American manipulative magician (1867–1938) known worldwide as ‘The King of Koins.’ Impressive display of items belonging to renowned magician Thomas Nelson Downs, including: a reproduced image of Downs; an International Brotherhood of Magicians membership card, numbered “693,” and dated “September, 1937”; and a pair of letters, signed “Tos. Nelson Downs.” The first is one page, both sides, written on a program titled “An Evening in Wonderland with the Mystic Wonder, T. Nelson Downs, King of Koins,” 8.25 x 10.5, dated February 15, 1910, and concerns his ardent views on the political landscape, in part: “’Peace’ Conference, ‘Some Joke.’ ‘Peace.’ They want war. R–A–W–(War bakwds).” The second is one page, 8.25 x 10.75, Tallcorn Gas Generator Company letterhead, February 25, 1931; letter to Mr. Tracy, in part: “Sure I’d be interested in securing a copy of—autograft [sic]—of Goldston’s new book & no doubt we can make a trade entirely satisfactory to us both.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 24 x 20.75, with a window on the reverse for viewing the back of the program. This extremely uncommon array offers a unique glimpse into the ideology of one of the world’s foremost manipulative magicians. The James Collings Collection. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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