The medium would then reveal what each item was down to the last detail, without ever opening the box. Doyle not only wrote the famed detective story but was also a renowned paranormal investigator of his time, even believing that his wife Jean was a medium herself.įor this act, each participant of the seance was instructed to bring a small personal object with them, which they placed in a concealed box that was locked. This trick was so deceptive and convincing, it fooled Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes. Photo: William Marriott / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain Read on to discover the tricks of the trade from the charlatan mediums of the Victorian era. Those attending seances were paying customers, and they expected to get their money's worth of levitating tables, streaming ectoplasm, and accurate messages from the afterlife. These con artists came up with complex tricks to convince their attendees that ghosts were interacting with them during their seances. The Spiritualist movement had so much success that it attracted a wide array of grifters. This could be attributed to the high death rates and low life expectancy of the time, forcing people to come to terms with death a lot earlier than we do today. People of the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a morbid obsession with death and were therefore fascinated with the idea of communicating with those who have passed on to the other side. Please email us for more information or a quote.During the Victorian era, psychics and mediums were all the rage, enjoying fame and fortune associated with their ability to speak to the spirit world. Please note: This item cannot be shipped but we have an excellent and competitive bespoke courier service. The velvet is well worn and torn on one portion of the top rim (the circular rim is made from 4 semicircular pieces). The mirror has several small shears/nibbles at the edges. This could easily be reinstated with thin dowling. It is missing 2 thin struts that would have crisscrossed the base between the 4 legs, under the ledge. Please note that this table is structurally sound but well worn. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. A totally wonderful piece.Ĭondition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you are a practising medium or a collector of the rare and unusual, this is a must have. We have never seen another and likely never will again. ![]() The top has a very large sorcerer’s mirror which is perfectly and beautifully foxed, resembling a galaxy. The curved rim to the table top would have provided the perfect rest for hands during a seance. ![]() The ledge below the table top has a carefully made and bespoke fitted, seamed velvet covering from which hang four triangular portions. The red velvet has worn in the most perfect way. It has hardwood legs turned to replicate bamboo. This table is likely a one off piece, bespoke made. ![]() ![]() We truly hope that this stays with us a long while.Ī simply exceptional, original, Victorian seance table.
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