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Blackstone Magic Auction

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  • The Marvelous Adventures of Houdini The Justly Celebrated Elusive American.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 336

    The Marvelous Adventures of Houdini The Justly Celebrat...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Le Maître du Mystere (The Master Mystery).
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 337

    Le Maître du Mystere (The Master Mystery).

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Reeve, Arthur and John Grey. The Master Mystery.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 338

    Reeve, Arthur and John Grey. The Master Mystery.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist.
    Estimate
    $900 - $1,200
    Lot 339

    The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist.

    Est.
    $900 - $1,200
  • The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 340

    The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 341

    The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Magical Rope Ties & Escapes.
    Estimate
    $50 - $100
    Lot 342

    Magical Rope Ties & Escapes.

    Est.
    $50 - $100
  • A Magician Among the Spirits.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 343

    A Magician Among the Spirits.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Elliott’s Last Legacy.
    Estimate
    $50 - $100
    Lot 344

    Elliott’s Last Legacy.

    Est.
    $50 - $100
  • Three Works By or Related to Houdini.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 345

    Three Works By or Related to Houdini.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • H.C. Evans & Company. Park and Carnival Equipment.
    Estimate
    $50 - $150
    Lot 346

    H.C. Evans & Company. Park and Carnival Equipment.

    Est.
    $50 - $150
  • An Historical Essay Concerning Witchcraft. With Observation upon Matters of Fact; Tending to Clear the Texts of the Sacred Sc
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 347

    An Historical Essay Concerning Witchcraft. With Observa...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Stewart James in Print: The First Fifty Years.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 348

    Stewart James in Print: The First Fifty Years.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Cards as Weapons.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 349

    Cards as Weapons.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Kaplan, George G. The Fine Art of Magic.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 350

    Kaplan, George G. The Fine Art of Magic.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Five Volumes on Le Grand David Spectacular Magic.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 351

    Five Volumes on Le Grand David Spectacular Magic.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Magic, Pretended Miracles, and Remarkable Natural Phenomena.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 352

    Magic, Pretended Miracles, and Remarkable Natural Pheno...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Mandrake the Magician. Group of Seventeen Comic Books.
    Estimate
    $50 - $100
    Lot 353

    Mandrake the Magician. Group of Seventeen Comic Books.

    Est.
    $50 - $100
  • Maskelyne, Nevil and David Devant. Our Magic.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 354

    Maskelyne, Nevil and David Devant. Our Magic.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 355

    The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • International Dictionary of Magitain.
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 356

    International Dictionary of Magitain.

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • The Magic Castle Walls of Fame.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 357

    The Magic Castle Walls of Fame.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • The Magic and Illusions of Lee Grabel.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 358

    The Magic and Illusions of Lee Grabel.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Group of 10 Conjuring Chap Books and Pamphlets.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 359

    Group of 10 Conjuring Chap Books and Pamphlets.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Lot of Five Antique and Victorian Conjuring Books.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 360

    Lot of Five Antique and Victorian Conjuring Books.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Pallbearers Review.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 361

    The Pallbearers Review.

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Parlour Magic: A Manual of Amusing Experiments, Transmutations, Sleights and Subtleties, Legerdemain, &c.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 362

    Parlour Magic: A Manual of Amusing Experiments, Transmu...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • The True History of Pepper’s Ghost.
    Estimate
    $600 - $900
    Lot 363

    The True History of Pepper’s Ghost.

    Est.
    $600 - $900
  • Chymical Natural and Physical Magic.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 364

    Chymical Natural and Physical Magic.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • The Play Room: or, In-Door Games for Boys and Girls.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 365

    The Play Room: or, In-Door Games for Boys and Girls.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Confessions of a Ghost Hunter.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 366

    Confessions of a Ghost Hunter.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Four Volumes on the Magic of John Ramsay.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 367

    Four Volumes on the Magic of John Ramsay.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • The Rappers.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 368

    The Rappers.

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Memoirs of Robert-Houdin.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 369

    Memoirs of Robert-Houdin.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Secrets of Conjuring & Magic.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 370

    Secrets of Conjuring & Magic.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Secrets of Stage Conjuring.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 371

    Secrets of Stage Conjuring.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Spirit Slate Writing and Kindred Phenomena.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 372

    Spirit Slate Writing and Kindred Phenomena.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Roth, David. Expert Coin Magic.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 373

    Roth, David. Expert Coin Magic.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Philosophy of Magic, Prodigies, and Apparent Miracles.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 374

    Philosophy of Magic, Prodigies, and Apparent Miracles.

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Sawyer, Thomas. Lot of Sawyer Books, Monographs, and Periodicals.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 375

    Sawyer, Thomas. Lot of Sawyer Books, Monographs, and Pe...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 376

    Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Festivals, Games, and Amusements.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 377

    Festivals, Games, and Amusements.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Starke, George and George Karger (eds.). Stars of Magic.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 378

    Starke, George and George Karger (eds.). Stars of Magic...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Bewitched Music Vol. 1: Sonata.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 379

    Bewitched Music Vol. 1: Sonata.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Five Points in Magic / The Magic Way.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 380

    The Five Points in Magic / The Magic Way.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Tarbell Course in Magic.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 381

    The Tarbell Course in Magic.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Teale, Oscar. Higher Magic.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 382

    Teale, Oscar. Higher Magic.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • A Bibliography of English Conjuring, 1569—1876.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 383

    A Bibliography of English Conjuring, 1569—1876.

