KEENE, Morris Lamar (1936 - 96). Spirit Trumpet Used by Fraudulent Medium Lamar Keene. Circa 1965. Collapsible telescoping aluminum trumpet used by Keene in his fraudulent spirit seances, and through which voices from the “great beyond” were apparently projected. Extended length 29 ½”. Scuff marks and wear from use, but very good condition overall. Accompanied by a holographic note of provenance from Keene’s biographer, William V. Rauscher, attesting to the history of the device, and presenting it to Ricky Jay. Keene’s exploits as a fraudulent medium are well-chronicled in his own words in the book The Psychic Mafia (1976). Its publication caused an uproar among his former colleagues and after its publication, he was repeatedly threatened, then shot at – on two occasions – by men he presumed to be associates of said “mafia.” The first attack missed him, but the second shooting, a drive-by, severed his femoral artery, and nearly took his life.