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Houdiniana & The Davenport Magic Collection

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  • Group of Three Vintage Silk and Handkerchief Tubes. German and English, ca. 1940s. Brass and chrome
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 336

    Group of Three Vintage Silk and Handkerchief Tubes. Ger...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Handkerchief Frame. London: Davenports, ca. 1940. A borrowed handkerchief attached to frame is place
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 337

    Handkerchief Frame. London: Davenports, ca. 1940. A bor...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Handkerchief Pedestal. Hamburg: Janos Bartl [?], ca. 1935. Handsome nickel-plated pedestal loads a h
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 338

    Handkerchief Pedestal. Hamburg: Janos Bartl [?], ca. 19...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Handkerchief Vanishing Wand. American, ca. 1940. Finely made gimmicked catalin wand (14 _о long) all
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 339

    Handkerchief Vanishing Wand. American, ca. 1940. Finely...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Harbin, Robert (Ned Williams). Robert HarbinНs Jumbo Martin Rising Cards. London: John Martin, ca. 1
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $2,500
    Lot 340

    Harbin, Robert (Ned Williams). Robert HarbinНs Jumbo Ma...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $2,500
  • Hora Pasera. Hamburg: Janos Bartl, ca. 1935. A pocket watch and alarm clock are placed in two tall n
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 341

    Hora Pasera. Hamburg: Janos Bartl, ca. 1935. A pocket w...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Improbability. London: Davenports, ca. 1950. A handkerchief or steel rod is placed in a hole running
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 342

    Improbability. London: Davenports, ca. 1950. A handkerc...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Insull Ventriloquist Figure. London: Len Insull (for Davenports), 1955. Handsome figure with the сNo
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 343

    Insull Ventriloquist Figure. London: Len Insull (for Da...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Six Lanterns from Hat. London: Davenports, ca. 1933. Set of six collapsible lanterns the magician pr
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 344

    Six Lanterns from Hat. London: Davenports, ca. 1933. Se...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Levante Block Penetration. Manufacturer unknown, ca. 1950. Painted wooden block penetrates a length
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 345

    Levante Block Penetration. Manufacturer unknown, ca. 19...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Magical Welding. London: L. Davenport & Co., ca. 1935. Loose chain links arranged on a wooden tray (
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 346

    Magical Welding. London: L. Davenport & Co., ca. 1935. ...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Manipulation Watches [Two Sets]. German, ca. 1920. Two sets of nesting pocket watches for manipulati
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 347

    Manipulation Watches [Two Sets]. German, ca. 1920. Two ...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Marvel of Marvels Prediction Box. German, ca. 1935. Two complete sets of the trick with instructions
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 348

    Marvel of Marvels Prediction Box. German, ca. 1935. Two...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Cabinet of Conjuring Tricks No. 3. London: Ernest Sewell, ca. 1930. Elaborate set includes many meta
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 349

    Cabinet of Conjuring Tricks No. 3. London: Ernest Sewel...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Conjuring Tricks Magic Set. Bavaria: Spear, ca. 1920. Handsome magic set with wooden and paper props
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 350

    Conjuring Tricks Magic Set. Bavaria: Spear, ca. 1920. H...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Der Kliene Zauberer (The Little Conjurer) Magic Set. German, ca. 1900. Handsome set includes wooden
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 351

    Der Kliene Zauberer (The Little Conjurer) Magic Set. Ge...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Early French Magic Set. Circa 1890. Handsome and elaborate set includes a Bonus Genius, three tin cu
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 352

    Early French Magic Set. Circa 1890. Handsome and elabor...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Gamagic Set No. 3. London: Gamages, ca. 1940. Beautiful and complete vintage magic set with attracti
    Estimate
    $150 - $200
    Lot 353

    Gamagic Set No. 3. London: Gamages, ca. 1940. Beautiful...

