Hartz, [Joseph Michael] | A catalogue for possibly the first magic shop in the United States

Hartz, [Joseph Michael]

M. Hartz's Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of Conjuring & Magical Apparatus. New York: np, 1873

24mo (141 x 112 mm). Numerous engravings throughout, printed note tipped in at the title; pages toned, stray spots. In original blue wrappers, printed in red and black, with the same note adhered to front wrapper; wrapper worn and chipped with loss at spine, cover beginning to split. In folding chemise.

A catalogue for what was possibly the first magic shop in the United States. Presenting dozens of trick items for sale, which Hartz assures are "the greatest novelties that have ever been seen in the world, the effect of the Tricks being marvellous [sic], while every one will be astonished at the great ease with which they can be done." Hartz "also wishes to state that he is the only general manufacturer of Conjuring Tricks in the United States, and as very many of the articles are of his own invention, they can only be procured at his establishment" located at 850 Broadway. 

A notice has been tipped in at the title-page and adhered to the cover, announcing that W. D. Judd has taken over the business from M. Hartz: "The Copyright and Cuts of this Catalogue, with the Stock in Trade, Good Will and Business of his late Repository has been transferred to Professor Judd, therefore all orders must henceforth be addressed to | W.D. Judd, | Magical Repository, 131 Henry Street, New York."

PROVENANCE:

Ricky Jay (pictorial bookplate)