    Est.
    $150 - $250

Auction Description

Blackstone Magic Auction by Potter & Potter Auctions

Potter & Potter's October sale features relics from the career of Harry Blackstone, Sr. In a career spanning some five decades, Blackstone cemented his reputation as the leading stage magician of his generation. He filled theaters from coast-to-coast, became a comic book hero, endorsed products, and cast a magic spell over theater patrons for nearly half a century.

The auction features Blackstone memorabilia owned, used, and collected by the master, among them original oil paintings, show costumes, Blackstone's famous Vanishing Birdcage (and other props), stone lithographs,  photographs, correspondence and archival material, original cartoons and artwork, film footage and audio recordings of Blackstone and his troupe, and much more. Much of the material has been unseen for the last five decades. Complementing the Blackstone material will be objects related to the career of his son and successor, Harry Blackstone, Jr., as well as a selection of choice vintage magic posters, props, books, and ephemera.

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Potter & Potter Auctions
Chicago, IL 60613
United States

potterauctions@gmail.com

Phone:(773) 472-1442

Buyer’s Premium

Start Premium (%)
$0 23.00

Bid Increments

Start Increments ($)
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$6,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

Shipping Info

If your bid is successful, as an alternative to in-house shipping, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling by us of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items. Packing and shipping expenses shall be added to buyer's invoice and will reflect a charge for labor, materials, insurance, transportation, as well as actual shipper fees.

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Terms & Conditions

CONDITIONS OF SALE


The lots listed in this catalogue (whether printed or posted online) will be offered at public auction by Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc., as agent for consignor(s) subject to the following terms and conditions. By bidding at auction you agree to be bound by these Conditions of Sale.

PRIOR TO THE SALE

Please examine lots. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to "in person" or by personally retained Agent, examine any property in which they are interested before the auction takes place. Condition reports may be provided if requested in a timely manner.

Condition of lots, Warranties and Representations - All lots are sold "AS IS" and without recourse, and neither Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. nor its consignor(s) makes any warranties or representations, express or implied with respect to such lots. Neither Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. nor its consignor(s) makes any express or implied warranty or representation of any kind or nature with respect to merchantability, fitness for purpose, correctness of the catalogue or other description of the physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, medium, material, genuineness, attribution, provenance, period, source, origin, completeness, historical significance of any lot sold. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. No statement, whether written or oral, and whether made in the catalogue, or in supplements to the catalogue, an advertisement, a bill of sale, a posting or announcement, the remarks of an auctioneer, or otherwise, shall be deemed to create any warranty, representation or assumption of liability. Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. and its consignor(s) make no warranty or representation, express or implied, that the purchaser will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights to any lot sold.

AT THE SALE

Registration Before Bidding - A prospective buyer must complete and sign a registration form and provide identification before bidding. We may require bank or other financial references. Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc., is under no obligation to approve the registration of any prospective registrant.

Bidding as Principal - When making a bid, a bidder is accepting personal liability to pay the purchase price, including the buyer's premium, all applicable taxes and all other applicable charges, unless it has been explicitly agreed upon in writing with Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. before the commencement of the sale that the bidder is acting as agent on behalf of an identified third party acceptable to Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc., and that Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will only look to the principal for payment.

Absentee Bids - Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will use reasonable efforts to carry out written bids given to us prior to the sale for the convenience of clients who are not present at the auction in person. Bids must be placed in U.S. dollars. If we receive written bids on a particular lot for identical amounts, and these are the highest bids on the lot at the auction, it will be sold to the person whose written bid was received and accepted first. Execution of written bids is a free service undertaken subject to other commitments at the time of the sale and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. does not not accept liability for failing to execute a written bid or for errors and omissions in connection with such written bid(s).

Telephone Bids - If a prospective buyer makes arrangements with us prior to the commencement of the sale we will use reasonable efforts to contact said prospective buyer to enable them to participate in the bidding by telephone and we do not accept liability for failure to do so or for errors and omissions in connection with telephone bidding.

Online Bids - We will use reasonable efforts to carry out online bids and do not accept liability for equipment failure, inability to access the internet or software malfunctions related to the execution of online bids. To avoid the possibility of any error in entering or acceptance of an online bid, it is recommended that you bid directly with Potter and Potter auctions either by way of in person, absentee or telephone bidding. The buyer's premium for online bids shall be higher than the buyer's premium for in-person and telephone bids.

