U.S. #5305

2018 50¢ The Art of Magic – Bird Emerging from a Flower (Transformation)

Value:  50¢ 1-ounce First-Class Letter Rate (Forever)

Issue Date:  August 7, 2018

First Day City:  Las Vegas, Nevada

Type of Stamp:  Commemorative

Printed by:  Ba...  more

U.S. #5305

2018 50¢ The Art of Magic – Bird Emerging from a Flower (Transformation)

Value:  50¢ 1-ounce First-Class Letter Rate (Forever)

Issue Date:  August 7, 2018

First Day City:  Las Vegas, Nevada

Type of Stamp:  Commemorative

Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America

Printing Method:  Offset

Format:  Pane of 20

Self-Adhesive

Quantity Printed:  20,000,000

Magic tricks transforming one object into another are some of the most exciting to watch.  One classic illusion involves the magician changing a pair of gloves into a dove.

This transformation begins with the magician gently positioning a live dove in his right coat sleeve before walking onstage.  When entering, the magician carries a pair of white gloves in his left hand.  His right arm is kept slightly bent across his body to keep the dove in place.

At this time, the magician rolls the gloves into a tight ball and pretends to grab them with his right hand.  The magician then throws his right arm into the air, launching the concealed dove from his sleeve.  At the moment the dove is released, the magician quickly drops the gloves from his left hand into his coat pocket.  The audience is amazed by the sudden “transformation” as the dove flaps in midair for a moment before flying to its perch.

Transforming a pair of gloves into a dove may seem simple, but it can take years of practice to perfect, including time spent training the birds.  Some audiences may know how the trick is done, but it will always be impressive when performed by a skilled magician.