BLACKSTONE Sr., Harry (1885 – 1965). Fredrik the Great and Blackstone Broadsides. American, ca. 1917. Two pictorial broadsides advertising the stage magic shows of Fredrik the Great and Blackstone – one and the same person. Double-sided frames. Images approximately 19 x 6 ¼”. Minor chips and old stains visible, but very good overall. Most of the text, images, and design of each of these broadsides are identical, save one element: the performer’s name. The earlier piece uses the stage name of “Fredrik the Great,” and the later “Blackstone.” Harry Blackstone Sr. used the Fredrik name for a time, until anti-German sentiment during WWI made him think better of it. He changed his name to Blackstone and rose to fame as American’s most popular illusionist.