Please note: this is NOT a reproduction- this is an authentic piece printed in 1877!
Wonderful and authentic antique poster for DeLaMano, a 19th century traveling magician working in America. The poster, from 1877, advertises the wonders of magic performed by DeLaMano as The Wizard of the East and The Autocrat of Magic- the great French magician. Though De La Mano was not French, billing himself as such apparently was an attention-getter! And ironically, "De La Mano" means "of the hand"- in Italian.
Broadsides like this were meant to be disposable items, slapped up on the broad side of buildings in towns just prior to the arrival of the magician, then ripped down after his departure. Thus, such delicate pieces of magic history are rare to find today.
The DeLaMano material was discovered in 1987 by Peter Monticup, the owner of MagicTricks.com. Locked away in a trunk and hidden for over 100 years in the rafters of a barn in upstate New York, these advertising materials provide a rare link to the incredible story of a 19th century traveling magician.Read all about DeLaMano and the amazing discovery of his posters and personal magic items.
This poster was found still carefully wrapped in the original printer's invoice dated 1877.
Size: 9" x 24.5"
Color: grayish white paper, black ink
Condition: very good- never folded. Has age spotting. Looks great framed!