The Davenport Collection
- a growing resource on magic and entertainment history

Pipitis

Ace of Hearts ball point pen

Ace of Hearts ball point pen

This is a rather poor quality example of ‘pipitis’, the condition which leads to the collection of items covered in emblems, such as cards, beloved of many magicians. Moulded into the red coloured end of the pen is ITALY, presumably the country of origin.

4 Playing Card Coasters

4 Playing Card Coasters

These four well made coasters are examples of ‘pipitis’. This is the condition which leads to the purchase of items covered in emblems, such as cards, beloved of many magicians. In fact, this was a raffle prize in 2014! Made for Boyz Toys, a company which is apparently no longer trading in 2021.

Novelty cigarette lighter made by Rolux, France

Novelty cigarette lighter made by Rolux, France

The lighter features a red die on a black base. A battery is contained in the base. This is a good example of ‘pipitis’, the condition which leads to the purchase of items covered in emblems, such as dice, beloved of many magicians.

Rabbit in a hat brooch

Rabbit in a hat brooch

Glued to the back of the brooch was a pin so that it could be attached to clothing. This is an example of ‘pipitis’, the condition which leads to the purchase of items which include emblems, such as cards or rabbits, beloved of many magicians.

Glass tumbler with dice in the base and etched decorations

Glass tumbler with dice in the base and etched decorations

This thick walled tumbler has a sealed compartment at the base in which three dice rattle around. The tumbler has etched designs around the circumference: a playing card, a woman, a bottle and the words ‘3 EVILS’. This is a good example of ‘pipitis’, the condition which leads to the purchase of items involving dice or cards, beloved of many magicians.

Glass tumbler with dice in the base and etched decorations

Glass tumbler with dice in the base and etched decorations

This thick walled tumbler has a sealed compartment at the base in which three dice rattle around. The tumbler has an etched design of two boxers on one side and ‘B F | 1795’ on the other side. This is a good example of ‘pipitis’, the condition which leads to the purchase of items involving dice or cards, beloved of many magicians.