$650
Martinka/Hornmann Magic Co. direction and vendor scrapbook. Compiled by T. Francis Fritz (Frank Ducrot during his tenures as editor of Mahatma and as proprietor of the Martinka/Hornmann magic shop of Manhattan, this massive clothbound folio-size register includes over 500 printed directions, indexed by category, for magic tricks sold and distributed by the famed emporium. The last several leaves of the book include mailing labels and address labels from vendors that supplied the shop with finished goods and component parts. Among the businesses represented by the printed matter in this book are Otto Maurer, Bamberg Magic & Novelty Co., A. Roterberg, Mysto Magic Co., Arthur Felsman, Yost & Co., Martinka & Co., and dozens more. Laid in are patterns for several items manufactured by or for the firm, including plans for the Aerial Suspension. Disbound but intact, with pages browned and chipping from age; contents pasted down but overall good condition. A unique archive from one of the most storied magic businesses of the 20th century.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2010-05-16
