Collectors Say The Magic Word
From Houdini freeing himself from a straitjacket to the recent spectacle of David Blaine being frozen in a block of ice, there has always been a public fascination with magic. And The Saturday Early Show's Collectibles Expert Tony Hyman explains that fascination has carried over into the world of antiques.
Magicians and illusionists have been around as long as civilization. Today collectors seek the tools of their trade along with antique magic literature and other related items.
Posters advertising performances from the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be quite valuable. Above all, Houdini posters are the most prized. His posters can bring $25,000 and more.
Other desirable posters feature Kellar, an American-born magician, and Thurston, considered by many to be the all-time greatest magician.
Find out about other collectibles described by The Saturday Early Show's Tony Hyman in the Collectibles Archive or visit Tony Hyman's Web site. If you think you have a collectible worth a lot of cash, send an email to sat@cbsnews.com with "What's It Worth?" in the subject line. Or write to "What's It Worth?" The Saturday Early Show, 514 West 57th St., 6th floor, New York, N.Y. 10019. |
Parlor magic apparatuses, such as small devices used for home and stage tricks from the 19th century and early 20th, are popular with collectors. Prices can range from $3,500 to more than $10,000 for highly crafted pieces.
Books on magic are good items for novice collectors. They vary in price from a few dollars to much higher; but most go for less than $100. Reginald Scott's Discovery of Witchcraft, first published in the late 1500s, is considered the first book exposing the secrets behind magic tricks and will bring $15,000 and up. Also sought after are editions of Witchcraft with illustrations published in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Paper collectibles and ephemera such as handbills, business cards, letterheads, autographed photos and magician's tokens, can fetch from $25 to hundreds for rare items. A token made for Andersen, a performer from the 1600s, will bring $5,000.
Amusing physics magic sets for children and beginners first appeared in 1850s and '60s in France. Also, the American-made Mysto Magic sets by A.C. Gilbrt of Erector Set fame are highly collectible.
For more information, contact magic historian, collector and dealer Mario Carrandi. He can be reached by email at info@carrandimagic.com. You can also visit his Web site at www.carrandimagic.com.