Among the antique posters in the summer sale are:
- Lot #25a, Harry Houdini. King of Cards, which is estimated at $10,000-20,000. It was printed in Chicago by National Printing and Engraving around 1898. This linen backed, half-sheet color lithographed poster features a bust portrait of the magician at the center, and vignettes depicting his facility with a deck of cards. This poster is one of first color lithographs used to advertise Houdini’s turns in dime museums and circus shows.
- Lot # 49b, Thurston the World’s Greatest Magician. The Lady and the Lion (estimate: $10,000-15,000) was published in Cincinnati & New York by The Strobridge Litho. Co. in 1909. This one-sheet poster depicts three illusions from early in Thurston’s career. The Native American version of the swastika appears in this poster, as it does in other Thurston posters of the era. This rare example is the first one ever offered by Potter & Potter, and is one of only a handful extant.
- Lot #41, LeRoy Talma & Bosco. Servais LeRoy. The Inventor of All that is Great in Magic, is estimated at $10,000-15,000. It was printed in Chicago, New York & St. Louis by National Printing & Engraving around 1908. This 40-½ x 28” one-sheet, linen backed color lithograph features a central bust portrait of the magician in grey coat and blue necktie. It is one of a few known examples today.
Magic-related ephemera elsewhere in the auction includes a Houdini theatrical contract (estimate: $3,000-5,000) dated May 9, 1904, specifying Houdini’s Christmastime engagements in England, December 26 – 31, 1904, at the Grand Theatre, Bolton (the “said Houdini,” shall be entitled to 60 percent of the gross receipts), and a signed photo of Houdini with Teddy Roosevelt. Estimated at $2,000-3,000, this full-length image features the magician standing next to the former President while aboard the Hamburg America Line steamship “Imperator.” It is framed and signed in the upper left corner, “Best wishes Houdini.”
"Though there are many wonderful lots to choose from in this sale, I am most excited about two of the rare posters we are bringing to the market," said Gabe Fajuri, President at Potter & Potter Auctions. "One graces the cover of our catalog, and features the little-known Belgian magician Servais LeRoy. The other is a rare Thurston one sheet that is the epitome of "golden age" magic lithographs. it has the vibrance of a circus poster, but is full of imaginative imagery from the stage show of this legendary illusionist."
The Vintage and Modern Magicana Auction will be held August 26, starting at 10am CST.
