János Bartl (1878–1958), a descendant of a German craftsman family which had emigrated to Hungary, was one of the most important magic supply dealers of the pre-war era.
His parents called him Johann, but on his Hungarian birth certificate it said János.
As a journeyman he worked in Budapest, Vienna, Dresden, Munich, and Hamburg in large workshops.
A short time after the family arrival in Hamburg, they rented several rooms in an adjacent house for the production and sale of magic items.
The store took off quickly offering not only magic tricks and books but also gag gifts, puzzle games, fireworks, and picture postcards.