Les Levante
The Great Levante - Renowned Australian Illusionist and Magician · Entertainment - Magic & Illusion
Levanti's How's Tricks? (Vaudeville/Stage Magic)
Era
Golden Age of Magic - circa 1938 based on the handwritten date.
Item Type
Autograph Book Page with Tipped-in Photo
Condition
Fair to Good. The paper shows significant foxing (age spots), tanning, and a vertical central fold. The signature itself is clear but the substrate has deteriorated.
Rarity
Moderate. While he toured extensively, original 1930s Australian magic memorabilia is scarce outside of specialized magic history circles.
Overall Assessment
An authentic and charming piece of magic history from the 1930s. Ideal for a magic enthusiast or a collector of Australian entertainment history.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (90% confidence). The signature demonstrates a natural, fluid motion typical of professional performers of that era.
Signature Style
Cursive script featuring the show title 'Levante How's Tricks?'. It is a stylized, theatrical scrawl with a sharp upward slant and a distinctive sweeping underline.
Signature Characteristics
Highly slanted baseline of about 30 degrees. Strong pen pressure on downstrokes, light on upstrokes. The 'L' in Levante is large and loopy, while 'How's' is written with a connected, rhythmic flow.
Ink & Medium
Blue-black fountain pen ink on off-white vintage cardstock/paper. The ink shows natural aging and oxidation typical of mid-20th-century iron gall or early dye-based inks.
Item Description
A cream-colored paper page containing a hand-signed inscription and a small black-and-white portrait photo of the magician in formal evening attire attached to the right.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 USD. Levante is highly respected by magic historians but has a niche collector base compared to Houdini or Blackstone.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified signatures found in programs for his 'How's Tricks?' revue which toured the UK and Australia in the late 1930s.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'k' and 's' formation in 'Tricks' and the sharp, confident upward stroke of the final 's' which includes a question mark.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett. Specialized magic auction houses like Potter & Potter may also provide internal verification.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink aging, paper type, and hand-written date are all consistent with the period and the signer's known habits.
Provenance Notes
The pencil date '1938' in the top right corner suggests this was clipped from a fan's autograph album compiled during his 1938 tour.
Historical Context
Les Levante was a premier Australian illusionist who became a global star. 1938 was a peak year for him as he toured his massive stage show internationally.
Market Trends
Stable. The market for Golden Age magic memorabilia remains consistent, fueled by specialized collectors of vaudeville and circus history.
Investment Potential
Moderate. It is a historical piece of magic history but likely to appreciate slowly as a niche antique rather than a high-growth asset.
Similar Autographs
Harry Blackstone Sr., Dante the Magician, Howard Thurston, and P.C. Sorcar.
Display & Preservation
Keep in an acid-free Mylar sleeve and out of direct sunlight to prevent further foxing of the paper or fading of the fountain pen ink.
Interesting Facts
Levante was famous for 'The Steel Trunk' illusion and was often referred to as Australia's greatest magician, later becoming a mentor to and President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.