From the Collection

Davenports Magic

Founded in 1898 by Lewis Davenport, Davenport’s Magic is widely regarded as the oldest family-owned magic shop in the world, a distinction recognized by Guinness World Records. From its earliest days, the shop became a gathering place for magicians, offering tricks, books, and apparatus to amateurs and professionals alike.

Over more than a century, Davenport’s served generations of performers and maintained close ties with many of the great names in magic, including Cardini, Robert Harbin, and Paul Daniels. Passed down through successive generations of the Davenport family, the shop remained both a trusted supplier and a social hub within the London magic community.

After occupying several historic London locations, Davenport’s became especially associated with its atmospheric home beneath the Charing Cross Underground Arcade near Trafalgar Square, where it welcomed visitors from around the world until its closure in 2020 due to station redevelopment. Today, Davenport’s legacy endures as a cornerstone of modern conjuring history. Found an error? Let us know.

Davenports Magic Collection

Multiplying Pocket Watches, ca. 1930s

The magician mysteriously produces a number of pocket watches. Set of 10 pocket watches and gimmicked nest holder. Very good condition, uncommon.
Demon Clear Nest of Boxes, ca. 1970s

A vanished watch or ring mysteriously reappears in an acrylic box, securely locked inside two nested wooden boxes. This is a no-assistant model based on the classic Himber design.
Wrist Chopper, ca. 1980s

A classic guillotine illusion in which a fully visible blade slices cleanly through a carrot placed below—yet an arm inserted through the frame emerges completely unharmed. The blade and frame may be opened and examined, heightening the drama.
Cigarette Production Box, ca. 1940s

This clever hardwood box hides a spring-loaded mechanism that secretly delivers cigarettes into the magician’s hand as items are casually dropped inside. Appears empty—yet holds a full load. Measures 8” x 4” x 2.5”, solid construction, and deceptively brilliant.
Lyle's Phantom Clock Dial, ca. [?]

The performer holds a large clear clock dial. He demonstrates that the large single hand rotates easily on the spindle. After or two practice spins to show the clock stops at different number, an hour is freely selected by a member of the audience. The helper is now given the clock hand, places it on the sonly and spins it. When the hand goes to rest it stops at the chosen hour. The effect can be repeated for any hour chosen.
New Break-Away Die Box, ca. 1940s

A solid wooden die vanishes from a well-made cabinet after extended sucker by-play. In this scarce Thayer model, the two compartments may be physically separated from one another, yet the die is still heard “sliding” back and forth inside. Features double doors front and top, a solid 3″ white die and matching shell. Handsome construction and a more modern style seldom encountered. Very good condition.
Double Block Release, ca. [?]

Six solid blocks of various colors are passed for examination and two colors are selected by a spectator. All blocks are returned to a handsome, chest and secured in place by a wood rod.
When the lid is opened, the selected blocks fall freely to the table while the remaining blocks remain locked firmly in place.
Demon Wonder Box, ca. 1960s

Nickel plated box is shown empty and then a number of silks are produced from it. This was a very popular trick first marketed by Davenports in 1934. The inside of the box is stamped with Davenports demon head logo and the registered design # 791997. Size 3 ¼ X 2 ×2”