THAYER - OWEN RICE VASE - LES SMITH.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:15115026 |
THAYER-OWEN RICE VASE - LES SMITH.
Leslie C. "Les" Smith (1915 - 2008) was the owner and chief craftsman of Owen Magic Supreme from 1963 until his death. During his tenure, Les continued the arduous tradition of crafting fine conjuring apparatus and illusions....a precedent set by Floyd Thayer and Carl Owen. To this day, the word "Owen" on a piece of apparatus is equivalent to the name "Rolls Royce" on an automobile.
Over the years, Les and his wife, Gertrude, acquired other conjuring apparatus firms, perhaps the most notable being the Merv Taylor line. The Smiths were also close friends with John Petrie and his family, and over the years many items from the famous Petrie-Lewis line made their way to the Smith home.
A former performer himself, Les, like many magicians, had a fondness for collecting props, apparatus, posters, books and ephemera related to the conjuring arts. A small portion of his collection is offered here, for the first time.
Thayer-Owen Rice Vase. A stunning example of fine wood turning as applied to conjuring apparatus. Rice poured into the vase vanishes and changes to a real orange and the vase may be shown empty. This was originally painted in typical Thayer crackle-finish, but has been re-painted in a warm gold-brass color. Operates perfectly. These are becoming more scarce every day....especially in this condition and in perfect working order. Approximately 10 inches tall and five inches in diameter at the mouth. With matching wood-turned lid. Rare and perfect for the collector of finely made apparatus.
Each item sold from Les Smith's estate includes a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Alan Zagorsky.
Leslie C. "Les" Smith (1915 - 2008) was the owner and chief craftsman of Owen Magic Supreme from 1963 until his death. During his tenure, Les continued the arduous tradition of crafting fine conjuring apparatus and illusions....a precedent set by Floyd Thayer and Carl Owen. To this day, the word "Owen" on a piece of apparatus is equivalent to the name "Rolls Royce" on an automobile.
Over the years, Les and his wife, Gertrude, acquired other conjuring apparatus firms, perhaps the most notable being the Merv Taylor line. The Smiths were also close friends with John Petrie and his family, and over the years many items from the famous Petrie-Lewis line made their way to the Smith home.
A former performer himself, Les, like many magicians, had a fondness for collecting props, apparatus, posters, books and ephemera related to the conjuring arts. A small portion of his collection is offered here, for the first time.
Thayer-Owen Rice Vase. A stunning example of fine wood turning as applied to conjuring apparatus. Rice poured into the vase vanishes and changes to a real orange and the vase may be shown empty. This was originally painted in typical Thayer crackle-finish, but has been re-painted in a warm gold-brass color. Operates perfectly. These are becoming more scarce every day....especially in this condition and in perfect working order. Approximately 10 inches tall and five inches in diameter at the mouth. With matching wood-turned lid. Rare and perfect for the collector of finely made apparatus.
Each item sold from Les Smith's estate includes a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Alan Zagorsky.
