ROLTAIR, Henry (1853 – 1910). Roltair’s Illusions. Circa 18...

About Auction

Live

The Ricky Jay Collection

By Potter & Potter Auctions

Feb 25, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-02-25 12:00:00 2023-02-25 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Ricky Jay Collection https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/potter-potter/the-ricky-jay-collection-21935
This was Potter & Potter's first sale from the singular, eclectic collection of Ricky Jay, the lauded actor, celebrated sleight-of-hand magician, and noted author, who curated his own extensive collection of magic, circus, and showbiz ephemera. Prices Realized Potter & Potter Auctions info@potterauctions.com

View Full Catalog (369)

• Lot Description
  ROLTAIR, Henry (1853 ? 1910). Roltair?s Illusions. Circa 1890. Bright blue publisher?s wrappers lettered and printed in gold. [1], 2 ? 16, 16mo. Wraps chipped, short tears, old vertical fold. Good. The first example we have encountered. Roltair is acknowledged as a pioneer of fairground spectacles and illusions at Coney Island and elsewhere, and including the construction of an upside-down house, Spidora (Spider Girl illusion), and Creation, a two-hour long ride that was said to show viewers the creation of the world. This pitchbook is curious in that it teaches only a few card tricks, devoting as much if not more space to divulging (without illustrations) the methods behind small sideshow illusions like The Living Head in a Bottle, The Aerial Suspension, and The Sphinx or Decapitated Head.
• Buyer's Premium
  • 25.00 %