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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 212

Theatre Robert-Houdin Pick-Up Cover.

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

[ROBERT-HOUDIN] Theatre Robert-Houdin Pick-Up Cover. French, ca. 1870 [?]. Brass cone with spun top and seamed sides, concealing a mechanical gimmick which facilitates the pick up or deposit of objects placed on the magician's table (balls, oranges, other small objects). Diameter at base 4 1/4", height 6 1/2". Good working condition. With provenance tracing the apparatus to the famous Parisian theatre of Robert-Houdin, which was later managed by filmmaker and magician Georges Méliès. 

Condition

Minor oxidation at joints, tiny dent, but very good overall. 

Overall Dimensions
Weight: 2.00

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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.

Said to be from the Theatre Robert-Houdin, and later the collection of Professor Charles Emile Sauty ("Professor Rex," 1900 - 67), a Swiss-French composer, artist, and magician.