Petrie & Lewis

From the Collection

Quality, professional magic

Petrie and Lewis, commonly known to collectors as P&L, was a respected American magic manufacturer active in the early to mid-20th century, based in Chicago. The firm is best remembered for producing durable, professional-grade apparatus—often in metal or hardwood—designed for practical use in stage and club settings.

Their output included classics of the conjuring repertoire such as Passe Passe Bottles, production pieces, and mechanical effects distinguished by solid construction and straightforward, workable methods. P&L apparatus was built for performers first, with an emphasis on reliability rather than ornamentation.

Miniature Passe Passe Bottles, ca. 1940s

A reduced-scale example of the classic Passe Passe Bottles. Metal tubes measure approximately 7” in height. Complete with bottles and original box.
Cherchez La Femme, ca. 1935

Lacquered metal stand in red and silver, designed to display three jumbo cards. The cards are openly mixed and remain visible through cut-out apertures, yet the Queen persistently eludes detection. A bold, graphic stage piece from the classic P&L era.
Copper Cups & Balls, ca. 1930s

Set of three heavy copper cups for the classic Cups and Balls. Each hallmarked P&L. cup measures 3⅜” high, 2¾” diameter. Complete with original box, instructions, sponge balls, and an additional set of four cork and four crochet balls. Wear consistent with age; a good example of Petrie & Lewis manufacture.
Aquarium, ca. 1949

A small rectangular glass aquarium, shown filled with clear water, suddenly and visibly comes to life with swimming goldfish. Finely constructed to the company’s exacting standards and hallmarked.
Utility Reel, ca. 1930s

A finely made versatile utility reel. Constructed in the firm’s characteristic precision style, the reel measures approximately 1” in diameter and just ½” thick—compact yet powerful enough for countless applications. Hallmarked.
Six Shot Lota, ca. 1960s

Spun copper Lota Vase by Petrie & Lewis, enabling the repeated production of liquid from an apparently empty vessel. Classic “six shot” configuration. Measures 3¼” tall. Hallmarked.
One to Four Billiard Balls, ca. 1950s

Precision-made set for the classic multiplying billiard balls. A single ball becomes two, then three, and finally four—each convincingly shown solid. Includes four aluminum balls, one shell, original box, and instructions.
Herman Hanson Rice Bowls, ca. 1940s

A little different than the ordinary effect. After the rice has doubled in quantity, one bowl is turned over and out flows a steady stream of multi-colored paper ribbon (hat coil), and to cap it all a large bouquet of flowers (spring flowers) are produced from the same bowl.
Patriotic Billiard Balls, ca. 1930s

Classic P&L color-separation effect in which red, white, and blue balls placed into three hats impossibly redistribute. Complete with nine 1½” balls in original P&L box. Some fading to colors; very good condition. From Ken Klosterman’s Salon de Magie. Uncommon.
Brahmin Copper Rice Bowls, ca. 1940s

Brahmin copper rice bowls, designed without the use of a disc. Rice placed in the bowls doubles, vanishes, and is ultimately transformed into water. Typical for this model, only one bowl bears the P&L hallmark.
Vanishing Alarm Clock, ca. 1940–1950s

A classic feat of stage magic: an alarm clock is placed on a tray, covered with a handkerchief, and suspended from a metal stand. The magician reaches beneath the cloth and audibly rings the alarm—proof that the clock remains in place. But with a dramatic flourish, the cloth is whisked away, and the clock has completely vanished.
Phantom Tube, ca. 1930s

A decorated metal tube is shown empty, its ends sealed with tissue paper. Moments later, an impressive quantity of silks is produced from within. The tube is then shown empty once more—only for a second load of silks to appear.
Ching Soo Firecracker, ca. 1930s

A giant firecracker’s fuse is lit and the explosive placed into a nickeled case that has been examined by the audience. The lid is secured, and the case handed to a spectator for safekeeping. The magician then vanishes a silk handkerchief. When the case is opened, the vanished silk is found inside—and the firecracker has mysteriously reappeared, now dangling from the spectator’s back.
Foo Can, ca. 1960s

Liquid is made to vanish and reappear in the beautifully spun can. Very good, near fine condition. Measures approximately 4 3/4”
Spirit Bag, ca. 1940s

Brass-handled spirit or change bag manufactured by Petrie & Lewis. The circular mouth supports a richly patterned brocade bag terminating in a decorative tassel, an uncommon variation from the more typical plain cloth examples. Hallmarked.