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Specializing in Houdiniana
Weather in Las Vegas, Nevada
This WebSite will be devoted to items I currently have for sale. While most Collectible Dealers Occasionally have a Houdini item or two, we here at SASC Specialize in Houdini Material and have done so for 21+ years.
Not to mention having been in magic since 1963!!
HOW TO ORDER:
This WebSite has no checkout feature. No "items in your basket", etc. etc.
To place an order, simply email or call me with your wants and I will email back
within a couple hours - unless I'm out of town.
Email and phone information are located at the bottom of this page.
This WebSite isn't ALL Houdini material, as you'll see when you take the tour of the various pages. There is something for Every Magic Collector!!
(After viewing this HomePage, please click on any of the buttons above to move to any of the other SubPages)
This page was updated:
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2013 @ 7:45am(Pacific)
3865-8765) CONJURERs CHATTER
Published irregularly by Stuart Robson. New York City, New York. Conjurer's Shop.
Printed. 8 1/2x11. V1N1 July 1940 - n.V.n. (n.d.).
A supplement "Stuart Robson's Conjurer's Muse" was issued with V1N19 May 1945.
The last issue was published by Abbott's after taking over the shop.
A total of 28 issues make up a complete file, below are 22 of these.
All issues issued as V1 N.
This offering is for the following issues:
N6 thru 25 - spanning the dates October 1942 thru October 1946
(Includes the Supplement with N19)
N27 - for February 1947
N28 - which is actually not numbered or dated.
These are listed in the Alfredson/Daily Magazine Bibliography as
Scarce. - $45.00
3866-7630) THE MAGIC SYMbol Magazine
The Official Monthly Newsletter of The Society of Young Magicians
of The Society of American Magicians.
This offering is for 14 issues.
These Include:
Volume 4, #14 - December 1988
Volume 5, #2 - February 1989
Volume 6, #4 - April 1990
Volume 6, #5 - May 1990
Volume 7, #1 - January 1991
Volume 7, #4 - April 1991
Volume 7, #10 - October 1991
Volume 7, #11 - November 1991
Volume 8, #1 - January 1992
Volume 8, #3 - March 1992
Volume 8, #6 - June 1992
Volume 8, #7 - July 1992
Volume 8, #9 - September 1992
Volume 13, #1 - June 1997
Francis Willard has some great articles here, these include:
My Life In Magic: The Beginning
(Nice cover photo of Madeline and Frances, Ages 6 and 4)
My Life In Magic, Plenty of Pets
My Life In Magic: Personalized Magic
Magic and Beauty
Twelve Steps To Success In Magic, Part One
Twelve Steps To Success In Magic, Part Two
Twelve Steps To Success In Magic, Part Three
Photos include:
Frances and Willard performing the Spirit Cabinet
Frances and Willard performing the Doll House illusion (Frances just coming out)
Very young Frances performing the sub trunk with her father Willard
There's also a photo of Houdini being placed into a Strait-Jacket by police officers in V7N10. -
$45.00
3868-3298) 1992 MAGIC COLLECTORs PROGRAM
Program for the Twenty-Third Weekend meeting of the Magic Collectors' Association.
Held at the Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wisconsin May 7,8, 9 1992.
Guests of Honor:
Autographed by most of the magicians and magic collectors who made presentations over the weekend.
Those who autographed the program are:
Dom DiMento
Ron Blake
Jim Reilly
Walter B. Graham
Manny Weltman
Sidney Radner
Mario Carrandi
James Hamilton
Bill McIlhany
Mark Wilson
Jeff Riester
Nick Ruggiero
Frank Koval
Dr. Morris Young
Tom Ewing
SoftBound, measures approx. 7"x10" with 24pages (cover to cover)
- $85.00
REMEMBER, all photos are Thumbnails - click on the photo to bring up the LARGER photo.
3869-0764) A REAL MIRACLE
Here are 3 of publications by Burton Sperber of Malibu, California.