    Est.
    $150 - $200
  • Physique Amusante Magic Set. French, ca. 1870. Handsome and elaborate set with gilt decorated box in
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 354

    Physique Amusante Magic Set. French, ca. 1870. Handsome...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • MaskelyneНs Mysteries. London: Demon Magic, 1957. Two magic sets in sturdy and attractive original b
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 355

    MaskelyneНs Mysteries. London: Demon Magic, 1957. Two m...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • [Miscellaneous] Two Magic Sets and Various Packet Tricks. London: L. Davenport & Co./Demon Magic and
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 356

    [Miscellaneous] Two Magic Sets and Various Packet Trick...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Money Maker. London: Will Goldston Ltd., ca. 1930. Lacquered wooden stand (4 _ x 3 _о) with rollers
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 357

    Money Maker. London: Will Goldston Ltd., ca. 1930. Lacq...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Money Maker. London: HamleyНs [?], ca. 1920. Wooden stand (5 _ x 2о) equipped with rollers to produc
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 358

    Money Maker. London: HamleyНs [?], ca. 1920. Wooden sta...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • Morison Pill Box. German [?], ca. 1930. Turned wooden vase (5 3/8о tall) from which a red ball vanis
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 359

    Morison Pill Box. German [?], ca. 1930. Turned wooden v...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Multiplying Bean Barrels. Germany, ca. 1939. Unopened box of twelve painted wooden barrels (each app
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 360

    Multiplying Bean Barrels. Germany, ca. 1939. Unopened b...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Mummy II. Cornwall: Alan Warner, ca. 2000. A carved wooden mummy in a small coffin floats in mid-air
    Estimate
    $350 - $550
    Lot 361

    Mummy II. Cornwall: Alan Warner, ca. 2000. A carved woo...

    Est.
    $350 - $550
  • The Noo Foo Can. Smethwick: Burtini, ca. 1946. Finely polished chromed can (7 _о tall) with lid and
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 362

    The Noo Foo Can. Smethwick: Burtini, ca. 1946. Finely p...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Vintage Wooden Magic Tricks. London: Davenports, ca. 1935. Including The Obedient Ball, finely turne
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 363

    Vintage Wooden Magic Tricks. London: Davenports, ca. 19...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Oswald WilliamsН Signature Tune. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. 1940. Charming and clever handli
    Estimate
    $50 - $150
    Lot 364

    Oswald WilliamsН Signature Tune. London: Lewis Davenpor...

    Est.
    $50 - $150
  • Group of Three Vintage Plug Boxes. German [?], ca. 1920s _ 30s. Finely made early examples in brass
    Estimate
    $200 - $250
    Lot 365

    Group of Three Vintage Plug Boxes. German [?], ca. 1920...

    Est.
    $200 - $250
  • [Parlor Magic] Collection of Parlor Magic props. Various makers, and including a giant comedy funnel
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 366

    [Parlor Magic] Collection of Parlor Magic props. Variou...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Penny to Sovereign. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. 1945. The magician promises to change an old
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 367

    Penny to Sovereign. London: Lewis Davenport & Co., ca. ...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • [Pocket Tricks] Collection of Davenports Pocket Magic Tricks. Eleven different items, several with h
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 368

    [Pocket Tricks] Collection of Davenports Pocket Magic T...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Productive Flag Staff. British, ca. 1920. Telescopic  rigid brass flagstaff (55о long) used to throw
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 369

    Productive Flag Staff. British, ca. 1920. Telescopic ri...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Productive Flag Staff. British, ca. 1920. Telescopic rigid brass flagstaff (64о long) used to produc
    Estimate
    $250 - $450
    Lot 370

    Productive Flag Staff. British, ca. 1920. Telescopic ri...

