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‘World’s Greatest Magician’ Thurston poster, which more than doubled its low estimate to sell for $10,200

Potter & Potter June 19 auction conjured summer magic

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
‘World’s Greatest Magician’ Thurston poster, which more than doubled its low estimate to sell for $10,200
‘World’s Greatest Magician’ Thurston poster, which more than doubled its low estimate to sell for $10,200

CHICAGO –  Potter & Potter‘s June 19 Summer Magic sale conjured up stunning results from start to finish. After an exciting day of spirited bidding, 94 lots made $1,000-4,999; nine lots scored $5,000-9,999; and four lots broke the $10,000 mark.

Apparatus from the midcentury onward took several of the top slots in this signature sale, among them a German made Coins to Glass illusion from the 1950s Estimated at $200-$300, it sold for $1,560. With this trick, four coins audibly appeared in a shot glass sitting underneath an overturned pint glass.

1920s-era animated skull made in Vienna by S. Klingl, which sold for $6,600

1920s-era animated skull made in Vienna by S. Klingl, which sold for $6,600

Antique apparatus sold well also, such as a 1920s-era animated skull made in Vienna by S. Klingl, made $6,600. This prop consisted of a genuine human skull mounted on a wooden platform and isolated under a glass dome. It nodded to answer “yes,” or shook back and forth to answer “no” when questions were posed by the magician or audience.

Large archive of Robert Harbin ephemera and correspondence, which sold for $12,000
Large archive of Robert Harbin ephemera and correspondence, which sold for $12,000

Outstanding magic related ephemera and archival materials also caught the eyes and pocketbooks of bidders worldwide. A standout was a large archive of Robert Harbin ephemera and correspondence, which realized $12,000. The collection was gathered during the course of decades and included letters, personal and professional correspondence, signed book agreements, scripts, manuscripts, explanations of his tricks, and publicity materials.

First edition of Paul Vigil's ‘The Doors of Deception,’ which sold for $4,080
First edition of Paul Vigil’s ‘The Doors of Deception,’ which sold for $4,080

Fine magicana books were also best sellers at this auction event, led by a first edition of Paul Vigil’s The Doors of Deception from 2017. It was conservatively estimated at $400-$800 and sold for $4,080. It was published in Las Vegas through the Dark Arts Press, and was accompanied by a box filled with props used to accomplish the book’s effects.

Two signed editions of John Fisher's ‘The Magic of Lewis Carroll,’ which sold for $1,560
Two signed editions of John Fisher’s ‘The Magic of Lewis Carroll,’ which sold for $1,560

Also of note were two signed editions of John Fisher’s The Magic of Lewis Carroll, estimated at $100-$200 and ultimately sold for $1,560. These included the first edition (1970), and a later paper edition (1973), together with a proof of Fisher’s Further Magic of Lewis Carroll, bearing his notes and other writings on Carroll and his connection to magic by other authors.

Breathtaking posters promoting legendary 20th century performers rounded out this spectacular sale. A World’s Greatest Magician linen backed Thurston poster more than doubled its low estimate to make $10,200. The color litho from 1909 pictured Kellar’s successor performing a rapid transposition illusion with the assistance of imps and gnomes.

Circa-1912 Houdini broadside that sold for $5,040
Circa-1912 Houdini broadside that sold for $5,040

Harry Houdini was represented by a circa-1912 broadside that was estimated at $500-$1,000 and realized $5,040. Printed in New York by the Metropolitan Printing Co., the green and red letterpress theater poster advertised Houdini’s appearance at the Orpheum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

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