Just Hanging Around

By Ken Trombly - Friday, June 17, 2022

It is a fortuitous coincidence of historical alchemy, that the Golden Age of Magic overlapped with the advent of full-color stone lithography. In addition to producing many breathtaking examples of posters for some of the greatest magicians in history, the many printing companies experimenting with this new technology also produced lesser printed means to advertise the shows; including handbills, audience books, door hangers, ornate letterheads, brochures and trade cards.

Here are two sterling examples of the latter, printed by the A.S. Seer’s Litho Print Company of New York. Judging from the artwork, and as confirmed by magic-themed trade card guru Robert Olson, they were printed in about 1872 or so. Exuding an air of whimsy and mystery, these ephemeral bits of paper are like mini-posters, and they likely were an inexpensive and effective way to promote Alexander Herrmann’s show.

Herrmann marketing material