Mortimer, W. Golden. MortimerÕs Mysteries. Chicago,

Mortimer, W. Golden. Mortimer’s Mysteries. Chicago, J.M.W. Jones S&P Co., ca. 1880. Panel-size (9 ½ x 27 ¼”) color lithograph bearing a full-length portrait of Mortimer with a wand in his hand and a devil in the background. Margins trimmed and laid down, wear and tears visible. B-. The only known example of this poster. Mortimer hailed from New York, and began his career on stage in 1873 or 1874. He imitated the act of the Davenport Brothers, initially working with a partner before striking out on his own with his “Mortimer’s Mysteries” show. In 1902, having retired from the stage and now operating a successful medical practice in Manhattan, he helped found the Society of American Magicians. He served as the organization’s first president from 1902 – 1905.