Chet Karkut

Chester L. Karkut born August 29, 1915 in Shelton, Connecticut, Chet started his interest in magic late in life in his early thirties. He actually got his foot in the door as an advertising model for many of the large manufacturers. When he did start his magic interests, Chet’s act was billed as “Magic in the Modern Manner.” His act was always the highlight at club gatherings and conventions. 

The design on the back of the card is New York Consolidated Card.

He became an honored member of the Frederick Eugene Powell Ring 59, and he got involved with all aspects of the club. He was the By-Laws Committee chairman and became the Ring’s president, and eventually their Dean. He was a detective lieutenant on the Shelton police force and performed as “The Magic Cop”. After thirty-five years, Chet retired from the force in 1979.

He was a member of the Magic Collectors Association, the Magicops, and Magicians Alliance of Eastern States; and a charter honorary life member of the New England Magic Collectors Association. As a collector, Chet was the person to match wits with and those who knew him would agree. Chet wouldn’t just obtain an item he would “give it the third degree”. Those years in the police force paid off, by the time Chet passed away on August 9, 1996, he had a grand collection of magic.

He would share his knowledge with fellow collectors and he would sit back and allow you to expound on nearly any subject in or out of the confines of magic collecting. Among his vast friends in magic, you could include the names of Jack Chanin, Al Flosso, Joseph Dunninger, Walter Gibson,

Ray Goulet, and so many others.

            Regarding his love of collecting, one person in particular who created a wonderful museum of magic was a fellow admirer of Chet’s and his name is Ray Goulet. In 1977, Ray opened his Mini Museum of Magic dedicating it to Chet Karkut. To say Chet didn't take the advantage of a hand out card idea, would be a mistake. Here is a one of kind card by Chet:

Addendum by Judge Brown Wanted to add one more card from my collection to Gary's fine post: