plan 63

Pistol Funnel. British, 1820s/80s. Black-handled antique flintlock pistol with engraved maker name “Williams” and “Chatham” on left and right sides (circa 1820); detachable toleware funnel (circa 1880) colorfully hand-painted in floral motif. The apparatus allows objects placed inside to vanish when the pistol is fired. 16” long. A handsome example.

Nest of Boxes. English, ca. 1870. Eight finely turned lidded boxes which nest tightly, one within the other. A coin or ring borrowed from the audience vanishes, only to reappear in the smallest of the nested containers. Diameter of largest box 3 3/8”. Smallest box crafted from mahogany and lined with green fabric. With Dr. Dawes’ holographic note pasted inside the lid of the largest box, tracing the props to Professor Norris (W. Norris, 1822 – 1904), who operated a conjuring depot and was reportedly an expert wood turner. Rim of outer box chipped and box split, with other chips and wear. Still, an early and exceedingly handsome set of boxes for this classic conjuring trick.

Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art exhibition at Historic Arkansas Museum.

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