Mephisto’s Firecracker. Lake Forest, John McKinven, ca. 1995. A large burning firecracker vanishes from a nickel plated case, and in its place appears a vanished American flag. The cracker reappears hanging from the back of an audience volunteer, then explodes with a loud noise in his hands. A recreation by John McKinven, and hallmarked by him. The large firecracker for reproduction is of turned wood. The outer metal tube may be a P&L original. With all necessary accessories, housed in an inlaid wooden box.