What started out to be Burton's high quality 'want list', turned out to be a real collector's item.
The publication would have a GREAT color covers.
Each issue would have a little bio, etc. on the person, book, etc.
The 3 Issues Offer Here Are:
#10 (July 1995)
Crambrook's Catalogue of Magical Curiosities and Deceptions(1843)
#11 (October 1995)
The Anderson Medals
#12 (August 1995)
Cartophily
Issue #12 states:
"Issue 12 & last
Enough is enough."
Issues 10 and 11 have four pages. Issue 12 has 12pages. -
$35.00/(for all three)
3870-3236) HOUDINI Posters
FOUR of Them - ALL Signed!!
The original four posters were part of the Sidney H. Radner Houdini collection -and- eventually were sold during his Las Vegas Houdini auction, back in October 2004.
The four posters sold for: $121,500.00
Prior to this, in 1993, the Houdini Historical Center reproduced the four posters.
Mr. Radner attended the SAM national magic convention, held in New Orleans July 1993, and brought a few of the posters to sell.
This set of four, being offered here, was purchased directly from Mr. Radner and he was kind enough to personally sign/date each.
For those of you who might not know, when Houdini passed away,
his brother Hardeen received almost all his collection. Mr. Radner was Hardeen's
protégé and received the collection when Hardeen passed away. Mr. Radner passed
away on June 26th, 2011.
=====
(a)
Colosseum is a beautiful red, black, and ivory reproduction and measures 18"x 24".
Signed by Mr. Radner in the lower right corner area.
=====
(b) Houdini in Russia Poster originally printed by Atelier J. Zier in Leipzig, Germany 1903.
Houdini in Russia has rich colors and measures 18"x24"
Signed by Mr. Radner in the lower right corner area.
=====
(c) Ehrenerklarung Poster originally printed by Atelier J. Zier in Leipzig, Germany 1902.
Houdini in Kaiser Wilhelm's court is printed in full color and measures 18"x24"
Signed by Mr. Radner slightly to the right of the lower left corner area.
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(d) Water Torture Cell Poster originally printed by the Strobridge Company in Cincinnati, Ohio 1916.
Water Torture Cell has been reprinted in full color, with added art nouveau border appropriate to the era.
This poster is a little larger than the other three in that it measures 22"x28"
Signed by Mr. Radner in the lower right corner area.
=====
I purchased a total of five sets. Three have sold. One of the remaining sets is my personal set -so- this offering is my LAST SET to sell. - $200.00
3871-7487)
(a) HOUDINI, A Pictorial Life by Milbourne ChristopherFirst Edition - copyright 1976 and published by Thomas Y. Crowell Company of New York.
HardBound with DustJacket and 218pages.
Content's include:
Master of Manacles
Sensational Escapes
First to Fly Over Australia
The Film Maker
Conan Doyle and the Spirits
Houdini the Magician
In the rear of the book you'll find the Appendix - Acknowledgments/Sources - Bibliography -and- a 3page Index for ease in finding what you're looking for.
DustJacket has a repaired tear on the front cover, and a few scrapes, but the book is in Near Mint/Mint condition.
This is a Great Reference book for you Houdinifies.
Book measures approx. 8 3/4"x11 /14". -
$15.00
=====
(b) HOUDINI, A Pictorial Life By Milbourne Christopher
Another copy, but the DJ is in better condition. -
$25.00
3872-8489) The Amazing Adventures Of: THE ESCAPIST, Volume 1
PaperBound with 159 pages.
Based on The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon.
13 stories inside, these are:
The Passing Of The Key
Escapism 101
Are You Now or Have You Ever Been...
Sequestered
Prison Break
300 Fathoms Down
Divine Wind, Post Script
The Escapegoat
Introduction to Luna Moth
The Mechanist
Reckonings
Old Flame
Preface: "The Lady or the Tiger"
The Lady or the Tiger
This is followed by a Gallery of the characters and Creator Bios
Measures approx. 5 1/4"x8 1/4".
