Images(4)

Hat, Magic

Object number2013.31.5 a-d

MediumVelvet, polyester, metal, wood, paint

Credit LineGift of Joseph Pegnato

DescriptionCandle hat with two white wooden candlesticks with wooden "candles". Large, black top hat that is open on top. Velvet covering with a red and white polka dotted hatband. Inside the top is a metal screen with a hinged circular opening.Dimensionsa) 34.00" circum., 9.50" diam.,11.00" H
b) 4.50" diam., 2.75" H
c) 4.50" diam., 2.00" H
d) 2.625" H, 1.00" diam., 3.625" circum.
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to Joseph Pegnato's prolific career as juggling superstar Bobby Jule. Pegnato was a juggling prodigy and begun touring his act as a teenager. During his career, he performed in the United States, the West Indies, Europe, and Asia and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. During the 1940s, Pegnato appeared on the same stage as bandleaders Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown, and Charlie Spivak. His act was set to an original ten piece arrangement by Pittsburghers Joe Schaeffer, Frank Jarema, Kloman Schmidt, and Raymond LaFevre. The Indian clubs in his kit were handcrafted out of wood by Harry Lind, who was the sole manufacturer of the prop at the time. Today, Indian clubs are mass produced and made of plastic, making wooden clubs a rarity. The rubber balls Pegnato used are similar to those used to play Lacrosse. Contemporary jugglers use silicone balls. Pegnato's juggling kit is unique to his stage performance because he engineered the internal mechanics of stand, which was designed to propel balls into the air.

Previous owner Joseph Pegnato

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