Reserves - Although the majority of the lots in the sale are offered without reserve, some lots in the sale may be subject to a reserve which is the confidential minimum price below which such lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate of the lot. Reserves are agreed upon with consignors or, in the absence thereof, the absolute discretion of Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. The auctioneer may open the bidding on any lot below the reserve by placing a bid on behalf of the seller. The auctioneer may continue to bid on behalf of the seller up to the amount of the reserve, either by placing consecutive bids or by placing bids in response to other bidders. With respect to lots that are offered without reserve, unless there are already competing bids, the auctioneer, in his or her discretion, will generally open the bidding at half of the low estimate for the lot. In the absence of a bid at that level, the auctioneer may proceed backwards at his or her discretion until a bid is recognized, and then continue up from that amount.

Auctioneer's Discretion - The auctioneer has the right at his or her absolute and sole discretion to refuse any bid, to advance the bidding in such a manner as he or she may decide, to withdraw any lot, and in the case of error or dispute, and whether during or after the sale, to determine the successful bidder, to continue the bidding, to cancel the sale or to reoffer and resell the item in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, our sale record is conclusive.

Successful Bid - The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. In the case of a tie bid, the winning bidder will determined by the auctioneer at his or her sole discretion. In the event of a dispute between bidders, the auctioneer has final discretion to determine the successful bidder or to re-offer the lot in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, the Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. sale record shall be conclusive. Title passes upon the fall of the auctioneer's hammer to the highest acknowledged bidder subject to the Conditions of Sale set forth herein, and the bidder assumes full risk and responsibility.

AFTER THE SALE

Buyer's Premium - In addition to the hammer price, the online buyer agrees to pay Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. a buyer's premium of 23%, and the applicable sales tax added to the final total. BIDDERS THAT SUCCESSFULLY BID DIRECTLY WITH POTTER AUCTIONS, THROUGH IN PERSON, ABSENTEE OR TELEPHONE BIDS, SHALL also be subject to a 20% buyer's premium.

Payment - The buyer must pay the entire amount due (including the hammer price, buyer's premium, all applicable taxes and other charges) no later than 5 p.m. on the seventh (7) business day following the sale. Payment in U.S. dollars may be made with cash; bank check or cashier's check drawn on a U.S. bank; money order; or wire transfer unless other arrangements are made with Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank. The purchaser agrees to pay Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. a handling charge of $50 for any check dishonored by Bank.

Due to credit card processing charges, In the event buyer desires to pay by using a credit card, a convenience fee equaling 2.5 % of the entire amount due shall be added to the buyer's invoice. 'We encourage you to pay by sending us a check or wire transfer to avoid the credit card convenience fee. Potter and Potter will consider payment through Paypal only for domestic orders, owing to the extremely high service charges for international transactions.

Non-Payment - If we do not receive payment in full, in good cleared funds, within seven (7) business days following the sale, we are entitled in our absolute discretion to exercise one or more of the following measures, in addition to any additional actions available to us by law: (1) to impose a late charge of one and a half percent (1.5%) per thirty (30) days of the total purchase price, prorated to commence on the date of the sale; (2) to hold the defaulting buyer liable for the total amount due and to begin legal proceedings for its recovery together with interest, legal fees and costs to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law; (3) to rescind the sale; (4) to resell the property publicly or privately with such terms as we find appropriate; (5) to resell the property at public auction without reserve, and with the purchaser liable for any deficiency, cost, including handling charges, the expenses of both sales, our commission on both sales at our regular rate, all other charges due hereunder and incidental damages. In addition, a defaulting purchaser will be deemed to have granted us a security interest in, and we may retain as collateral security for such purchaser's obligations to us, any property in our possession owned by such purchaser. At our option, payment will not be deemed to have been made in full until we have collected funds represented by checks, or in the case of bank or cashier's checks, we have confirmed their authenticity; (6) to offset against any amount owed; (7) to not allow any bids at any upcoming auction by or on behalf of the buyer; (8)to take other action as we find necessary or appropriate.

LIABILITY

Condition Reports - Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. is not responsible for the correctness of any statement of any kind concerning any lot, whether written or oral, nor for any other errors or omissions in description or for any faults or defects in any lot. Neither the seller, ourselves, our officers, employees or agents, give any representation, warranty or guarantee or assume any liability of any kind in respect of any lot with regard to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, description, size, quality, completeness, condition, attribution, authenticity, rarity, importance, medium, provenance, prior ownership history, or historical relevance. Except as required by local law any warranty of any kind whatsoever is excluded by this paragraph.

Purchased Lots - If for any reason a purchased lot cannot be delivered in the same condition as at the time of sale, or should any purchased lot be stolen, mis-delivered or lost prior to delivery, Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. shall not be liable for any amount in excess of that paid by the purchaser.

Legal Ramifications - The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to these Conditions of Sale, the conduct of the auction and any matters connected with any of the foregoing shall be governed and interpreted by the laws of the jurisdiction in Illinois. If any part of these Conditions of Sale is found by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that part shall be discounted and the rest of the conditions shall continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Discretion - Any and all of the conditions may be waived or modified in the sole discretion of Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc.

Please note: Posters are graded on a letter system, A - C, and are linen backed unless otherwise noted.