- $15.00
3873-5592) REPRODUCTIONs of GREAT HOUDINI POSTERs
I don't know who did these or when they were made, but they sure were done well.
The Colors are Very Bold and Dramatic. Some are laminated.
Those available are:
(a)
THE MASTER MYSTERY, Episode #13
(b)
THE MASTER MYSTERY, Episode #13(but the number has been hidden)
(c)
HARRY HOUDINI, King of Cards
(d)
THE MASTER MYSTERY, Episode #4
(e)
THE MASTER MYSTERY, Episode #11
(f)
THE GRIM GAME, Version Two
(g) HOUDINI,
beast/water torture cell
(h) HOUDINI,
Europe's Eclipsing Sensation
While the posters all appear to be the same size, in the photos below, those with
yellow lettering measure 11"x17", those with red lettering are 11"x14"Your choice:
$15.00eacha)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
(Or, take all eight for $75.00)
3874-9765) Official Promotional PressKit for the TNT original movie HOUDINI
PressKits are made available to members of the media and are not sold in stores, so this is a unique opportunity!
The PressKit includes ALL THIS:
1-page of premiere info
1-page printed color photo of Johnathon Schaech and Stacy Edwards
1-page title and date of movie
1-page press release
2-pages of Houdini milestones
3-pages production Credits
2-pages of cast biographies
1-page of production biographies
1-page Cast Credits
1-page Slide Caption sheet
(shows 10slides - 9slides are included with this offering)
=====
Credited cast:
Johnathon Schaech .... Harry Houdini - Stacy Edwards .... Bess Houdini - Paul Sorvino .... Blackburn - Rhea Perlman .... Esther - George Segal .... Beck - David Warner .... Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Mark Ruffalo .... Theo - Grace Zabriskie .... Mrs. Weiss - Ron Perlman .... Booking Agent - Karl Makinen .... Jim Collins - Judy Geeson .... Lady Doyle
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tom Michael Bailey .... Policeman - James Barbour .... Reporter #1 - David Bickford .... Journalist - Joshua Breslow .... Young Theo - Martin Clark .... Hank the Old Prisoner - Jeffrey Cox .... Reporter #3 - Rob Elk .... Detroit Police Officer - Daren Flam .... Montreal Student #1 - Michael Gallagher .... Doctor - Emile Hirsch .... Young Houdini - Endre Hules .... Franz - Jack Knight .... Warden - Curt Lowens .... Samuel Weiss - Jack Marston .... Kaiser Wilhelm - Martin McDougall .... Radio Technician - Jack McGee .... Street Vendor - Frank McRae .... Usher - Ralph Meyering Jr. .... Reporter #2 - David Moreland .... Sweatshop - Foreman - Bill Moynihan .... 1st Volunteer - Laura Pallas .... Dancing Woman - Jeffrey Pierce .... Montreal Student #2 - Haruo Shimada .... Street Magician - Kevin Shinick .... Reporter #4.
Review:
Houdini is a made for television movie about the life and legend of magician Harry Houdini. Jonathan Schaech plays the title role, while Stacy Edwards plays his wife. The film traces Houdini's life, beginning with his childhood. He was originally known as Ehrich Weiss, growing up in a poor ghetto family in turn of the century New York. With the death of his father, the soon-to-be Houdini and his best friend, Jacob Hayman, labor in the textile industry and dream of greater things. Jacob urges Ehrich, to practice slight-of-hand and magic. Borrowing from the tricks and the name of the legendary French magician, Robert-Houdin, the 'Houdini' brothers set out to a faltering career in show business. While magic was originally Jacob’s idea, Ehrich displays the greater talent for the art, and thus the legend of Harry Houdini is born.
Told through flashbacks of his widow, Houdini jumps from waypoint to waypoint through his life. It details many of his well known stops along the way: his false starts in show business; his obsession with gaining the love and respect of his mother; his 'holy war' against fraud clairvoyants; his demise; and the séances that have since been conducted to contact Houdini in the spirit world.
