This past week I remembered reading something about an illusionist (possibly early 20th century?) who had an amazing jacket, filled with almost every imaginable small item (ticket stubs, pens, small books?), whereby he would have an audience member ask him to find something (e.g., “1908 World Series Ticket”) and he would stick his hand into his jacket and pull out the item, to the amazement of all. He had something like 100,000 items in this jacket, and he could pull any one of them out at will. I thought I first read about it in a Straight Dope column, but I can’t seem to find it with a search, and I’m probably mistaken. Does anyone have any idea what I’m talking about? (or am I crazy?). Thanks!
You’re not nuts. Check out Ricky Jay’s book Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women, which on page 215 describes “Arthur Lloyd: The Humorous Human Card Index,” whose act was as you’ve described it.
The above, courtesy of Amazon’s “Search Inside the Book” feature.
It wasn’t a “magic” coat, exactly, IIRC. At least it wasn’t billed that way. I can’t remember what it was called, but I do vaguely remember what you’re talking about.
Now you got me wondering. Thanks.
Peace,
mangeorge
