Potter & Potter Auctions
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Magicana of the Golden Age

Sat, Jun 20, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-20 11:00:00 2026-06-20 11:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Magicana of the Golden Age https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/magicana-of-the-golden-age-22866
Highlights of this closely-curated sale include remarkable rarities from the golden age of conjuring: a diverse array of Houdiniana, Victorian magic apparatus, relics from the stages of St. George's Hall, rare posters, select modern props, and choice ephemera. Purchase Catalog
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Lot 139

Portrait of Ira Davenport by Disderi.

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

DAVENPORT, Ira Erastus (1839–1911). Portrait of Ira Davenport by Disderi. Paris: Disderi, ca. 1865. Sepia-tone three-quarter length portrait of the famed entertainer who, with his brother, was among the first to present seances on stage. Carte de Visite format on printed photographer's mount, 4 1/4 x 2 1/2". RARE; the first example of this photograph we have encountered. 

Condition

Minor soiling to mount, inked notation below image by a Davenport family member. 

Overall Dimensions
Weight: 1.00 lbs

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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.

Property of the subject, Ira Davenport, and passed to the consignor by descent.