Theodore DeLand

Theodore DeLand (1873- January 25, 1931) created the phenomenon of packet tricks between 1906 and 1915, during which time he marketed almost 100 tricks using gimmicked cards and decks, many of his own unique creation. He died in an insane asylum in Norristown, PA.

DeLand's tricks involved the following principles, some of which he was the first to introduce:

• Double-faced Cards
• Double-backed Cards
• Specially Marked Cards
• Printed Fans

Some Marketed effects

• Phantom Cards - 1907
• Wonder Change - 1909
• Two Card Monte - c. 1910
• Dollar Deck (aka Deland's Automatic Playing Cards) - 1913 - a combination Marked Deck, Stacked Deck, and Stripped Deck
• Pickitout
• The Devil's Own Trick
• The Vanishing Card
• The Magic Lead Pencil
• The Great Nail Puzzle