Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Circus, Sideshow & Carnival

Thu, May 22, 2025 12:00PM EDT
Lot 651

Sideshow Electric Chair. Circa mid-20th century. Well-used ...

Estimate: $500 - $1,000

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
Sideshow Electric Chair. Circa mid-20th century. Well-used carnival ?electric chair" in which a seated subject could conduct sufficient current to spark the torch of a fire eater or cause light bulbs held in her hand to become illuminated, among other tricks. Fraternal lodge style wooden chair (scattered nicks, scrapes, and discoloration). 59 x 24 x 27". Newer electrical components. A classic and nearly-forgotten sideshow staple, the Electric Chair illusion allowed showmen to advertise something far more macabre than the act they exhibited ? though horror-like material, torture devices, and the like were often part of traveling ten-in-ones, or were exhibits on their own. Sold with a reproduction ?Electra" vinyl banner. Requires third-party shipping.