The movie is focused on the legend of Harry Houdini; to that end, many of its elements are there solely to convey this fascinating story. While the acting and direction are competent, none of it outshines the tale. This film puts Houdini's fame in perspective. If you juxtapose Houdini and magicians of his era with today's world of entertainment, you start to appreciate the huge impact Houdini had during the 1920s. He entertained kings and presidents and was always the talk of the town when his touring show called. Simply put, he was a legend. The period in which Houdini thrived was a perfect breeding ground for what he did, as magic and wonder were becoming accessible to the masses. Technology was starting to deliver some wonders to the average person, and more people than ever were able to travel to exotic locales.
Houdini captures the feeling of the era and puts the story comfortably in that context. Even if you’ve watched documentaries and other productions about Houdini, this interpretation is worth seeing. It sheds some new light on the master magician and presents the tale of his life in an evenhanded manner.
The NINE slides are worth the price of the PressKit alone!!
No PressKit folder. - $75.00
The next 7 offerings all have to do with:
3875-5114) THE DAYs OF THRILLs AND LAUGHTER
>>>This 1961 film was a composite feature about the films of the Silent Era, of which one of Houdini’s movies: "The Man From Beyond" was showcased.Below are various Scarce Items, from this movies release -now- 52 Years Ago.<<<
=====
Individually priced (as shown in parenthesis next to each
item), the total is $370.00
=====
1-sheet poster (27"x41"). Houdini’s name in the credits, but no scene from his part of the movie. Excellent to Near Mint in condition. 1-sheet posters are the Most Desirable of poster collecting, due to their excellent size for framing and hanging on the wall. - ($35.00)
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3-Sheet Poster (41"x81"). Comes in two sections. One measures 27"x41" and the other 54"x41". Houdini’s name is in the credits, plus the Niagara Falls scene where Houdini is holding the woman in his arms, while in the water - just after saving her, from going over the Falls. - ($75.00)
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Insert (or Panel) Poster (14"x36"). Along with the movie 1-sheet, this is probably the Second Most Collectible Size. Looking Great when matted and Framed. Houdini’s name in the credits, plus the Niagara Falls scene where Houdini is holding the woman in his arms, while in the water - just after saving her, from going over the Falls. Most posters of this nature come folded, but this one was rolled all these 50 years and in Great Condition - ($75.00)
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Assorted Movie Lobby Cards
This 1961 film was a composite feature about the films of the Silent Era, of which one of Houdini’s movies: "The Man From Beyond" was showcased.
Almost a full Set of American Movie Lobby Cards.
There were a total of eight Lobby Cards released for this movie, each showing a different Silent Film Star.
What's offered here are six of the eight.
All Lobby Cards measure 11”x14”.
Houdini’s name is shown in the Credits, on the left side, of ALL the Lobby Cards.
Click on the thumbnail photo's, below, for a better view of these Wonderful Lobby Cards. -
($15.00each)
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Window Card Poster (14"x22"). Houdini’s name in the credits, but no scene from his part of the movie. Most Window Cards come folded, this one isn’t and is in Near Mint Condition. - ($25.00)
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Lobby Card (12 ½"x16 ½") from Mexico.
Houdini's name is in the credits, plus the scene where Houdini is hanging off the edge of a cliff.
Now's there's Saturday afternoon MovieSerial
drama for you.
Where else can you buy an Original Houdini Lobby
Card for under $2,000?!! -
($25.00)
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PressBook
Measures 13"x16 1/2" and contains six Large pages of advertising material, which the theatre's would use to advertise the movie in the Newspapers, etc.
PAGE ONE: the "Synopsis" of the film; what the 40"x60" poster looks like; the 'cast' and 'credits'.
PAGE TWO: an assortment of line drawings and photos to be used in the 'adv. campaign'.
