H. Adrian Smith Magic Objects collection (Ms.2011.001.objects)

The Smith Magic Objects Collection offers a rare look into the life of a practicing magician. The collection contains a number of the objects and props employed in Smith’s performances, most of which are in good condition. Additionally, the collection contains a number of objects belonging to other prominent magicians that were collected by Smith during his lifetime, including items that were previously owned by Howard Thurston and Harry Kellar. Many of the magic tricks include detailed instructions, and some are still in their original packaging. Others appear to be homemade. A practitioner of close-up magic, Smith owned a number of decks of cards, props for sleight of hand tricks, and silk cloths. He also owned a number of wands, constructed for various purposes from different materials.

Of particular interest are the various awards and commemorative objects in the collection. Although not remembered as a famous magician, Smith made a name for himself in his own right. He was one of the few people to ever achieve the presidency of both the International Brotherhood of Magicians and of the Society of American Magicians. He was also a member of a number of smaller organizations pertaining to magic and magic collecting. His collection contains a number of medals, trophies, and buttons, representing these affiliations, most of them dated with reference to the conference at which they were obtained. The collection also contains a number of decorative objects of a magical nature. There are a number of porcelain statuettes featuring rabbits and magicians, as well as several decorative boxes and two heavy mugs carved to resemble skulls. There are also several objects that appear to be innocuous, but contain hidden abilities; one, a bronze statue of a french conjuror, has moveable pieces, enabling the conjuror to actually “perform” his trick. This magician appears several times within the collection, once as a trophy, and another time on a holiday card.

Of special significance is the Keller head, a large, delicate prop used in the famous “Blue Room” illusion by Harry Keller. The head is a remarkable likeness of the magician’s own, and was used to allow him to move to another area of the trick while appearing to remain in the same place. Its presence in this collection is remarkable; it is a valuable piece of magic history.

The objects in this series fall into a number of categories, but most pertain to magic tricks and were used in performances. There are a number of props and small tricks with instructions for close-up magic, including decks of cards, coins, and various balls. There are also a number of wands of various sizes and materials, some commemorative. Other objects in the series include magical memorabilia, various items that represent magicians or certain tricks that were not used in performances. Many more items appear unrelated to magic, but have been maintained because their significance is not apparent. These include several cribbage boards because Smith was a avid cribbage player. Several items once belonged to prominent magicians, and were acquired by Smith for his personal collection of memorabilia.

Series 1: Props, Supplies, Tricks. The first subseries contains props, supplies, and tricks. All items that would have been part of a performance are included in this. Included are various tubes and bottles used for vanishing, eggs, chalkboards, scarves, and other assorted items.

Series 2: Wands. The second subseries contains the various wands found in the collection.

Series 3: Coins, Medals, Jewelry. The third subseries contains coins, medal, and jewelry. A number of the coins were not used in magic, but reflect his interest in coins. The medals are from various magicians’ organizations in recognition of Smith’s membership and contributions. The jewelry includes pins featuring magical subjects, such as a rabbit in a hat.

Series 4: Games and Cards. This subseries contains cribbage boards and other games found in the collection. It also contains a number of decks of cards, including several trick decks used in performances.

Series 5: Memorabilia. This contains memorabilia, including mostly photos, trophies, and letters.

Series 6: Objects. This includes various objects found in the collection that were collected by Smith. Many are related in some way to magic.