This is one of his illusions, billed as a "Spooks Cabinet", the magician would be blindfolded and tied to a chair within the tent. A table with various items, all of which can make noise, was put next to the bound magician and the cabinet closed. The items then ring out and drum from within the tent, despite the magician still being bound securely throughout.
The tent was also used in Levante's signature effect, "The £1000 Steel Trunk Mystery", a version of an earlier illusion, Metamorphosis. In this effect Levante, locked in the steel trunk, would switch places with his assistant while under cover of the tent. This effect, and the tent in its past glory can be seen in this rare film, starting at the 2.33 point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93WICk-DEOE&feature=player_embedded#!
A small selection of research material related to the object from my personal collection.
The frame constructed, a clever folding design, but sadly prone to deterioration. It's been affected by severe corrosion to all the metal parts and some structural issues to the wooden frame.
Levante's original rope, blindfold, tambourine and bells. Lucky to still be present with the item, these are real pieces of theatre history.