PAGE THREE: an assortment of "teaser ads" and several photos from the movie, with captions beneath each. Of the seven photos, two are of Houdini. (1) "Houdini, The Cliff Hanger", and shows just that - Houdini hanging off a cliff -and- (2) "Saved From Niagara". This photo shows Houdini in the water, with a woman in his arms. As if he'd just saved her.
PAGE FOUR: has several close up photo's of the various stars and more art work from various scenes.
PAGE FIVE: contains various articles, which would be used as "Publicity." One article is on Houdini: "Houdini Thrills Anew In Long Lost Films."
PAGE SIX: shows what the various Posters and Lobby Cards look like.
Outside of being folded in half, this PressBook looks as new as the day it was printed, some 51 years ago - ($45.00)
3876-7538) A MAGICIAN AMONG THE SPIRITS by Houdini.
Original copyright 1924. Published by Harper Brother’s. New York and London. 294 pages. This is the 1972 edition published by Arno Press, Inc. Hardbound with DustJacket.
Chapters include:
The Founders of Modern Spiritualism - The Davenport Brothers - Daniel Dunglas Home - Palladino - Ann O’Delia Diss Debar - Dr. Slade and His Spirits Slates - Slate Writing and Other Methods - Spirit Photography - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Why Ectoplasm - By-products of Spiritualism - Investigations, Wise and Otherwise - How Mediums Obtain Information - What You Must Believe To Be A Spiritualist - Magicians as Detectors of Fraud - Conclusion.
DJ has some repair work and a little water staining, at the lower part of the spine. Noticeable mainly on the DJs reverse/blank side and not so much from the front/printed side. I didn't see any any water stains to the book cover or pages inside.
If you don’t want to pay up to $250 for the First Edition, this book makes a great reading copy. - $20.00
3877-8432) HOUDINI COMMEMORATIVE STAMP FROM 1951.
For what was billed as the MID CENTURY CONVENTION in New York, the SAM and IBM got together and had this stamp created “IN MEMORIAM” of the 25th anniversary of Houdini’s passing.
Measuring a little over 1 1/2”x2” (larger than our postage stamps of today), it has purple lettering and drawings of Houdini, set against an off-white background.
Now
62 years old itself, this stamp offering is in virtually NearMint Condition. - $20.00
3878-5333) HOUDINI 8x10 SIGNED PHOTO - FRAMED.
Great close up
reproduction photo of Houdini sitting in his bi-plane.For those of you who didn't know, Houdini was the first to fly a plane in the country of Australia.
The words "Houdini Photo" are not on the photo itself, only superimposed for this listing.
Best wishes
from
Harry Houdini
April 9, 1910
Photo comes in an ‘antique looking’ frame and would sit nicely on your desk. Plus, there's a tab on the back, should you wish to hang it on your wall.
Overall size of the frame is approx. 9 7/8"x11 3/4".
This is a glossy photo, from a professional photo store, and not generated via a computer printer.
Don’t want to spend hundreds on an Original Photo, from the turn of the last century? Then this is for you.... Just click on the 'thumbnail' photos, below, for a better look. -
$25.00
3879-2607) This offering is for TWO Comic Books with Houdini story lines
SPAWN. Two part story in which Houdini is Spawn's mentor.
Comic book featuring SPAWN, a new-age hero-villain who encounters Houdini during a New York City crisis involving a bomb and a wizard.
Published by Image Comics.
Part one Spawn issue #19, October 1994, 22 pages and part two, issue #20, November 1994, 22 pages. - $20.00for both)
3880-3204) SIX Macon, Georgia NEWSPAPERS, FROM 1919, WITH ADVERTISEMENTs AND ARTICLES FOR HOUDINIs 15-PART SERIAL: "THE MASTER MYSTERY".
Each paper has a nice size advertisement for the Houdini movie.
The six are Sunday
complete papers (running approx. 40 pages), each advertising Serial Episode numbers 3 thru 7 and 9. Some of the papers also have articles about the movie.Dates, advertisements and articles include:
August 17, 1919 - page 5, 4 1/4"x6" adv. for Episode #3.
