Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 33

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Magic

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 422		Houdini, Harry (1874-1926) Magician, illusionist, and escape artist; one of the most popular entertainers of all time. Born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, he came to America at the age of four. He performed in small venues throughout the Midwest and New York from 1891until 1899, when he was "discovered" and became a major vaudeville star in America and Europe. He was a master of publicity, staging public exhibitions and accepting challenges from various groups. Houdini made five movies, beginning in 1918, becoming one of Hollywood's first action figures. In 1926 he had a very successfull one-man show on Broadway, which he took on tour, but a case of appendicitis, aggrevated by some blows to the stomach, was neglected too long, and Houdini died in Detroit on October 31, 1926. There was an outpouring of grief on his passing. Postcard with Autograph Note Signed "Houdini w frau" [Houdini with wife], Honolulu, 1910 May 2, addressed in Houdini's hand to "Family Roterberg" in Hamburg, Germany: "Fine trip so far. We will be home until Sept 1910. Hope alls well. I believe we will go through Chicago on our way home. regards / Houdini w frau." The postcard pictures Honolulu harbor; in the lower border, Houdini wrote: "Our home address 278 N. 113th St. New York City U.S.A." Very good; postmark partially affects three words. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $863
Lot 423		Houdini, Harry. Postcard with Autograph Note Signed to fellow magician Carter the Great. Houdini sends a picture postcard of himself to "Mr. Chas Carter / Hotel Sherman / Chicago Ill / U.S.A" from "Swansea 3/6/1914" and writes "Regards / Harry Houdini / over here until July, Days Agency / Arundle St. Strand / Lon. Eng." Dark toning and wear to top of postcard. Accompanied by a postcard, postmarked 1907 from Indianapolis, Ind., with printed New Year's wishes in English and German, addressed to "Mr. Chas Carter (Magician)" in New Zealand; the postcard pictures "Harry Houdini The Famous Jail Breaker." Also, a 1936 clipping from a newspaper about the widows of Houdini and Carter trying to contact their dead husbands. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. Ex: Estate of Carter the Great. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,725
Lot 424		(Houdini). Vintage sepia-toned 12"x10" photograph of Houdini emerging from a safe. Imprint of White (Studio) N.Y. at lower right. Very good; light creasing in upper corners. Matted to an overall size of 20"x18". Escaping from a locked safe in which he had been handcuffed was one of the performances for which Houdini was famous. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $920
Lot 425		(Houdini). Original 10'x7½" photogravure with printed signature. A pensive Houdini sits backward in a chair, leaning on his left arm and holding a book with his right. At lower edge is "Archiv für Kunst u. Wissenschaft, Charlottenburg." Matted to an overall size of 18¼"x15½". Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
Lot 426		(Houdini) 1902 Appearance In Leeds + Keith's Ad. 11¼"x7" broadside advertising the appearance of Houdini, "The World Famous Jail Breaker and Handcuff King," at Varieties, Top of Briggate, Leeds, on December 1, 1902. Testimonials from police officials in America, England, and Germany detail seemingly impossible escapes made by Houdini. Fair; edge splits, minor paper loss and ragged edges. Green print on pale olive paper. (Two torn, partial broadsides of this same broadside are included). Accompanied by a 1900 newspaper ad for Houdini's appearance at Keith's New Theatre (Boston). Estimated Value $600 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $489
Lot 427		(Houdini) 1909 Flight In His Biplane. Original vintage 6½"8¾"photograph on a 9½"x13" mount by Atelier Leneuil, Hamburg / Wandsbek, with the legend: "Houdini's flight in his biplane over Hufaren Exercierplatz Hamburg-Wandsbeck Nov. 26th. 1909." Houdini can be seen piloting the plane which has two large "Houdini" signs visible; "No. 1" is printed under one. Stamped on back is "Edw. Saint Collection" and "Houdini Archivist"; "#21" is written in pencil. The photo has one diagonal scratch across the left corner (in the negative), one thin vertical mark in the sky, and one faint smudge on one spectator's coat. The lower left corner of the mount is missing, and lower edge has a break, both easily matted out. Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $719
