1894 Washburne Gambler's Hidden Card Clip Old West Poker Cheaters Card Up Sleeve Cuff Holder hotsell Antique Magic Trick Magician Clip Rare
The old Washburne's gambler's aid! This nifty little device, invented by Mr. Washburne, and patented in 1894 and '96, helped countless card sharks win their fortunes at the gaming table....and helped to populate the landscape at Boot Hill and Tombstone, Arizona!
Unscrupulous card players would use this device to hide an Ace up their sleeve, to be extracted when needed! I don't know the exact mechanics...but have seen these before! A very collectible piece of our Victorian history, that you may have seen reference to in movies, or read about in old western pulp fiction! Now you can own one for yourself!
Washburne's device has very ingenious clips at both ends, set at different angles. One was attached to the inside of the shirt or jacket, and the other to the Ace. How the gambler got it out without detection is a mystery to me... I have never really taken the time to try to figure it out, but I'm guessing you can find a you tube video teaching how to use this.
You will received One clip with this listing.
Measurements: 1 7/8" long, and the clips at either end are 1/2" long and 3/8" in width. note the curved edges to assure that it doesn't catch on a loose thread inside your sleeve, or make a suspicious looking angular projection inside your sleeve. Each clip has a tiny hinged lift-up tab, which when lifted up, releases the object it is grasping, be it Ace or sleeve . Brilliant!
The clip weighs 5.8 grams, and is made of shiny, substantial quality silver toned metal, with no traces of blood, chewing tobacco, arm hairs or gun powder!
The device is fully marked: ' Washburne Pat'd Mar 27 '94; Feb 4, '98' on each clip.
The nifty wee lift-up tab is also marked 'Pat'd'. This device no doubt made Mr. Washburne a very wealthy man, and he did not even have to employ his invention to reap the rewards ! And he lived a long, and happy life!
Wonderful Addition to Any Collection, Great Gag Gift, Perfect for magic tricks and the list goes on....To say nothing about what a historical conversation this piece is.
NOTE: These Victorian Washburne Bull-Dog Grip cuff holders were not specifically made for gamblers and card cheaters but those with a penchant for risking arrest hotsell were known to use these to hide an 'ace up your sleeve' using one end of the clip. Magicians also used these to hide objects up their sleeves.
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