Free Magic Props Printables: Victorian Vintage Ephemera
Inside This Post:
Bring some Victorian-era stage magic to your journals, collages, and Halloween projects with these free Magic Props printables. Sourced from Otto Maurer’s Catalogue of Magical Apparatus and Illusions, these sheets feature fascinating old engravings and catalog pages of tricks, illusions, and curious props once used by magicians of the late 1800s. Inside this set you’ll find:
Three printable collage sheets from the vintage magic props catalog
2.5” x 4.75” images
2” squares
3.25” x 6.25” images
Original Victorian engravings of stage props and illusions
A mysterious, theatrical aesthetic perfect for junk journals, art journals, and spooky crafting
About Otto Maurer’s Magic Props Catalogue
In the late 19th century, Otto Maurer was one of the best-known suppliers of magical apparatus in America. His catalog of tricks, illusions, and props was a treasure trove for professional magicians and curious hobbyists alike.
The engravings inside his Catalogue of Magical Apparatus and Illusions feature fascinating devices — disappearing boxes, trick cards, mechanical props, and all sorts of curiosities designed to spark wonder on stage. I started reading the descriptions of the different ‘apparatuses,’ thinking I would learn all the tricks of the trade, but Otto Maurer did a great job of letting you know what trick the prop accomplished without revealing the ‘how’ of it.
Over a century later, these illustrations still carry that same air of mystery and spectacle, making them perfect ephemera for modern makers who love all things vintage, curious, and just a little uncanny.
What’s Included in the Free Printable Sheets
This freebie set includes three collage sheets:
One sheet of 2.5” x 4.75” images – Tall, narrow engravings that work well as journal tuck-ins or layered focal points.
One sheet of 2” squares – Great for patchwork-style collage, pockets, or embellishments.
One sheet of 3.25” x 6.25” images – Larger statement pieces, ideal for covers, spreads, or backgrounds.
Each sheet has been carefully curated and prepared for easy at-home printing.
2.5” x 4.75” Rectangles
Creative Ways to Use Magic Props Ephemera
The mysterious and theatrical nature of these engravings makes them ideal for a wide range of creative projects:
Halloween junk journals – Lean into their eerie, illusionist vibe for October spreads.
Vintage-inspired collages – Add a sense of mystery and curiosity with old-world magic props.
Art journal focal points – Use the engravings as dramatic centerpiece images.
Scrapbooking layouts – Incorporate them into themed pages with a theatrical flair.
Mixed media layering – Pair them with astronomy images and dark backgrounds for an enchanting look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are these images from?
They’re taken from Otto Maurer’s Catalogue of Magical Apparatus and Illusions, a late 19th-century catalog of stage magic props.
What sizes are included?
This freebie includes three sheets: 2.5” x 4.75” images, 2” squares, and 3.25” x 6.25” images.
Do these work for Halloween projects?
Yes! While they’re authentic Victorian catalog pages, their mysterious and curious imagery makes them perfect for Halloween spreads.
Can I sell projects made with these?
Absolutely! Feel free to use them in your handmade projects for sale. Just don’t resell or redistribute the digital files themselves, or printouts of them “as-is.”
2” Squares
More Free Printables You Might Like
Bat Illustrations - Dark and dramatic natural history engravings that pair perfectly with stage magic.
Vintage Halloween Printables - Classic Halloween ephemera for seasonal spreads.
Victorian Card Trick Images - Another set of Victorian-era images, this time featuring card tricks.
Final Thoughts
These free Magic Props printables are perfect for anyone who loves vintage oddities, Halloween ephemera, or Victorian engravings. Whether you’re creating a spooky junk journal, adding theatrical flair to a scrapbook, or just want something mysterious for your next collage, these engravings from Otto Maurer’s famous catalog are a must-have.
Download them now and bring a little old-world stage magic to your creative projects!
3.25” x 6.25”
Love These Printables? Support The Art Scavenger!
I love sharing free vintage printables, and if you enjoy them, there are easy ways to support my work so I can continue creating and offering more free designs:
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Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.