August 24, 1919 - page 5 (second section), 4 1/4"x5" adv. for Episode #4 -and- 2"x2 1/4" article: "Houdini Escapes From Diving Suit"
August 31, 1919 - page 4, 4 1/4"x5 3/4" adv. for Episode #5
September 7, 1919 - page 7 (second section) 6 1/2"x2 1/4" adv. for Episode #6
September 14, 1919 - page 11 (second section) 3 1/4"x6 1/2" adv. for Episode #7 (See Houdini escape from the Electric Chair)
September 28, 1919 - page 9 (second section) 4 1/4"x4 1/2" adv. for Episode # 9 -and- 2"x5" article: "New Houdini Feats Shown in 9th Episode"
It’s tough enough to find ANY complete newspaper, with a Houdini movie advertisement, and here are a total of 6 - From almost 94 Years Ago!! - $75.00each
(Or, take all six for the combined price of $375.00)
3881-5599) AMERICAN HERITAGE Magazine. April 1972. Volume 13, #3.
This magazine comes HardBound, instead of paperbound like most magazines.
Contains: "Houdini's High-Flying Hoax" by Art Ronnie.
A wonderful article about the airplanes which collided during the filming of Houdini's movie: "The Grim Game".
A full six photos in this article -plus- great reading on what was almost tragic, but turned out to be the best thing for the movie.
Houdini offered a Huge Reward to anyone who could prove this scene in the movie was not for real.
Since it DID Happen, this was a pretty safe bet and smart of Houdini to capitalize on the publicity, of the almost fatal stunt. -
$15.00
3882-8387) REMINISCE Magazine. Volume 10, #1 - January/February 2000.
Inside is the wonderful, one page, article: "HOUDINI...MY MAGICAL UNCLE" by Marie Hinson Blood.
Marie tells of the many memories of her favorite uncle. - $25.00 (check out the signed photo just below)
3883-0834) - Harry Houdini and Marie Hinson Signed 8x10 Photograph
3884-4656) ESCAPE ARTIST Signed 8x10 Photograph
Sorry to say, I don't know who this is -or- when the photo was taken (maybe the 1970s?).
The inscription reads:
To
Linda and
Dick
Thanks for
Everything!
Your friend
James Bar....
If you know who this performer is, please email and let me know.
That is, if it doesn't sell first!! - $15.00
3885-4599) MERLIN THE MAGICIAN Rubber Stamp
Merlin, with his long white hair and beard, holding his magical staff, wearing his long robe.
The rubber stamp measures approx. 1 1/2"X3" and is virtually brand new.
I only used it to make the rubber stamped images shown in the first photo below. - $15.00
3886-8491) PHILIP MORRIS WINDOW CARD for his Pasadena, Texas performance of "Wonderful World of Fantasy" on Tuesday, September 16, 1969.
Measures 14"x22" and is Virtually Mint. Not bad for being almost 44 years old.
The BONUS of this offering is the Window Card is Autographed by Mr. Morris. - $35.00
LayAway is available, just email for details.
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Please
CLICK HERE to check out my BioPage. Besides the Bio - there are 40 great photos of RARE Houdini items. Many from my Personal Collection.
If you've any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me:
Stephen A. Sparks
(a/k/a
Sparky)
The Stephen A. Sparks Collection
Specializing in Houdiniana
2873 Foxtail Creek Avenue
Henderson, Nevada 89052 USA
702-558-6110 (HomePhone)
702-350-5076 (Cell)
Email: Houdini374@aol.com Ebay's: Gran*Houdini
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Please 'bookmark' this page and check back often to see our updates of additional RARE and Scarce items, which we'll be adding. We "try" to get this page updated at least once a month.
We, at SASC, are pleased to offer a LayAway Plan for those of you who would like this service. Just email for more information.
All photo's on this (and any) of my WebPages are the Copyright of The Stephen A. Sparks Collection and may not be reproduced in any form or manner without permission of Stephen A. Sparks.
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