$5,500
[Pistol] Stage pistol used by magicians Imro Fox, Frank Ducrot and Eugene Laurant. This H. Aston Model 1847 percussion pistol was used in the performances of vaudeville and Chautauqua magicians Imro Fox, Frank Ducrot and Eugene Laurant. This pistol took the place of the magician's trademark wand in many instances. Firing it was often the signal for many effects to take place. Significantly worn and tarnished; many contemporary repairs made to underside of the weapon and near the tip of the barrel, ramrod missing. Triggering mechanism functions. Stamped in the brass binding on the pistol's grip are the names "Fox/Ducrot/Laurant." Accompanied by a note in Jay Marshall's hand attesting to its provenance. A unique and historically significant association item. Passed down from one great magician to another, this is a prop drawn from the era in which many magicians made it a practice of, to paraphrase comedy magician Judson Cole, shoot at their tricks.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2010-05-16
