(Automaton Card Tricks) | Mr. Lane—fairground showman, and "First Conjurer to the King" , (Automaton Card Tricks) | Mr. Lane—fairground showman, and "First Conjurer to the King"

(Automaton Card Tricks)
Grand Exhibition by Mr. Lane. [London?: ca. 1786]

Broadside (243 x 174 mm). Woodcut vignette of Mr. Lane performing at top; paperclip marks at top, one just affecting the corner of the image, two marginal chips.

"Lane was a popular entertainer at British fairs in the last two decades of the eighteenth century. He called himself 'His Majesty's Conjurer' or 'First Conjurer to the King'—not, as can well be imagined, an exclusive billing" (EE).

REFERENCE:
EE, pp. 46–47

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.