151: Sensational Talking Skull. Colon MI, Abbott's 1949

Sensational Talking Skull. Colon Michigan, Abbott's Magic Novelty Company, ca. 1949. Mechanically operated papier mache skull which clicks its jaws – once for "yes," twice for "no" – to answer questions from the audience and magician. No instructions. Lacks winding key (easily replaced), otherwise good condition. A poor man's version of Joseffy's famous talking skull, Balsamo, this prop was still expensive, selling for the princely sum of $95 in 1947. Few were sold; fewer have survived.