Harry Houdini’s Magic Props Star in Upcoming Potter & Potter Auctions Event

Erich Weiss, known as Harry Houdini, was a multi-talented artist famous for escape arts and illusion performances. The upcoming Potter & Potter Auctions event presents multiple pieces of illusion equipment from Harry Houdini’s career. One highlight is a rare 1901 bound Houdini Bible red-letter edition from the World Syndicate Company. Houdini used these custom-made Bibles as magic props. Using these volumes, a magician could identify which page a volunteer was flipping. Only four examples of these ‘forcing Bibles’ exist. This particular Bible is particularly rare due to its signatures from Harry Houdini, mentalist Joseph Dunninger, and famous collector Ray Ellenbogen.

Also showcased is a ladder levitation by well-known magic prop inventor Walter Blaney. The 1960s invention by Blaney is an improvised version of U. F. Grant’s levitation. These ladders were famous among performers like Lance Burton and David Copperfield. A circa 1970s club-size Okito checker cabinet with three partitions and a pagoda-like canister is another notable lot. Magician Tobias “Theo” Leendert Bamberg created these Okito cabinets. The cabinet utilizes a unique trick that lets the magician change the checkers with a rice container. The auction also offers Professor Hoffmann’s Modern Magic book, a Der Zauberer magic set, lithograph posters, and other magic props. Collectors can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online on Potter & Potter Auctions.