$4,200
Cincinnati, Strobridge Litho. , 1914. Color lithographed advertising a transposition illusion from Thurston's show which included a boy, girl, and donkey vanishing and reappearing in several parts of the theater. 28x 38 ". Minor restoration. A-. "[One] reason why Howard Franklin Thurston was the preeminent magician in his era was a willingness to spend whatever amounts of money were necessary to keep the show in top form constantly bringing in new effects. "Balaam and His Donkey" was such an instance. A boy, girl and donkey walked up a short ramp into a curtained cabinet. The donkey balked at first, until Thurston whispered into his ear, and it went right in. All three had disappeared when the curtain was reopened. Instantly an uproar at the back of the theatre revealed the boy and the girl trying to pull the donkey down the aisle. No other magicians, probably would spend the money needed for two sets of twins and two donkeys, their care and transport, for one illusion lasting so brief a moment in time. But [Thurston] could afford it." (John Booth, "Memoirs of a Magician's Ghost," The Linking Ring, V79 N11, Nov. 1999)
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2017-02-04