Lot 428		(Houdini) 1911 Challenge by British Coopers. 7½"x5" Handbill titled "Coopers Challenge Houdini," in which the coopers of the Albion Brewery, Shepherd's Bush, challenge Houdini " to escape from a large Rum Punch Hickory Barrel after we have headed you in it in the regulation manner. We…should like to know if it is in the power of any human being to escape from a barrel after it has been 'coopered' and 'headed in' by competent coopers…." At the bottom: "HOUDINI Accepts the Challenge and invites the Coopers to bring the barrel to the Shepherd's Bush Empire…June 7, 1911, when he will attempt to perform this unheard of feat in the 2nd House." Fine except for two tiny edge chips. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $437
Lot 429		(Houdini) 1913 Cardiff Barracks Challenge. 8¾"x5¾" handbill datelined Cardiff Barracks (Edinburgh), January 8th, 1913, challenging Houdini to escape from "…an old and obsolete Padded Cell Suit…abolished on account of its extremely cruel manner in holding a patient….we believe the strongest maniac could not make good his escape therefrom….you must make your attempt at escape in full view of the audience.…" Signed in print by three officers. At the bottom: "Houdini Accepts Above Challenge….there must be no danger of strangulation by the straps encircling his neck." Red print on tan paper. Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $437
Lot 430		(Houdini) 1913 Ex-Police Constables' Challenge. 5"x7½" handbill datelined Edinburgh, 9th April 1913. A group of ex-constables with 200 years experience on the Edinburgh City Police Department challenge Houdini to escape from a specially-made "Insane Restraint Bag." They describe how he is to be restrained and state that he has to "Release Yourself In Full View Of The Audience." Houdini accepts the Challenge "second performance, Friday night, April 11th, 1913, at Empire, Edinburgh" on condition that the straps not be drawn so tight as to strangle him. Black print on tan paper. Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $489
Lot 431		*(Houdini) Art Work From The Master of Mystery.* Pencil and Ink Sketch, 10¾"x14½" of Houdini looking over the side of a biplane assessing his next action as the pilot watches., c. 1919. Lower border identifies the scene as being from "'The Master of Mystery (7th instal. p. 4.)" "Kinema Comic" is stamped in the lower left border, and some measurements are marked on the sketch, which is mounted to board. R.B. Ogle is identified as the artist on the back. Some yellowing and wear; a 1½" tear in lower right corner can be easily closed. The art work was probably for a lobby card. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 432		(Houdini) German Broadside For Houdini's Water Torture Cell. 18¾"x6¼" broadside, c. 1913-14, advertising Houdini's appearance at the Apollo Theatre (no city) on Thursday, September 18th. Houdini offers a 5,000 Mark reward to anyone who can prove that he gets air in his under-water torture cell. He will be chained and manacled in the deepest water. "A mistake means death." Uneven right edge. Black print on tan paper. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $604
Lot 433		(Houdini) Houdini Being Placed In A Strait Jacket. Vintage sepia-toned 11"x14" photograph of Houdini lying on a carpet as two men in white jackets and caps fasten a strait jacket on him; a third man holds his legs and a fourth gives instructions. Backstamp of White Studio N.Y., c. 1910-20. Minor edge chips; lower left corner missing, not affecting image. Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 434		(Houdini) Houdini Day Flyers. Two flyers on heavy-stock photographic paper, one white with black print (10½"x7½") and one black with white print (9½"x6"), c. 1927, advertising Houdini Day at Miramar Swimming Pool (New York City). "In honor of the late Harry Houdini, Mrs. Beatrice Houdini will start the first Event of the Finals." Very good and fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 435		(Houdini) Houdini On Stage. Vintage sepia-toned 11"x14" photograph of Houdini on stage executing a card trick. One assistant aids Houdini as three others stand by various apparatus, ready to help. No photographer's stamp. Upper right corner is clipped, else very good. Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 436		(Houdini) Original Art Work. Pencil and Ink Sketch, 20"x12½", Signed by the artist: "R.B. Ogle / 1920." The scene shows a frightened Houdini dangling by a rope from one bi-plane as it crashes with a second plane. This scene actually occurred while Houdini was filming The Grim Game, one of five movies he made. The legend below the sketch, with the title "Exploits of Houdini," quotes Houdini: "…I was dangling from the rope end ready for the leap. Suddenly a strong wind turned the lower plane upwards, the two machines crashed together - nearly amputating my limbs - the propellors locked in a deadly embrace, and we were spun round and round…." The sketch and board, to which it is affixed, are torn in the lower left corner; the board is patched with old tape on the back and one small piece in the legend. This scene could possible have been drawn for a lobby card to be exhibited in the theater. In any event, it is intriguing and the art work is original. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,265
