Maro Window Cards

This is your chance to own a truly breathtaking set of lithographs from magic’s golden age.

These posters are as stunning and vibrant as the day they were printed over 100 years ago, and offer a rare opportunity for you to own museum-worthy relics from one of magic’s earliest superstars: Edward Maro.

Today, Maro is largely unknown outside of serious magic historians. But at the turn of the last century, he was one of the most successful magicians in America. Few magicians have been completely forgotten by history while still leaving behind artifacts this extraordinary.

Thanks to the work of Mike Caveney, Vanishing Inc. has secured an extremely limited number of genuine Maro Window Cards that were almost lost to time. Each piece was printed at the turn of the century, and when they’re gone, they’ll be gone for good. Don’t miss your chance to own and display an artifact from the golden age of magic.

Who was Edward Maro?

Born Walter Truman Best, Edward Maro billed himself as the “Prince of Magic” and became one of the earliest headlining magicians on the Lyceum and Chautauqua circuits. He was a magician, musician, artist, shadowgraphist, and vaudeville performer whose success and reputation earned him a close friendship with the legendary Harry Kellar. In fact, some historians believe that had Maro not died tragically young from typhoid fever in 1908 at just 39 years old, he may have become Kellar’s eventual successor instead of Howard Thurston.

In 1905, Maro commissioned striking window cards from the Thayer & Jackson Stationery Company in Chicago. A year later, he worked with the Goes Lithograph Company to produce more window cards with lavish, full-color designs. Unlike ordinary posters, these window cards were printed on thick cardboard stock designed to be displayed prominently in storefront windows.

To be clear: These are not reproductions or modern reprints.

Every one of the Maro Window Cards is an original, printed over a century ago. After Maro’s untimely death, these window cards were stored away in the basement of his Michigan home, where they remained forgotten for decades. As a result, they’ve been incredibly well preserved. The colors remain astonishingly vibrant, with richly saturated inks that look almost as brilliant today as the day they were first printed.

Color Set of 3, printed by Goes Lithograph Company:

Cabinet of Balsamo (1906): 46cm x 33cm / 18” x 13”
This captivating design features Maro presenting the Spirit Cabinet, one of the most enduring theatrical effects of its era. Filled with mystery, color, and intrigue, this piece perfectly captures the mystery and spectacle that defined turn-of-the-century magic advertising.
Incubation a la Magique (1906): 46cm x 33cm / 18” x 13”
One of the most visually playful designs in the collection, this poster advertises Maro’s production routine in which he would pull streamers, cards, coins, and even a live duck from a participant’s coat.
Flags of the World Window Card & Meteoric Ribbons (1906): 95cm x 33.5cm / 37.5” x 13”
The crown jewel of the collection. This larger-format piece features Maro’s celebrated “Flags of the World” routine alongside his “Meteoric Ribbons” illusion. The scale, color, and composition make it one of the most visually breathtaking window cards we have ever encountered.

Full Set of Maro Window Cards

For the true collectors, we have a limited number of full poster sets. In addition to the three posters above, the full set includes two additional posters:

Maro’s Great Saxophone Quartette (1905): 46cm x 35.5cm / 18” x 14”
Printed by Thayer & Jackson in Chicago, this unusual and charming piece highlights Maro’s musical talents with a four-piece saxophone ensemble.
Maro Prince of Magic (1905): 46cm x 35.5cm / 18” x 14”
A classic full-figure portrait of Maro holding his wand, embodying the elegance and theatricality of early twentieth-century magic.

Original lithographs and window cards are becoming increasingly hard to find, and are rarely seen in such amazing condition. Once sold out, these pieces of magic history are unlikely to surface ever again. Whether displayed in a magic room, office, theater, or private collection, the Maro Window Cards are conversation-starting pieces of history that capture the ambition, artistry, and mystery of a forgotten master magician.

Do not miss the opportunity to own a true surviving artifact from the dawn of modern magic.

NOTE: These window cards are sold unframed. Each one is carefully packaged with acid-free protective materials and secured for safe shipment.

Watch Mike Caveney and Andi Gladwin talk about Maro and the history behind these rare window cards: