Thayer Manufacturing

Classic hardwood Sand Frame, allowing for the magical production or vanish of playing cards, photographs, or other flat objects inside. Handsomely finished with inlaid design work, brass hinges and latch. The reverse bears the familiar Thayer hallmark. Measures 7 × 6”.

A length of cord is threaded through a pair of decorative wooden pillars and cleanly cut in two. When the pillars are briefly brought together, the cord is magically restored and shown whole once again. Finely lacquered in five colors. Length 18”.

A classic Thayer utility prop, hand-painted with a vivid dragon motif. The clever construction allows for a variety of effects to be accomplished. Made of wood and finished in rich colors characteristic of Thayer’s artistry. Measures 5 ¼ × 7 × 3”. Very good condition.

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.

Collapsible barber pole with turned wooden tip, designed for production from an apparently empty hat, tube, or other container. A classic stage spectacle once favored by Al Flosso and many contemporaries. Extends to over 6 feet; collapses to just 7¼″ for convenient concealment.

A round red glass lota bowl refills itself repeatedly each time it is emptied.

A classic Thayer escape apparatus: a set of wooden wrist stocks secured by a sturdy metal hasp. Once the wrists are locked in place, spectators may examine the device to their satisfaction—yet the magician can free himself with ease, in full view, without visible manipulation.

One of six different napkins is chosen by selecting a bead of a corresponding color from an abacus-like device on the table. This napkin vanishes from the rest and appears inside a stacked set of brightly colored wooden napkin rings. Copy of original instructions. A scarce Thayer-made prop, invented by Charles Waller of Australia.

A finely turned wooden pedestal fitted with a concealed mechanism that causes the glass atop it to rotate silently. Classic Thayer construction—elegant, functional, and deceptively simple in appearance. Accompanied by a Holmes Mirror Glass, likely original to the piece. Stand measures 8” in diameter. Hallmarked

A small solid wooden die vanishes from a mahogany four-door cabinet with brass fittings following a playful back-and-forth between magician and audience. Includes a sliding sound effect. Comes complete with solid die and matching shell. An especially rare example in this compact size with the Thayer hallmark. Measures 5.75 x 2.75.

From the estate of Max Maven. Precision-crafted set of mechanical slates on which apparent “spirit messages” appear. Hardwood construction, bound with red felt. Locking gimmick. Binding worn, one slate with crack.

A classic piece from Thayer. A large black die vanishes from within the mahogany box after much byplay.

Objects placed into the canister vanish in an instant—only to be transformed into a birdcage, now filled with a live bird fluttering inside. A striking and visual effect that never fails to astonish. Stands 12” tall. Wear and paint chipping consistent with age, but overall in good condition.

A compact cabinet from which silks or other small items can be produced—despite being unmistakably shown empty. This version features the less-common Buddha stencil design, framed by black borders, gold trim, and crackle finish. Measures approximately 6 ½ x 5 x 4 inches.

First appeared in the Thayer Catalog No. 5. A borrowed ring vanishes and transposes with a solid white wooden ball threaded on a rod that is held between the spectator's hands. All props can be thoroughly examined both before and after the effect.

A well-made example of the classic change bag, featuring a plush velvet pouch and a delicately turned, black-lacquered wooden handle. Employed for vanishes, switches, and productions. Very good overall condition.

A solid wood die with a hole bored through the center and a length of ribbon are freely shown. The die is placed in a wooden frame having corresponding holes in the sides. The ribbon is now threaded through the die and frame and spectators hold both ends of the ribbon. Under the cover of a handkerchief the performer removes the die leaving the frame still threaded on the ribbon.