed bronze as featured on the cover of Milbourne Christopher's book, The Illustrated History of Magic.