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Oct 28, 11:00AM EDT

Blackstone Magic Auction

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  • Group of Birthday and Holiday Cards, and a Photo, Signed by Dunninger to His Wife.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 432

    Group of Birthday and Holiday Cards, and a Photo, Signe...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Group of Ephemera Related to the Dunningers.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 433

    Group of Ephemera Related to the Dunningers.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Photograph of Dunninger Signed to Emil Jarrow.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 434

    Photograph of Dunninger Signed to Emil Jarrow.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Two Photos, One Signed, Plus Clippings.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 435

    Two Photos, One Signed, Plus Clippings.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Original Drawing of Chrystal and Joseph Dunninger.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 436

    Original Drawing of Chrystal and Joseph Dunninger.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Photograph Inscribed and Signed by Hardeen.
    Estimate
    $150 - $200
    Lot 437

    Photograph Inscribed and Signed by Hardeen.

    Est.
    $150 - $200
  • Two Photographs Inscribed and Signed by Bess Houdini.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 438

    Two Photographs Inscribed and Signed by Bess Houdini.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Photograph of Houdini Inscribed and Signed.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 439

    Photograph of Houdini Inscribed and Signed.

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Inscribed and Signed Photo of Stanley Jaks.
    Estimate
    $50 - $100
    Lot 440

    Inscribed and Signed Photo of Stanley Jaks.

    Est.
    $50 - $100
  • Real Photo Postcard Inscribed and Signed by Okito.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 441

    Real Photo Postcard Inscribed and Signed by Okito.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Photograph Inscribed and Signed by Siegfried & Roy.
    Estimate
    $80 - $125
    Lot 442

    Photograph Inscribed and Signed by Siegfried & Roy.

    Est.
    $80 - $125
  • Pair of Photographs of Chrystal Dunninger Assisting Slydini.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 443

    Pair of Photographs of Chrystal Dunninger Assisting Sly...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Photograph Inscribed and Signed by Thurston.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 444

    Photograph Inscribed and Signed by Thurston.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Typed Letter Signed, “Howard Thurston”, to Chrystal Spencer (Dunninger).
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 445

    Typed Letter Signed, “Howard Thurston”, to Chrystal Spe...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Alexander Crystal Seer. World’s Greatest Master of Mental Mystics.
    Estimate
    $250 - $500
    Lot 446

    Alexander Crystal Seer. World’s Greatest Master of Ment...

    Est.
    $250 - $500
  • Ask Alexander.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 447

    Ask Alexander.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • 54th Year of Pleasure Making. Andress and his Novelty Gift Shows.
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 448

    54th Year of Pleasure Making. Andress and his Novelty G...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Brush the Great. Magician. Entertainer. Illusionist.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 449

    Brush the Great. Magician. Entertainer. Illusionist.

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Carter Beats the Devil.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 450

    Carter Beats the Devil.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Carter The Great.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 451

    Carter The Great.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Carter the Great. “Carter on the Camel.”
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 452

    Carter the Great. “Carter on the Camel.”

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Carter the Great.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 453

    Carter the Great.

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Vernon Cellus the White Wizard.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 454

    Vernon Cellus the White Wizard.

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Suee Seen and Chung Ling Soo Marvelous Chinese Conjurer.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 455

    Suee Seen and Chung Ling Soo Marvelous Chinese Conjurer...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Dante the Famous Magician. Beauty the Arabian Steed Vanishes in Mid Air.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,500
    Lot 456

    Dante the Famous Magician. Beauty the Arabian Steed Van...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,500
  • De La Mano the Champion Prestidigitateur, Ambidextrous Comedian, Arch Illusionist, and Humorist is Coming!
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 457

    De La Mano the Champion Prestidigitateur, Ambidextrous ...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Group of Four Conjuring Broadsides and Handbills.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 458

    Group of Four Conjuring Broadsides and Handbills.

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • T. Nelson Downs. The King of Koins.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 459

    T. Nelson Downs. The King of Koins.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Mind Reading. The Most Discussed Topic of the Day.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 460

    Mind Reading. The Most Discussed Topic of the Day.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Hechizos de Fu-Manchú.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 461

    Hechizos de Fu-Manchú.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • George The Supreme Master of Magic. Carload of Scenic Effects.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 462

    George The Supreme Master of Magic. Carload of Scenic E...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Group of Three Magic Posters.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 463

    Group of Three Magic Posters.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Great Jester.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 464

    The Great Jester.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Le Grand David Spectacular Magic Company. Lot of 20 Magic Posters.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 465

    Le Grand David Spectacular Magic Company. Lot of 20 Mag...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Levante. The Famous Australian Illusionist.
    Estimate
    $750 - $1,000
    Lot 466

    Levante. The Famous Australian Illusionist.

    Est.
    $750 - $1,000
  • Primer Congreso Magico Argentino.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 467

    Primer Congreso Magico Argentino.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Prof. H.B. Reynolds. The World Renowned Sorcerer, Necromancer, and Magician.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 468

    Prof. H.B. Reynolds. The World Renowned Sorcerer, Necro...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Dr. Ross. Ghost Show.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 469

    Dr. Ross. Ghost Show.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Magician’s Stock Poster.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 470

    Magician’s Stock Poster.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Thurston’s Greatest Mystery. The Vanishing Whippet.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 471

    Thurston’s Greatest Mystery. The Vanishing Whippet.

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Thurston Master Magician. Million Dollar Mystery.
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 472

    Thurston Master Magician. Million Dollar Mystery.

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000

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.