    Est.
    $250 - $450
  • Red Hot Ball. London: Gamages, ca. 1940s. Precision made brass ball (2о diam.) unscrewing at the cen
    Estimate
    $100 - $200
    Lot 371

    Red Hot Ball. London: Gamages, ca. 1940s. Precision mad...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
  • Sand Frames. English or German, ca. 1940. Two vintage sand frames in which a chosen card, photograph
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 372

    Sand Frames. English or German, ca. 1940. Two vintage s...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Sea-LingНs Butterfly Boxes. Richard Gerlitz, ca. 2005. A vanished object, borrowed from a spectator,
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 373

    Sea-LingНs Butterfly Boxes. Richard Gerlitz, ca. 2005. ...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Sea-LingНs Modern Math. Richard Gerlitz, ca. 2005. Four decorated columns bearing chains of random d
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 374

    Sea-LingНs Modern Math. Richard Gerlitz, ca. 2005. Four...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • SelbitНs Magic Bricks. British, ca. 1910. Four wooden blocks, numbered one through four, are stacked
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 375

    SelbitНs Magic Bricks. British, ca. 1910. Four wooden b...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Silk Gun. Hamburg: Bartl, ca. 1940s. Mechanical cast metal faux pistol vanishes a silk draped over t
    Estimate
    $100 - $150
    Lot 376

    Silk Gun. Hamburg: Bartl, ca. 1940s. Mechanical cast me...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
  • [Silks] Wedding of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. London: Demon Magic, ca. 1935. Early set of three pairs
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 377

    [Silks] Wedding of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. London: Dem...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Slat Frame. Kenton, Middlesex: Cecil E. Griffin, ca. 1940. A jumbo Queen of Hearts vanishes, reappea
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 378

    Slat Frame. Kenton, Middlesex: Cecil E. Griffin, ca. 19...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Spirit Bell. German, ca. 1940. Glass bell with metal clapper and upper ring sounds out answers to qu
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 379

    Spirit Bell. German, ca. 1940. Glass bell with metal cl...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Spirit Hand. London: DavenportНs, ca. 1920. Papier-mдch_ model hand (approx. 6 _о long) mysteriously
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 380

    Spirit Hand. London: DavenportНs, ca. 1920. Papier-mдch...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Spirit Painting. Los Angeles: F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. An eerie and visible materialization of a pictu
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 381

    Spirit Painting. Los Angeles: F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. An...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Spirit Slates. Birmingham: Walter Wandman, ca. 1950. Set of two slates constructed similar to the сD
    Estimate
    $150 - $250
    Lot 382

    Spirit Slates. Birmingham: Walter Wandman, ca. 1950. Se...

    Est.
    $150 - $250
  • Squirting Rice Bowls. German, ca. 1940. Set of two finely-spun rice bowls with nozzles incorporated
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 383

    Squirting Rice Bowls. German, ca. 1940. Set of two fine...

    Est.
    $250 - $350

Auction Description

Houdiniana & The Davenport Magic Collection by Potter & Potter Auctions

Our April 9th auction is a two-part magic extravaganza. The first section will feature choice memorabilia related to the most famous magician and escape artist the world has ever known: Harry Houdini.

Lithographs, Broadsides and Challenges, featuring the iconic “Houdini for President" three-sheet poster printed by Strobridge Litho. Photographs and Ephemera, among them Houdini movie stills, postcards, manuscripts, autographs and correspondence, including unpublished material. Associated memorabilia, magic props, handcuffs, lobby displays, scrapbooks, and more - all related to Houdini, his comptetitors, and escape artists.

The second half of our April auction features items from the storied collection of Lewis Davenport & Co. of London. One of the world's oldest and most successful magic shops and manufacturers, the Davenport family also owns and maintains one of the world's great collections of conjuring memorabilia and illusions.

For the first time, items from the family's well-known holdings will be offered for sale at public auction. Going on the block are scarce and collectible books, vintage stone lithographs, magic props (including several from the famous German firm of Janos Bartl), vintage magic supply catalogs, photographs, ephemera, Will Goldston ephemera direct from his private files, and more.

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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.

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 20%, 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.