$3,000
Maxam Ring Illusion or the Freer Linking Rings. St. Albans Vermont, Winston Freer, ca. 1942. Set of three 6” diameter rings and gimmick that allow the rings to be magically linked together – even though the rings themselves are ungimmicked and unprepared. They can be examined both before and after the performance. No instructions. Very good. Rare. Freer, whose reputation was as something of a mad genius among magicians, first marketed his Maxam Ring Illusion in the 1940s. While the effect of linking solid rings was already ancient by that time, and is one of the oldest known feats of conjuring on record, Freer devised a method never before conceived. Whereas the trick has traditionally been performed with prepared rings, his version allowed them to be examined both before and after the performance, as they were totally without guile. In the years since Freer released the trick, its status has grown to something of a legend – possibly because the equipment is virtually unobtainable, as it did not become a popular favorite. In fact, fewer than 12 examples of Freer’s ingenious yet simple apparatus are now known. The props originally sold for $8.00, and advertising copy that stated no “thread, glue, cellophane, magnetism or exchange” was necessary was entirely true. A signed oath of secrecy was also required by Freer from those who purchased the trick.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2015-04-04
