Does anyone know how many rings Ching Ling Foo, used in his performance?

Thanks,
Steven

I'm fairly sure he used 16.

Give or take one

Thanks Eric, I searched all of my books and found numerous references to it but no specifics. Harlan Tarbell, recalls seeing his performance but shares no details.

Ha ha, the problem I am having is many of the magicians I’m chatting with are mixing up Ching Ling Foo with Chung Ling Soo!

William Robinson, would be very happy with that I am sure ;-)

A well documented account appears in Jim Steinmeyer’s awesome book, The Glorious Deception.

I’ve read the book twice and somehow don’t remember reading that great story! It starts on page 175.

Thank you Mr. Steinmeyer, for such sharing your deep love and knowledge of the art and it’s history with all of us!

It is eight rings.

That sounds good. I guess I confused Ching Ling with Chung Ling too.

It has been "eons" since I read about Chung Ling Soo, (I THINK it was in the late George Boston's book, "Inside Magic".) I sold that book eons ago.

Apparently, IIRC, Robinson seized upon the idea of masquerading as a Chinese magician, to take advantage of Ching Ling Foo's success. As an Oriental, he didn't need to talk!

Jim Steinmeyer’s book, The Glorious Deception, of course covers the life and career of William Robinson (aka Chung Ling Soo) but also covers quite a bit of history regarding Kellar and Herrmann (Alexander and Leon) Robinson worked very close with these great magicians, helping their acts immensely.