A Rare Complete Set of 24
Louis Prang's "Magic Cards"
ca. 1865

A wonderful and complete set of 24 "Magic Cards" with hidden images printed by Louis Prang of Boston, 1865. Each card measures 2.5" x 4.5", and bears a double image -- the second revealed when the viewer rotates the card 180 degrees. Examples include "The Chivalrous Rebel" which, when turned upside down reveals a horse eating from a bag of oats. A wonderful example of the early work of Louis Prang who became well-known later in the century for his chromolithography. Overall the set is quite clean with the occasional foxed spot and one small hickey on the “Th” of “The Eagle of the Republic.” We have seen individual cards in the market and once a set of 12 -- this is the FIRST time we have seen the complete set of 24 offered. As far as Civil War-era ephemera is concerned, this one is both rare, and quite fun!

Antique Paper Items
Presidential & Political