This
post and accompanying scaling card relate to Clement de Lion, the most famous
and innovative performer of the multiplying billiard balls in the early part of
the last century. As I’ve discovered, he might also be called “The Father of
the Sucker Die Box.”
Born
Knud Valdemar Clement on Dec. 31, 1875, he had his magical debut in Copenhagen
when only seventeen years old when he performed in local churches and private
parties. His professional career began March 1, 1897, when he appeared at the
Tivoli Theatre in Copenhagen.
Magic magazines reported that he learned his first trick from his father, also a magician. He devoted his early learning and performing to cards and coins but by 1901, he had created his sensational act, “Two Hands, Twelve Billiard Balls — That’s All.” It is unique in that he arranged a synchronized musical accompaniment to his act and traveled around the world.
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| Tivoli Theatre, Copenhagen |
Magic magazines reported that he learned his first trick from his father, also a magician. He devoted his early learning and performing to cards and coins but by 1901, he had created his sensational act, “Two Hands, Twelve Billiard Balls — That’s All.” It is unique in that he arranged a synchronized musical accompaniment to his act and traveled around the world.
