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Oct 28, 11:00AM EDT

Blackstone Magic Auction

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  • Welsh Rarebit Pan.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 288

    Welsh Rarebit Pan.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Doors to Tommy Willard’s Sawing Illusion.
    Estimate
    $50 - $100
    Lot 289

    Doors to Tommy Willard’s Sawing Illusion.

    Est.
    $50 - $100
  • Clown With Vanishing Head Automaton.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,500
    Lot 290

    Clown With Vanishing Head Automaton.

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,500
  • The Turk Chess-Player Automaton.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 291

    The Turk Chess-Player Automaton.

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Las Vegas Kardma.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 292

    Las Vegas Kardma.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Albo, Robert. Classic Magic Series, and Other Works.
    Estimate
    $600 - $900
    Lot 293

    Albo, Robert. Classic Magic Series, and Other Works.

    Est.
    $600 - $900
  • The Oriental Magic of the Bambergs.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 294

    The Oriental Magic of the Bambergs.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Life and Mysteries of the Celebrated Dr. “Q”.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 295

    The Life and Mysteries of the Celebrated Dr. “Q”.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Alexander’s Book of Mystery.
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 296

    Alexander’s Book of Mystery.

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Automata: The Golden Age, 1848—1914.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 297

    Automata: The Golden Age, 1848—1914.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Collected Mental Secrets of C.A. George Newmann.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 298

    The Collected Mental Secrets of C.A. George Newmann.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Isn’t It Wonderful
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 299

    Isn’t It Wonderful

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • A Magician in Many Lands.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 300

    A Magician in Many Lands.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Blitz, Signor. Two Volumes by Blitz.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 301

    Blitz, Signor. Two Volumes by Blitz.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Boy’s Own Conjuring Book, (The).
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 302

    Boy’s Own Conjuring Book, (The).

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Around the World with a Magician and a Juggler.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 303

    Around the World with a Magician and a Juggler.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Bruce Cervon’s Castle Notebooks.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 304

    Bruce Cervon’s Castle Notebooks.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Annals of Conjuring.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 305

    The Annals of Conjuring.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Cremer, W.H and Frank Bellew. Four Volumes on Conjuring.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 306

    Cremer, W.H and Frank Bellew. Four Volumes on Conjuring...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • The Death-Blow to Spiritualism.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 307

    The Death-Blow to Spiritualism.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • DeMoulin Bros. & Co. Burlesque and Side Degree Specialties.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 308

    DeMoulin Bros. & Co. Burlesque and Side Degree Specialt...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Hocus Pocus, or the Whole Art of Legerdemain in Perfection.
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 309

    Hocus Pocus, or the Whole Art of Legerdemain in Perfect...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • The House of the Sphinx.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 310

    The House of the Sphinx.

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Soirees Fantastiques.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 311

    Soirees Fantastiques.

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Findlay, J.B. Nine Works by Findlay.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 312

    Findlay, J.B. Nine Works by Findlay.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Frost, Thomas. Two Volumes by Frost.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 313

    Frost, Thomas. Two Volumes by Frost.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • The Art of Modern Conjuring: Magic and Illusions.
    Estimate
    $150 - $200
    Lot 314

    The Art of Modern Conjuring: Magic and Illusions.

    Est.
    $150 - $200
  • Isis Very Much Unveiled.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 315

    Isis Very Much Unveiled.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Goldston, Will. Exclusive Magical Secrets.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 316

    Goldston, Will. Exclusive Magical Secrets.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Goldston, Will. More Exclusive Magical Secrets.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 317

    Goldston, Will. More Exclusive Magical Secrets.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Goldston, Will. Great Magicians’ Tricks.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 318

    Goldston, Will. Great Magicians’ Tricks.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Goldston, Will. Group of Bound Files of Goldston Periodicals.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 319

    Goldston, Will. Group of Bound Files of Goldston Period...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Group of Will Goldston Publications and Ephemera, Some Signed.
    Estimate
    $150 - $300
    Lot 320

    Group of Will Goldston Publications and Ephemera, Some ...

    Est.
    $150 - $300
  • Magical Experiments, or Science in Play.
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 321

    Magical Experiments, or Science in Play.

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Cards and Card Tricks.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 322

    Cards and Card Tricks.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Hilliard, John Northern. Greater Magic.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 323

    Hilliard, John Northern. Greater Magic.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Hocus Pocus; or, The Whole Art of Conjuring.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 324

    Hocus Pocus; or, The Whole Art of Conjuring.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Modern Magic.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 325

    Modern Magic.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Modern Magic.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 326

    Modern Magic.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • More Magic.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 327

    More Magic.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Modern Magic / More Magic.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 328

    Modern Magic / More Magic.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Parlor Amusements and Evening Party Entertainments.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 329

    Parlor Amusements and Evening Party Entertainments.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Drawing Room Conjuring.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 330

    Drawing Room Conjuring.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Puzzles Old and New.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 331

    Puzzles Old and New.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Tricks with Cards.
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 332

    Tricks with Cards.

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Rational Recreations, in Which the Principles of Numbers and Natural Philosophy are clearly and copiously elucidated…
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 333

    Rational Recreations, in Which the Principles of Number...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • A Magician Among the Spirits.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 334

    A Magician Among the Spirits.

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 335

    The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin.

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000

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.