More WW2-themed magic tricks

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In this post, we discover three more examples of war-themed tricks invented by magicians to keep their acts topical for audiences and capture the national mood during World War Two.

Twentieth Century Silks - Victory version

‘Twentieth Century Silks’ was invented in the late 1890s as the new century approached. The effect is generally accepted to have been created by American magician, Theodore Fritz. In it, two large silk handkerchiefs are knotted by one corner. Another silk handkerchief (normally of a different colour) is displayed, before being vanished by the magician. When the two original silks are picked up, the other silk is found to be tied between them.

In this wartime version, the magician has two silk U.S. Stars and Stripes flags. The third silk is a Victory flag (yellow, with a large black ‘V’ printed on it). The two U.S. flags are tied together. The Victory flag is introduced and then vanished (by any number of methods). In a patriotic finish, the Victory flag is found knotted between the two U.S. flags.

Example of a wartime version of ‘Twentieth Century Silks’ trick 
(Source: Author’s collection) 


Private Pat Bonus Genius


Another wartime-themed trick was ‘Private Pat Bonus Genius’. Manufactured and sold by Los Angeles-based magic dealer, Floyd G. Thayer., it first appeared in around 1942. A 7” wooden representation of a doughboy (a popular nickname for a U.S. infantryman) is covered by a khaki ‘tent’. When covered with the tent, the only part of the doughboy visible is his head. With a flourish, the doughboy vanishes from beneath the tent, only to be found in another location (e.g. a nearby top hat previously shown empty).



An example of the ‘Private Pat Bonus Genius’ trick (early 1940s)

(Source: Potter & Potter Auctions) 


The trick was based on ‘Bonus Genius’ from one of the earliest magic books to be published, Hocus Pocus Junior - The Anatomy of Legerdemain, which originally appeared in 1634. It was the first illustrated book in the English language devoted entirely to the subject of magic and possibly the first from the viewpoint of a performing magician.

Extract from Hocus Pocus Junior - The Anatomy of Legerdemain (1658, 5th edition)

(Source: Public domain) 



The New Order

 

‘The New Order’ was manufactured and sold by London-based Lewis Davenport & Co. It was a variation of their ‘Doomed Dictators’ trick, which was another ‘torn and restored’ effect. The magician rips up a poster of the German Swastika and a poster of the Japanese Rising Sun flag. When the ripped papers are restored, they reveal a large poster. 

Original papers from ‘The New Order’ and ‘Doomed Dictators’ trick in The Magic Circle museum
(Source: Author, courtesy of The Magic Circle)

The poster promoted the British government’s ‘Lend to Defend the Right to be Free’ campaign. This was an initiative to encourage British citizens to buy war bonds (a means to generating funds for the war effort). ‘The New Order’ title refers to the concept that victory in the war would bring a new world order, dominated by democracy and freedom.

Instructions for ‘The New Order’ by Lewis Davenport & Co.
(Source: Author’s collection) (Courtesy the Davenport family, with permission) 

Example of a wartime ‘Lend to Defence’ poster issued by the British Government
(Source: Victoria & Albert Museum) 

Research supported by The Good Magic Award from The Good Thinking Society.



*** AVAILABLE NOW ***



The Colditz Conjurer tells the amazing true story of Flight Lieutenant Vincent ‘Bush’ Parker, Battle of Britain pilot and prisoner-of-war magician.

Written by the Magic at War team, The Colditz Conjurer is a remarkable tale of perseverance, courage and cunning in the face of adversity. It features over 55 original photographs and maps. 129 pages.


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