Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Magic - Old and New - Conjuring from the 16-20th Century

Sat, Aug 27, 2016 11:00AM EDT - Sun, Aug 28, 2016 11:00AM EDT
Lot 68

Sid Lorraine's Frasnia Act Case and Props

Estimate: $400 - $600

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
Lorraine, Sid (Sid R. Johnson). Sid Lorraine's Frasnia Act Case and Props. Circa 1960. Box-like suitcase custom made by Sid Lorraine for his trademark medicine pitch act called Frasnia. The lid of the case opens to reveal a sign heralding the name of the act, and the interior is filled with tiny foam-line compartments for the various props used in the act with tiny foam-lined 17 x 13 x9Ó. Well worn from considerable professional use. Accompanied by the felt hat Lorraine wore while giving the pitch, a bottles of ÒKlondike whiskeyÓ used by Lorraine in his act, Frasnia stationery, other memorabilia, and two photographs of Lorraine performing the act, one of which shows the case. With Lorraine's address label attached to the handle. Lorraine made a spectacle of his medicine pitch Ð in his case, the ÒmedicineÓ was a miracle substance called Frasnia. As Lorraine recited the lines of his script Ð ostensibly selling the medicine to the crowd he performed for, incorporating various magic tricks and jokes in the spiel Ð his voice became more and more hoarse. Near the end of the routine, barely able to talk, nearly everyone watching the performer hoped that someone Ð anyone Ð would give the man a glass of water. However, as a fitting denoument, Lorraine did little more than sip from a bottle of the miracle substance itself, and voila! Ð his voice was good as new. It was a masterful theatrical and comedic performance long-remembered by those who saw Lorraine perform it.

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