Thursday, December 13, 2012

Magic Posters #7

9 comments:

Chic Silber said...


1895 by National Printing & Engraving

Chic Silber said...


Half sheet

Opa said...

My great-grandfather, W H "Dad" Whitlark was with the Welsh Bros Circus in 1895, as was Harry & Bess Houdini.

Chic Silber said...


Houdini was a featured character in

the Broadway musical "Ragtime" & had

a terrific comedy number he sang with

the Elizabeth Nesbitt character but

it got cut between the tryout in

North York (Toronto) & New York

I have a recording of it titled

"That's The Showbiz" if anybody

wants to get in touch

Chic Silber said...


Ehrich Weisz was born in Budspest

in 1874 & came to the US in 1876

He 1st performed on a trapeze in a

vaudeville stage show when he was 9

(maybe in Milwaukee)

Chris Berry said...

Although this does not appear to be a traditional "circus poster", as Chic points out this lithograph for Houdini as the "King of Cards" dates from 1895 and was printed by the same litho company - National of Chicago - as Welsh Bros was using at that time. It would appear that the words "Welsh Bros. Newest Great Shows" were printed on this lithograph as they were in a similar poster for Houdini featuring his "Metamorphosis" illusion. This particular half-sheet -- mounted on cardboard --sold at auction earlier this month for $4500 plus the buyer's premium.

Millie's Dad said...

I would love to hear "in The Showbiz"!

Millie's Dad said...

I would love to hear that song, Chic.

Chic Silber said...


Hi MD I am currently up North for a

few weeks bouncing betweeen New York

& D C but will return to Sarasota by

the 9th of January for about a month

I'm in the book so please give me a

call to arrange getting it to you

"That's The Showbiz" a great tune