CARDINI (Richard Valentine Pitchford, 1895 – 1973). Cardini’s Harlequin Cigarette Holder. London: Jon Martin, ca. 1961. Metal cigarette holder with tapered plastic tip, made to order by Martin for Cardini for use in his manipulative magic act featuring the production and vanish of cards, billiard balls, and apparently an endless supply of lit cigarettes. Length 4 ¼”. Accompanied by a lengthy note of provenance from Bobby Bernard reading, in part, “During his visit to London during 1961, I met with Cardini, and we both visited the house of John [sic] Martin … a new improvement had been included so that the cigarette could “lock” … if required it would not move. During afternoon tea in a cafe, Cardini presented me with the cigarette holder … .” Sold together with an empty die-cut Cinco Cigar carton as referenced in Bernard’s letter, INSCRIBED AND SIGNED by Cardini above the window: “To my friend Bobby / Sincerely Cardini / 1961.”