The Magic Collector

Twin Die Box. Arturo and Abbott’s, ca. 1965.

A finely crafted version of the classic Die Box from Arturo. This example features superior construction, attractive decoration, sliding gimmick, and the ability to physically separate the two boxes during performance.
Constructed in painted wood with brightly finished die and shell. Includes the original instructions. Measures approximately 10 × 5.25 × 7”. Minor wear consistent with age and use. The die and shell remain in excellent condition. Very good condition overall.

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High-Sign. M. Christopher / Louis Tannen, ca. 1950s–60s.

A comedy magic effect in which a traffic sign bearing a directional arrow is shown on both sides. As the sign is turned and displayed, the arrow appears to point in different directions, creating a series of increasingly impossible visual contradictions.
Constructed from printed cardboard. Includes the original Clayton Rawson routine and instruction sheet issued by Louis Tannen. Measures approximately 8” square.

Moderate wear from age and use, including minor edge and surface wear. Instructions toned and folded as expected. Good condition overall. Uncommon.

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Bow-Tie Mystery. Harries, 1989.

A colorful transposition effect from Harries of Sweden. Five bow ties are displayed in one box, while a second box contains a white collar. A spectator names a color. When the boxes are reopened, the selected bow tie has vanished from the first box and is found attached to the collar in the second.

Constructed in woodgrain-finished boxes with fitted interiors. Complete with five bow ties, collar, plastic forcing bag, color-selection cards, silks, and original typed instructions dated 1989. Light wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition overall. Scarce.

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Spot Card. Maker Unknown, ca. mid-20th century.

A heavy metal version of the classic Spot Card effect. One side displays four spots while the reverse shows three. During performance, one of the spots visibly vanishes, leaving an open hole through the card.
Constructed from heavy-gauge metal with double-wall construction. Rather than relying on a flap or removable insert, the disappearing spot is mechanically operated, sliding between the two metal panels to reveal a genuine aperture through the card.
Well made and substantial in feel. Minor wear consistent with age and use. Includes metal card and two magnetic spots. Very good condition overall. No instructions.

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Grant’s Mummy Asrah Levitation. MAK Magic Co., 1970s

A miniature version of U.F. Grant’s classic Asrah illusion. The plaster mummy rests on a small platform and is covered with the cloth. The covered form rises into the air, and when the cloth is whisked away, the mummy has vanished. Unlike many later examples, the mummy is made of plaster rather than plastic. Includes mummy, painted wood platform, cloth, and original instructions. Very good condition.

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Virgil and Julie on CBS. Original Studio Photograph. ca. 1950s–60s.

Original black-and-white studio photograph depicting magician Virgil and Julie during a CBS television appearance. The image captures a rare behind-the-scenes view of a television production in progress, showing the performance set, stage assistants, lighting equipment, camera crane, and studio crew. A period overlay reading “Virgil and Julie on CBS” appears across the image.

The reverse bears a purple ownership stamp reading “Property of Virgil Studios – Please Save,” indicating the photograph originated from Virgil’s personal studio archive.

Measures approximately 10 × 8”. Light handling wear consistent with age. Very good condition overall.

An uncommon original photograph documenting the intersection of magic and early television broadcasting, offering an unusual glimpse behind the camera during a professional network television production.

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Palace Music Hall Program Featuring The Great Nicola. June 13, 1926.

A well-preserved theater program documenting Nicola’s appearance on a 1926 vaudeville bill, including his “Sensational Trunk Mystery.”

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Nickels to Dimes. Brema, ca. 1950s–60s.

A clever mechanical coin effect from Brema in which four nickels visibly transform into a stack of dimes, or in this case pennies. Precision-made in brass and engineered for close-up performance.

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Mandarin Box. Clint Riedel, ca. 1960s

A production cabinet with front and rear doors that open to show the interior empty. When closed, silks, livestock, and other objects may be produced. Noted for its unusually large load chamber relative to its overall size. An original Clint Riedel example with stenciled crane decoration and airbrushed finish. Minor wear from age and use. Very good condition overall. Photocopied instructions included.

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Slit On It. Steve Dusheck, ca. 1980s.

A miniature dagger penetrates a borrowed playing card or dollar bill and is moved visibly from side to side before being withdrawn, leaving the object unharmed. Includes original gimmicked dagger and printed instructions.

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