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Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction

Sat, Oct 31, 2026 04:00PM EDT
  2026-10-31 16:00:00 2026-10-31 16:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/houdini-returns-the-centennial-auction-23392
Marking 100 years since the death of Harry Houdini, Potter & Potter will present a landmark sale of Houdini memorabilia on October 31, 2026 at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. The sale brings to the public for the very first time 100 historic items from the collection of Kevin Connolly, many of which were personally owned by Houdini.

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Lot 23

Houdini Magic for the Junior Magician Magic Set.

Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Starting Bid
$400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

Houdini Magic for the Junior Magician Magic Set. New York: Magical Manufactures, 1934. Boxed collection of magic props aimed at youngsters, including Grandmother's Necklace, two different pull vanishers (including one, curiously, for a cigarette), a Siberian Chain Escape, Magic Wand, two trick decks, and other small tricks. Includes wooden, paper, and metal apparatus. With printed instructions. Box 16 x 12 x 1 1/2". 

These magic sets were some of the earliest "officially licensed" Houdini products, approved for production by Beatrice Houdini and Bernard M.L. Ernst (Houdini's attorney and friend). At least four different versions were issued, this being the largest. 

The creator of these sets, Magical Manufactures, Inc., was operated by L.J. Friedel, who had no other apparent ties to the magic community outside of his connection to these magic sets. The apparatus in each box was likely manufactured by a variety of suppliers, and the sets were produced for only a short time; very few have survived. 

Condition

Corners of lid taped, chipping and wear to props. Apparently complete. 

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If your bid is successful, as an alternative to in-house shipping, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling by us of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items. Packing and shipping expenses shall be added to buyer's invoice and will reflect a charge for labor, materials, insurance, transportation, as well as actual shipper fees.

Kevin Connolly collection.