Presto! Popular Collectibles!

Who hasn’t heard of Harry Potter and Harry Houdini? The boy wizard and the escape artist have cast their spell on our collective imaginations, and in the process, turned an old man’s game into a new trend for younger collectors.   With the overwhelming popularity of books and movies about magic, magicians’ tricks, props and paraphernalia have been transformed into popular collectibles sought out by a newer, younger audience.  In 2006, Forbes magazine ran a story about collectible magic, and earlier this year, the Kovels included Magic props on their list of upcoming collectible trends.

Magic Cards

Every magician starts with sleight of hand, and that means cards and coins.  Some magicians, such as T. Nelson Downs (1874-1926), and Cardini (Richard Pitchford 1895-1073) built entire acts around card and coin tricks.  Even Harry Houdini (1874-1926), probably the most famous magician of all times, billed himself as The King of Kards early in his career.  Many top tier magicians had their own coins minted, and their own cards printed.  Coins usually feature a likeness of the magician on one side, and a magical icon and or motto on the other.  Sometimes coins exist in two versions-those designed especially for palming and tricks, and those tossed out to the audience and those sold before and after the show as souvenirs.  Magic tokens can be made of silver, copper, bronze, nickel, wood, brass or base metal.  Depending on the content and the fame of the magician, sell from $5 and up.

Magic Coins or Tokens

Cards were also used as both props for tricks and as mementos.  Scaling cards were so named because a good magician could scale, or sail a card accurately to any specified seat in an auditorium.  Alexander Herman (1844-1932), Herman the Great is credited as the first magician to use these cards as both a prop and a promo.

Magic Tricks

According to Peter Monticup, Magician and dealer, magic tricks are the perfect collectible because they are not only available and affordable, they are usable.  Unlike postcards or stamps that one enjoys by looking at, collectors can learn how to use changing bags, cane and flowers, and cups and balls.  These tricks are available in a variety of vintages, styles and price ranges, from $30 for a circa 1930’s magic milk bottle with flags, or $312 for a set of circa 1950’s Cups & Balls by Magic Special Co.

Houdini- Tops of the Magic Collectibles Market

Harry Houdini is probably the most famous magician of all times thanks not only to his skill at prestidigitation, but an even greater talent at self-promotion.  Due to his active publicity machine, lots of Houdini ephemera exists, and much is affordable, however, fine vintage pieces command large sums.  In 2007, an original 20" x 30" Houdini poster titled Chinese Water Torture Cell circa 1913 in exceptional condition sold for $58,526. at Random Treasures Auctions LLC.