Potter & Potter Auctions
Timed Auction

Houdini Returns: The Encore

Sun, Oct 11, 2026 11:00AM EDT - Sun, Nov 1, 2026 05:00PM EST
  2026-10-11 11:00:00 2026-11-01 17:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Houdini Returns: The Encore https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/houdini-returns-the-encore-24090
This second session of our Houdini-focused October sale features books, ephemera, and Houdiniana - as well as selected magic memorabilia - for beginning and advanced collectors alike from the collection of Kevin Connolly. Over 150 lots will cross the block, all offered with low starting bids, and no reserves. Please note that this is a TIMED AUCTION - no live auctioneer will conduct this sale.
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Timed Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot
Lot 243

SWANN, Russell. Packet of Self-Lighting Matches.

Estimate: $20 - $40
Starting Bid
$10

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

SWANN, Russell. Packet of Self-Lighting Matches. Circa 1940. An unused packet of self-lighting matches (10) which, when pulled from the packet, light automatically. Printed to advertise the comedy magician Russell Swann. Uncommon. 

Swann (1901 - 80) studied under Thurston and became the first magician to play the Waldorf Astoria in New York. He also became one of the highest paid nightclub performers of his day and a pioneering comedy magician. Swann also gave command performances at the White House for Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. 

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