90: Will Rock/Thurston Glass-Lined Trunk.

Rock, Will (William George Rakauskas). Will Rock/Thurston Glass-Lined Trunk. American, ca. 1930. A humpback trunk resting on short legs and casters is opened and shown it empty. The magician lines each side of the interior with sheets of glass, then closes the trunk and spins it around, showing it from all sides. Despite these "test" conditions, a moment later, on opening the trunk's front door, a girl is seen reposing inside. Original finish likely stripped away by a previous owner and metal strapping a modern replacement. Includes large orange shipping crate numbered 76, significantly worn from professional use and bearing the words "Will Rock/Thurston/Show" stenciled in black on the lid. Trunk measures 40 x 27 x 29". Original finish stripped away and some hardware lacking or replaced. Interior floral-patterned fabric lining intact. Lacks casters and glass sheets, but gimmicked portions of the trunk still in good working condition. In 1938, Will Rock purchased several illusions from Jane Thurston, daughter of Howard Thurston. Later that same year, Rock also purchased a number of props from Thurston's brother, Harry. Rock eventually toured his illusion show under the banner of "Thurston's Mysteries of India, Presented by Will Rock," playing hundreds of American towns. The Thurston illusions made up the bulk of his program. The show closed when Rock entered the army, and never toured again. Later, many of the Will Rock/Thurston illusions were purchased and used by C Read more…