Magic Auction Features Antique Apparatus, Posters, Ephemera, and Research Archives

Franciscus Junctinus' (c. 1523-1590) Speculum Astrologiae quod attinet ad judiciariam rationem nativitatum atque annuarum revolutionum

Potter & Potter Auctions' June, 2023 Magic Auction includes selections from the collections of Jim Deloach, William Trotter, and Ken Klosterman's Salon de Magie library.

Posters featuring magician superstars of yesteryear take several of the top lot slots in this sale including:

* Lot #13, Ehrenerklärung! Im Namen des Königs Wilhelm, II. Kaiser v. Deuschland (Declaration Of Honor! In The Name Of King Wilhelm, II. Kaiser V. Germany), estimated at $40,000-60,000. A linen backed poster printed in Leipzig around 1902 by Atelier J. Zier, it pictures Houdini in handcuffs standing before a tribunal of judges, as helmet-clad police look on. Its text explains the scene as: "The imperial police of Cologne slanderously libeled HARRY HOUDINI, stating his advertised tricks were swindles! HOUDINI answered them by sueing [sic] for "An Honorary Public Apology." This rare example is one of a handful extant today.

* Lot #12, Harry Houdini, is estimated at $30,000-60,000. This three-sheet, linen backed poster of Houdini with folded arms was printed by The Strobridge Litho. Co. in 1911. Arguably the most recognizable portrait of Houdini, this poster has been dubbed "Houdini for President" thanks to similarities in its design to political advertising of the era. In 2002, the U.S. Post Office used this image for a commemorative stamp.

* Lot #6, Chung Ling Soo Mysteries. A Rare Bit of Old China, is estimated at $5,000-7,000. This color poster pictures Soo standing on a jade demon platform on stage, with the "Mysteries" overprint of "Li Sing Foo." It was published in London in 1915 by J. Weiner Ltd.

Harry Houdini

Chung Ling Soo Mysteries. A Rare Bit of Old China

A collection of magician's correspondence and autographs from the estate of Ray Goulet

A portrait of Herrmann the Magician (Alexander Herrmann, 1844–1896), estimated at $1,000-2,000

Fine collections and archives are also well represented in this magicana sale. Highlights include:

* Lot #539 is a collection of magic related ephemera from the collection of Ray Goulet (1930-2017), estimated at $2,000-3,000. These materials are contained in 61 binders or portfolio cases and include 1,000 items or more. Categories include catalogues, programs, newspaper clippings and articles, magazines, brochures, instruction sheets, correspondence, handbills, and newsletters. Among the magicians featured include Siegfried and Roy, William Rauscher, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Robert Albo, Joseph Dunninger, David Copperfield, Doug Henning, and Ricky Jay.

* Lot #538, a collection of magician's correspondence and autographs also from the estate of Ray Goulet, estimated at $1,000-2,000. This archive features around 300 signed items by performers and prop suppliers including David Booth, William Rauscher, Slydini, Walter Gysden, Ken Klosterman, Dr. Edwin Dawes, George Johnstone, Phil Temple, and Ace Gorham

* Lot #562, an archive of photos of magician "Silent" Mora (Louis McCord, 1884-1972 ), estimated at $1,500-2,500. It includes 70+ black and white photographs from c. 1910s-60s with most from the 1920s-40s. Images include full length, studio, stage, and candid photographs of Mora, as well as him with fellow magicians. Many bear notations and are signed by Mora. The lot also features images of other magicians and entertainers which are inscribed and signed to Mora.

Among the sale's offering of magic related ephemera are:

* Lot #551, a cabinet card portrait of Harry Kellar (Heinrich Keller, 1849–1922), estimated at $1,500-2,500. It was taken in New York by Sarony in the 1880s. This image features the bust image of the magician in a white tie and coat. It is inscribed and signed "Your friend / Harry Kellar" below the likeness.

* Lot #547, a portrait of Herrmann the Magician (Alexander Herrmann, 1844–1896), estimated at $1,000-2,000. This quarter length rotogravure-type portrait shows the performer striking a Napoleonic pose, with one hand in his jacket and a spotted tie around his neck. It is sold with an autograph of the magician on a stiff card, stating "Your truly, A Herrmann."

* Lot #533, a double exposure "trick" lobby photo of Cardini (Richard V. Pitchford, 1895–1973), estimated at $800-1,200. This Sepia tone image of the magician is from 1945. It pictures him in white tie and tails, and holding three burning cigarettes in his hands; his trademark monocle, top hat, and SAM medallion complete his ensemble.

The auction also features Franciscus Junctinus' (c. 1523-1590) Speculum Astrologiae quod attinet ad judiciariam rationem nativitatum atque annuarum revolutionum. [Bound with:] Tabulae reso-lutae astronomicae de supputandis siderum mofibus, secundum observationes Nicolai Copernici, Brutenicaeque tabulae ad longitudinem civitatis Florentiae… which is estimated at $1,000-2,000 (Lot #467). It was published in Lyon by Petrus Roussin in 1573. This first edition of this rare and comprehensive textbook on astrology is from the library of magician Joseph Dunninger (1895-1975), and includes his personal bookplate on the front pastedown.

The 560+ lot sale will be held on June 17 live at Potter & Potter's gallery, 5001 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago, as well as live streamed at www.potterauctions.com.