Potter & Potter Auctions
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Modern Magic Masters

Sat, Aug 15, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-08-15 11:00:00 2026-08-15 11:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Modern Magic Masters https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/modern-magic-masters-23628
This auction features relics, posters, books, and props from the shows, collections and workshops of modern magic masters. Included are items owned or used by The Amazing Johnathan, Johnny Thompson, and Tom Mullica. Purchase Catalog
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Lot 100

MASKELYNE, J.N. (1839 - 1917). Photograph of Maskelyne and the Automaton Zoe.

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Starting Bid
$500

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

MASKELYNE, J.N. (1839 - 1917). Photograph of Maskelyne and the Automaton Zoe. London: London Seteroscopic Co., ca. 1877. Full-length image shows the great British magician and inventor - and proprietor of Egyptian Hall - with his writing and drawing automaton, Zoe, on a pedestal beside him. Cabinet card format on printed mount, 6 1/2 x 4 1/4". SCARCE.

Zoe would draw portraits or duplicate handwriting as requested by her maker or the audience. Like Psycho, Maskelyne's more famous card-playing android, Zoe was not a true automaton, but rather a conjuror's trick - an elaborate pantograph disguised by the figure and plinth, operated by an unseen assistant. 

Condition

Minor foxing, one corner bumped.

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