Vanishing Appearing Ball Set with Bags
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Albert G. Walker
(American, 1836 - 1902)
MakerMade by
Albert G. Walker
(American, 1836 - 1902)
Date1858
MediumCylinders: Seamed tin, with black and gold paint.
Balls (.j-.l): Hand-stitched red, black, and yellow leather, stuffing.
Bags (.m-.p): Hand-stitched, plain-woven printed cotton.
DimensionsComponent (height x diameter of complete cylinders): 8 1/2 x 3in. (21.6 x 7.6cm)
Component (height x diameter of loose cylinder top): 3 1/2 x 3in. (8.9 x 7.6cm)
Component (diameter of concealed balls): 2 1/2in. (6.4cm)
Component (height x width of bags): 12 x 5 1/4in. (30.5 x 13.3cm)
ClassificationsEquipment
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2007.4.1.33a-q
DescriptionThree trick cylinders and one top to a trick cylinder, all in individual bags; each complete cylinder conceals at least one ball. The cylinders (.a-.i, .q) are made of seamed tin and are painted black and gold. Each cylinder consists of three parts: a bottom piece, a top piece that slides down over the bottom, and an interior piece that fits snuggly against the inside of the bottom piece. The bottoms (.a .d .g) are painted black on the bottom and partway up the side, to the point where the cylinder top slides down to meet the edge of the paint. The tops (.b .e .h .q) each have a tall, hollow, seamed tin handle attached at center top; there is a pin-sized hole in the top side of each top, in the middle of the area where the handle attaches. The tops are painted black, with three gold stripes: one each at the bottom and the top of the sides, and one at the top of the handle. The interior piece of each cylinder (.c .f .i) fits so snuggly against the interior wall of the bottom that they could easily go unnoticed. They are unpainted. Each interior is only three inches high, but the bottom pieces are six inches high, dividing the bottom pieces in half and creating a hidden compartment at the lower half of the bottom of each cylinder. The interior pieces in each cylinder have become stuck, so it is not possible to find out what is concealed in the lower compartment. However, each bottom rattles slightly when shaken, so clearly, each hidden compartment contains something.
Balls (.j-.l): Each interior piece holds a colored leather ball (resting in the top half of the bottom portion of each cylinder). Each ball is hand-stitched with six panels of colored leather, alternating red, yellow, and black.
Bags (.m-.p): Each cylinder and the loose cylinder top has a carrying bag. Each bag is made of hand-stitched, plain-woven printed cotton, with a design of light blue specks and small brown leaves. Each bag is made of a single piece of cotton folded in half and stitched up the sides. The upper edge of each bag is turned in for a small hem, but either the hems were not stitched down, or the stitching has come out (some bags show evidence of old stitching at the top hem).
Balls (.j-.l): Each interior piece holds a colored leather ball (resting in the top half of the bottom portion of each cylinder). Each ball is hand-stitched with six panels of colored leather, alternating red, yellow, and black.
Bags (.m-.p): Each cylinder and the loose cylinder top has a carrying bag. Each bag is made of hand-stitched, plain-woven printed cotton, with a design of light blue specks and small brown leaves. Each bag is made of a single piece of cotton folded in half and stitched up the sides. The upper edge of each bag is turned in for a small hem, but either the hems were not stitched down, or the stitching has come out (some bags show evidence of old stitching at the top hem).
Status
Not on view
Bridgeport Gun Implement Co.
