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Houdiniana & The Davenport Magic Collection

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  • Appearing Candles. Hamburg: Janos Bartl [?], ca. 1930. Two nickel plated stands in which tall white
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 288

    Appearing Candles. Hamburg: Janos Bartl [?], ca. 1930. ...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Arrowsmith Glass Penetration. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. 1946. A large sheet of plate glass
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 289

    Arrowsmith Glass Penetration. London: Lewis Davenport &...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Automated Sefalaljia. Wallace: Jeff Busby Magic Inc., 1995. A miniature spirit cabinet devised by St
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 290

    Automated Sefalaljia. Wallace: Jeff Busby Magic Inc., 1...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Mysterious Billiard Ball Tube. German, likely Klingl, ca. 1920s _ 30s. Handsome nickel-plated tube w
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 291

    Mysterious Billiard Ball Tube. German, likely Klingl, c...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Two Vintage Bill Tubes. German, ca. 1950. Two brass bill tubes (approx. 2 _о tall) in which a borrow
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 292

    Two Vintage Bill Tubes. German, ca. 1950. Two brass bil...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Blue Phantom. German, ca. 1940. Unusual example of the trick incorporating a specially prepared ciga
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 293

    Blue Phantom. German, ca. 1940. Unusual example of the ...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Busby Stainless Steel Paul Fox Cups. Wallace, Idaho: Jeff Busby Magic, ca. 1990. Three machine-made
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 294

    Busby Stainless Steel Paul Fox Cups. Wallace, Idaho: Je...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Card in Balloon. Hamburg: Janos Bartl, ca. 1930. A chosen card appears when a balloon tied to a nick
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 295

    Card in Balloon. Hamburg: Janos Bartl, ca. 1930. A chos...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Card Boxes. German or English, ca. 1920s _ 40s. Three finely crafted card boxes resembling cigarette
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 296

    Card Boxes. German or English, ca. 1920s _ 40s. Three f...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Card Dagger. European [?], ca. 1920. A chosen card appears at the tip of the dagger. 25о long. Nicke
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 297

    Card Dagger. European [?], ca. 1920. A chosen card appe...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • [Card Houlettes] Three Vintage Card Houlettes. Metal holders for packs of cards, manufactured in Ger
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 298

    [Card Houlettes] Three Vintage Card Houlettes. Metal ho...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Card Sword. Hamburg: Bartl, ca. 1910. A selected card is speared on the end of this large nickel-pla
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 299

    Card Sword. Hamburg: Bartl, ca. 1910. A selected card i...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Card Tripod. British [?], ca. 1910. Attractive nickel-plated stand (4 _ x 9 _о) allows the magician
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 300

    Card Tripod. British [?], ca. 1910. Attractive nickel-p...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Carl RosiniНs Card Transposition. London: L. Davenport & Co., ca. 1948. Complete set of as-new appar
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 301

    Carl RosiniНs Card Transposition. London: L. Davenport ...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Chinka Chink. German, ca. 1930. Four miniature wooden cones visibly and magically transpose on the t
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 302

    Chinka Chink. German, ca. 1930. Four miniature wooden c...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Coin in a Ball of Yarn. Los Angeles: F.G. Thayer, ca. 1940. A marked coin is discovered inside two n
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 303

    Coin in a Ball of Yarn. Los Angeles: F.G. Thayer, ca. 1...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Coin Drawer. English, ca. 1950. Finely made mahogany drawer with decorative stripe inlays containing
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 304

    Coin Drawer. English, ca. 1950. Finely made mahogany dr...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Coin Pail. London: Vampire Magic [?], ca. 1940. Seemingly innocent chrome champagne bucket (7 _ x 7
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 305

    Coin Pail. London: Vampire Magic [?], ca. 1940. Seeming...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Cords of Cairo. New Haven: Petrie & Lewis (P&L), ca. 1930. Cords running through two separate wooden
    Estimate
    $600 - $900
    Lot 306

    Cords of Cairo. New Haven: Petrie & Lewis (P&L), ca. 19...

    Est.
    $600 - $900
  • Curious Cubes. English, ca. 1950. Twelve wooden cubes placed into a wooden cabinet at random magical
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 307

    Curious Cubes. English, ca. 1950. Twelve wooden cubes p...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Two Demon Magic Props. London: Davenports, ca. 1940s. Including a set of four nesting boxes (outermo
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 308

    Two Demon Magic Props. London: Davenports, ca. 1940s. I...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Collection of More than 20 Vintage Small Magic Props. English and German, ca. 1920s _ 50s. A selecti
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 309

    Collection of More than 20 Vintage Small Magic Props. E...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Demon Card Box. London: Davenports, ca. 1950. Chrome-plate brass card box with side flap, in which c
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 310

    Demon Card Box. London: Davenports, ca. 1950. Chrome-pl...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Demon Coin Pedestal and Two Other Brass Magic Tricks. English and German, ca. 1940. Group of three p
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 311

    Demon Coin Pedestal and Two Other Brass Magic Tricks. E...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Demon Pencil Trick. London: Davenports, ca. 1940. Four colored pencils and a brass tube are passed f
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 312

    Demon Pencil Trick. London: Davenports, ca. 1940. Four ...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Demon Wonder Box. London: Davenports, ca. 1940. A small chrome plated box (2 x 3 x 2о) is clearly sh
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 313

    Demon Wonder Box. London: Davenports, ca. 1940. A small...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Die Box. English, ca. 1930. Antique mahogany box (8 _ x 5 x 4 _о) from which a black die vanishes an
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 314

    Die Box. English, ca. 1930. Antique mahogany box (8 _ x...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Die and Frame. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. 1950. A solid wooden die is threaded to a wooden f
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 315

    Die and Frame. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. 1950....

