Sign, Advertising

Object number2010.69.4

Date1940-1994

OriginPittsburgh, PA

Mediumpaper

Credit LineGift of Barry Mitnick

DescriptionCardboard sign in shape of an elephant, which is colored pink, wears a hat, and has a gold ball on the end of its tusk. Printed blanket over body has text advertising magic show with maker information at the bottom.Dimensions17.25 x 13 in. (43.8 x 33 cm)
InscriptionsElephant's blanket has printed text, "Here Today In Person / "JUMBO" / Magic Show / STARRING / Award-Winning Magician / HARRY ALBACKER / and his fabulous / TRUNK OF TRICKS!"
MarksElephant's blanket has printed text at bottom "TRIANGLE POSTER CO. PGH., PA. (412) 371-0774".
Historical NotesAdvertising sign, part of a collection of performance pieces belonging to Aspinwall-based magician Harry Albacker (born April 1925, died March 1994). Harry toured the United States performing magic shows from the 1940s until his death. He was best known as a children's magician who specialized in performing with animals and for his signature turban and harem pants. He began performing in vaudeville houses in the Pittsburgh-area while still in high school, but it was not until after his service in WWII that he switched to children's shows. Because he performed for so long many people who enjoyed him as a child were able to hire him for their own children.

Previous owner Harry Albacker (1925 - 1994)

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