From the Collection

Thayer Magic Company

Founded in Los Angeles in 1902 by Floyd Gerald Thayer, the Thayer Manufacturing Company quickly became one of the most respected names in the world of magical apparatus. Thayer, a master craftsman with a deep appreciation for elegant design, elevated conjuring equipment from simple tools into finely engineered works of art. His early pieces showcased smooth mechanics, graceful proportions, and impeccable finishes—hallmarks that would define the brand for decades.

In 1917, the business was purchased by C. Floyd Thayer (no relation) who expanded its scope and introduced innovations that further cemented the company’s legendary status. Under his stewardship, Thayer produced some of the most iconic and cherished apparatus in magic history, including exquisitely turned hardwood pieces, ingenious platform illusions, and the famed “Thayer Quality” line that set a gold standard collectors still revere.

The company’s legacy continued through subsequent owners, including the Bennett brothers and later Carl Owen, whose stewardship helped transition the Thayer aesthetic into the post-war era. Together, these artisans and entrepreneurs preserved Thayer’s dedication to precision woodworking, brasswork, and hand-crafted excellence. In every detail, a Thayer piece reflects the golden age of handcrafted conjuring equipment and the enduring legacy of one of magic’s most illustrious makers. Found an error? Let us know.

F.G. Thayer Collection