ROBERT-HOUDIN, Jean Eugène (1805 – 71). Quadrille Mignonette des Soirées Fantastiques de Robert-Houdin. Paris: Chez Chabal, ca. 1845 [?]. Miniature souvenir sheet music bound in gilt-decorated maroon textured paper. Five short pieces of music composed by Aristide Le Carpentier reproduced within, each headed by a charming engraving of a feat from the magician’s repertoire, including the Pastry Cook of the Palais Royal, the Orange Tree, and the Cabalistic Clock, with lines of verse preceding the bars of music. [1] 2 – 11, [12]; 12mo. RARE.

These tiny musical sheets were distributed to attendees of Robert-Houdin’s performances after being produced from the Cone of Abundance, a signature feat in his show. Alongside the music appeared souvenir fans (one is also offered in this sale) and other ephemeral items, all now highly sought after and scarce. Robert-Houdin considered Le Carpentier, “one of my best and closest friends.”

Faint foxing to page edges, rubbing to gilt, old fold to rear wrap.