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Die Through Hat. German, likely Bartl, ca. 1890. A solid wooden die, when covered with the decorativ
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 316

    Die Through Hat. German, likely Bartl, ca. 1890. A soli...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Dice Vase. German [?], ca. 1930. Turned wooden vase (5 _о tall) allows the magician to determine the
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 317

    Dice Vase. German [?], ca. 1930. Turned wooden vase (5 ...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Divination Box. German, ca. 1939. The order of four colored chips arranged in a box is divined even
    Estimate
    $50 - $150
    Lot 318

    Divination Box. German, ca. 1939. The order of four col...

    Est.
    $50 - $150
  • Drawer Box (Jumbo). English, ca. 1920. The drawer in an oak box is shown empty, but a moment later i
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 319

    Drawer Box (Jumbo). English, ca. 1920. The drawer in an...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Drawer Box. Birmingham: Walter Wandman, ca. 1940. An oak box with sliding drawer affixed with faux i
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 320

    Drawer Box. Birmingham: Walter Wandman, ca. 1940. An oa...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Evacuee Doll. London: Jack Hughes, ca. 1946. World War II-era effect in which an сevacueeо leaves he
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 321

    Evacuee Doll. London: Jack Hughes, ca. 1946. World War ...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Exchange Tube. American or British, ca. 1940. Unusual chrome tube that switches one object for anoth
    Estimate
    $150 - $300
    Lot 322

    Exchange Tube. American or British, ca. 1940. Unusual c...

    Est.
    $150 - $300
  • Metal Body Feke. Circa 1910s. Tubular iron (10о across) with cloth strap affixed to metal eyelets, a
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 323

    Metal Body Feke. Circa 1910s. Tubular iron (10о across)...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Finger Chopper. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. 1940. The blade of a small guillotine passes thro
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 324

    Finger Chopper. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. 1940...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Finger Chopper. London: Vampire Magic, ca. 1960. Precision-layered sheet metal chopper (2 _ x 5о) cu
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 325

    Finger Chopper. London: Vampire Magic, ca. 1960. Precis...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Thumb Stocks/Thumb Screw Illusion. London: Davenports, ca. 1940. No matter how tightly the hardwood
    Estimate
    $75 - $150
    Lot 326

    Thumb Stocks/Thumb Screw Illusion. London: Davenports, ...

    Est.
    $75 - $150
  • Vanishing Vase of Flowers. British [?], ca. 2005. Contemporary version of Al DelageНs Fastest Trick
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 327

    Vanishing Vase of Flowers. British [?], ca. 2005. Conte...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Four Mysterious Rods. German, ca. 1910. Set of four painted bullet-like rods accompanied by an alumi
    Estimate
    $50 - $100
    Lot 328

    Four Mysterious Rods. German, ca. 1910. Set of four pai...

    Est.
    $50 - $100
  • GermainНs Improved Coffee and Wool Trick. London: OrnumНs Magic, ca. 1907. Metal vase (4 _ x 13о) wi
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 329

    GermainНs Improved Coffee and Wool Trick. London: Ornum...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Germain Water Jars. German, ca. 1930. Six spun metal jars are shown empty, one at a time. Then, each
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 330

    Germain Water Jars. German, ca. 1930. Six spun metal ja...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Giant Genii Tube. British, ca. 1930. Hinged chrome tube (4 x 10о) produces a large quantity of silk
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 331

    Giant Genii Tube. British, ca. 1930. Hinged chrome tube...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Ghost Glass. England: Jack Hughes, ca. 1949. An empty glass is inverted on a thin wooden tray and co
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 332

    Ghost Glass. England: Jack Hughes, ca. 1949. An empty g...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • [Gimmicks] Group of More than 15 MagiciansН Gimmicks. English and German: L. Davenport Co. and other
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 333

    [Gimmicks] Group of More than 15 MagiciansН Gimmicks. E...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • [Gimmicks and Props] Collection of Vintage Magic Gimmicks and Props. Including various gimmicked and
    Estimate
    $150 - $300
    Lot 334

    [Gimmicks and Props] Collection of Vintage Magic Gimmic...

    Est.
    $150 - $300
  • [Glassware] Two Hand-Blown Trick Glasses. Circa 1930s. Including a double-walled self-filling and dr
    Estimate
    $50 - $150
    Lot 335

    [Glassware] Two Hand-Blown Trick Glasses. Circa 1930s. ...

    Est.
    $50 - $150

Auction Description

Houdiniana & The Davenport Magic Collection by Potter & Potter Auctions

Our April 9th auction is a two-part magic extravaganza. The first section will feature choice memorabilia related to the most famous magician and escape artist the world has ever known: Harry Houdini.

Lithographs, Broadsides and Challenges, featuring the iconic “Houdini for President" three-sheet poster printed by Strobridge Litho. Photographs and Ephemera, among them Houdini movie stills, postcards, manuscripts, autographs and correspondence, including unpublished material. Associated memorabilia, magic props, handcuffs, lobby displays, scrapbooks, and more - all related to Houdini, his comptetitors, and escape artists.

The second half of our April auction features items from the storied collection of Lewis Davenport & Co. of London. One of the world's oldest and most successful magic shops and manufacturers, the Davenport family also owns and maintains one of the world's great collections of conjuring memorabilia and illusions.

For the first time, items from the family's well-known holdings will be offered for sale at public auction. Going on the block are scarce and collectible books, vintage stone lithographs, magic props (including several from the famous German firm of Janos Bartl), vintage magic supply catalogs, photographs, ephemera, Will Goldston ephemera direct from his private files, and more.

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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.

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 20%, 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.