Vintage Gay Deceiver Magic Box (1950s–60s) – Complete Children’s Magic Set by Metta Ltd.
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Step back into the golden age of variety entertainment with this original vintage Gay Deceiver Magic Box – a complete children’s magic set produced in England by Metta Art Products Ltd. during the 1950s–60s.
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Endorsed by the Magic Square Club and personally branded by the Gay Deceiver, Wizard of Variety, this charming set was designed to introduce budding magicians to the art of conjuring with a mix of mystery, humour and classic tricks.
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Features & Contents
Original box and packaging with striking period artwork of the fez-wearing Gay Deceiver.
Official Magic Square Club membership cards (No. 17646) including enrolment and signed certificate.
Props for a variety of tricks, including:
Chinese Wand illusions (disappearing and rising effects).
Coloured tubes (red and blue) for vanishing tricks.
A ribbed green ball and vintage wooden ball.
Cloths and covers for sleight-of-hand tricks.
Secret Box – Do Not Open compartment (still intact).
Original paperwork and ephemera supplied with the set.
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Period & Provenance
Produced in post-war Britain, circa 1950s–early 1960s, when magic sets were a popular childhood pastime and variety acts were household names. The Gay Deceiver was a well-known performer of the time, and his cheerful image gave this set its distinctive branding.
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Collectability
This set is a wonderful piece of mid-20th century British toy and magic history. Its appeal lies not only in the tricks themselves but in the nostalgia of an era when magic was a staple of variety theatre and children’s entertainment.
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Highly collectible among vintage toy enthusiasts, magic memorabilia collectors, and mid-century ephemera fans.
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Sought after particularly when complete with original cards, props and packaging – as this example is.
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Condition
The outer box shows some expected age-related wear and light scuffing.
The contents remain intact with props, cloths, paperwork, and secret compartments present.
A delightful survivor in very good vintage condition for its age.