Lot 437		(Houdini) Photograph of 1917 Houdini Challenge. Vintage sepia-toned 10¾"x13¾" photograph of Houdini wearing a strait jacket and dangling upside-down from an apparatus on top of a building as a crowd of people observe. Explanation at lower left of photo says, "Part of 80,000 Spectators Watching Houdini Challenge / Prov. R.I. Mar 7, 1917." Houdini is a blurry little figure. Photo is linen-backed; no photographer's stamp visible. Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
Lot 438		(Houdini) Photographs From His 1913 Transatlantic Trip. 5"x6" paper-back photograph album with six 4"x5" photographs taken on board the Imperator: one of Mr. and Mrs. Houdini, one of Houdini with Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Curtiss, one of Mrs. Houdini alone, one of Mrs. H with Mrs. Curtiss, one of Mrs. H with Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss and one of "Mrs. Leslie Carters Husband"; identities are written on each photo. Written on cover: "Imperator Trip 1913 / sailed from America / August 20. 1913." Glenn Curtiss (1878-1930) was an aviation pioneer and founder of the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $719
Lot 439		(Houdini) Print of Houdini With Teddy Roosevelt. 14"x11" Promotional print c. 1915 of a famous photograph of Houdini with Teddy Roosevelt in 1914 when they were both passengers on the liner Imperator, crossing from Hamburg to New York. A Houdini copyright is in the print at lower left, and at lower right: "Taken On Board Of The H.A.L. 'Imperator.' June 23, 1914 on June 234, 1914." Good publicity for Houdini. Light edge soiling and one faint crease at the top of Houdini's head. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $374
Lot 440		(Houdini) Russian Broadside. 9"x12¼". Houdini is shown manacled and in chains. Fine condition. Professionally backed with archival canvas, easily reversible if desired. Estimated Value $600 - 900. View details	Realized $661
Lot 441		(Houdini) Two Promotional Pieces. 5"x3½" brochure for Barras Ford's Alhambra Theatre in Brussels advertising Houdini as the headliner for the Tuesday, 16 March 1909 program; image on the back shows Houdini manacled in a U.S. prison cell, from which he escaped in 20 minutes. Fine. A second piece, 8¾"x6", dated August 16, 1912, touts "A Box Within A Box / The Last and Most Miraculous Challenge Accepted by Houdini Before leaving for his second tour around the world / Issued by The Expert Packers of The 14th Street Store." Very good; toning and edge chips. Ad for the store is on the back. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 442		(Willard the Wizard). Three 24"x9¼" posters, identical except different color, c. 1900 or earlier. Very good; toning and some edge splits. The Willard family of magic began in Ireland about 1840 with Jim Willard. His son, Jim Michael Willard, migrated to California and continued the tradition. These posters feature Jim Michael as Willard, his wife, Nellie Davenport (Lucy Mae Kiefer), and other "First Class Artists" in a "Bewildering Oriental Production, 'Nights of Enchantment.'" Jim and Nellie's son took Harry took over c. 1915, continuing the tradition of Willard the Wizard. Estimated Value $600 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 443		Blackstone, Harry Sr (1885-1965) Magician and illusionist, known as "World's Master Magician." A collection of 20 Blackstone items: a 12"x9" Program Signed and Inscribed "To Betxy Ross with every good wish under the sun Harry Blackstone 7-17-50"; six 1940s programs for Blackstone performances throughout America (one in France), very good to fine; nine vintage photographs--five approximately 11"x14" and four approximately 8"x10" (three of these are c. 1910); fair to good, toning and soiling; two "Blackstone" name plates; a 14"x12" plaque presented to Blackstone by the Utica Magic Club; and a 10½" (closed) wooden prop knife carved with his name and "Whittlers' Club 1940". Should be seen. Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 444		Group of Magicians. Group of over 30 items, c. 1910s through 1940s, including four programs, 25 photographs of various sizes, a postcard with a typed note signed by Clarence T. Hubbard (1914), an advertising placard for Marquis the Magician, and a booklet by Fred Robinson and his dummy Jerry. Ten photos and two images are signed, most inscribed to Harry and Zola. Signed photos include: "The Mysterious Lucknor," Bert Yorker, Les Gilbert, B.B. Holden, J.P…Lawrence, "Eli" Ralph Pence(?), Wm. C. Turtle, Will Bland, Harold Beldaine, Gene Gordon, and "Mae." Unsigned photos include Alfred J. Etting, Johnny Morrison "The Boy Mexican," and two large group photos of magicians. Condition ranges from fair to fine. Should be seen. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold