Signor Blitz

Signor Blitz (born Antonio van Zandt; 21 June 1810, in Deal, Kent, England – 28 January 1877, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States) was a British magician and performer.

Career as a magician van Zandt started performing at the age of thirteen in Hamburg, Germany, billed as Signor Blitz. and, after performing in New York City, traveled throughout that country. Later he visited Canada and the West Indies. On his return from the south he settled in Philadelphia, where he resided until his death.

One of Signor Blitz's best-known performances was a trick in which a loaded gun was pointed at him and he would catch the bullet in his hands. However, he stopped showing it because of the risky nature of the trick.

Death Six years after writing his autobiography, he died of consumption in his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.