Okito Checker Cabinet. New York: Okito (Tobias Bamberg, 1875-1963), [ca. 1911]. Club-size model of the prop, long considered the finest piece of apparatus manufactured by Okito, decorated in Chinese style, with checkers and tube. In performance, a stack of checkers and a glass full of rice or goldfish magically transpose locations, from one of three compartments in the cabinet to underneath the decorated tube beside the box. Hand-painted finish and decal work, with engraved brass maker?s plate to rear. 14 x 5 ? x 15? (to peak of roof). Unusual flared foot design. Wear and scratching to finish and decals, but sound in operation. Okito manufactured these cabinets in three sizes; this is the smallest and easiest to transport, hence the term ?club size,? likely a reference to the preference of magicians playing ?club dates,? i.e. local shows for small and medium-sized groups, preferred compact props over more elaborate and complicated stage-size props. This cabinet was formerly owned by Dr. Hugo Pulgarri, an Argentine magic collector who purchased many choice props from Fu Manchu (David Bamberg), Okito?s son and successor.