The Collectors
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Show & Tell - 1840s Magic Set
Episode 40, Friday 14 November 2008
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The show and tell item was sent in by Lisa of Grafton. It is a German-made 1840s magic set, called “the Conjurer”. It’s in the original box (which is falling apart a bit) and contains multiple tricks, many of which are disappearing illusions involving beautifully carved timber goblets and boxes and balls. There are also card tricks and other favourites.
But when it comes to the matter of value, there’s a modern disappointment. Before the internet these sets were worth up to $1400, but today, with so many web markets, they are flooded … and tonight’s object is worth just $400.
