Posted 14 years ago
zguy2112
(110 items)
This is an original and very scarce stone lithograph Thurston window card from my private collection of Magic posters. It is in pretty good condition considering its age and it measures approximately 14" x 22". Unlike the more common Thurston window cards, this one was actually used to promote one of his performances at the RKO Orpheum. I have never seen another Thurston window card with the RKO Orpheum bill on top, even in pictures.
The more commonly found Thurston window card was for his Carolina Theatre performance in 1935 which never took place due to Thurston suffering a stroke in which he never recovered from. This RKO Orpheum window card would be dated earlier than 1935.
Howard Thurston was America's most popular magician from approximately 1908 until his death in 1936. His lithographs were primarily produced by two companies, first Strobridge of Cincinnati and later Otis of Cleveland.
This particular window card dates between 1929-35, as it was late 1928 when RCA (the Radio Corporation of America) merged with KAO (Keith-Albee-Orpheum) Theatres, creating the RKO Orpheum Theatre chain. As you mention, it is a very rare example of a classic Thurston window card.