POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Magician's tail coat

Object No. 95/28/11

Tail coat, magicians costume, with secret pockets, silk / velvet / cotton, Jandaschewsky family, possibly Australia, 1900-1960

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Summary

Physical Description

Costume, magician's tail coat made of black silk and lined with aubergine cotton originally with 4 buttons (only 3 remain). The wearer's right sleeve is shorter than the right, probably due to a trick compartment/pocket. The left sleeve has a tattered red silk handkerchief attached to the inside with plastic fishing wire. Inside the front flaps of the jacket are several 'secret' pockets of velvet, cotton and silk, from one (near armhole) an orange tube emerges. The collar is a 'bal' or convertible style and is very worn. There are two black buttons at centre back. Jacket has been repaired by hand under the arms and in various other areas. General appearance is worn and tattered.

DIMENSIONS

Width

460 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

Possibly made in Australia. Shows evidence of repair It probably dates from the family's time in Australia and their move away from circus to vaudeville.

HISTORY

Notes

Used by Arthur Jandaschewsky for his magic tricks act. This may have been worn by him throughout his career. The Jandaschewsky family collection was kept together by the last remaining family member, Arthur 'Jandy' Jandaschewsky. During the last years of his life 'Jandy' sold the collection to his friend John Anastasiadis. Mr Anastasiadis kept the collection for a 25 year period, having built a repository for housing and exhibiting it at his own home. In 1994 he sold the collection to the MAAS in order to keep it together, and in New South Wales, according to 'Jandy's' wishes.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Purchased 1995

Acquisition Date

27 January 1995

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