EVERYTHING ELSE Section

Weather In Spring, Texas

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f you've any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me:

Stephen A. Sparks (a/k/a Sparky) - P. O. Box 1345 - Spring, Texas 77383-1345 USA

281-353-1014 (Phone and/or Fax) ~ 281-827-4001 (Cell)

Or, click here to email me >>>>> Houdini374@aol.com<<<<<

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(After viewing this Assortment &Variety of Items page, please click on any of the buttons above to move to any of the other Pages)

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(c) This offering is for the three photos:
The SHIMADAs -and- The LARSENs
(and many others)

Each photo measure 3"x4 1/4".

The photos appear to be a magic convention with mostly Japanese guest.
Perhaps held in Japan.

The top photo shows a group of 16 people standing on stage together.

I see Mr. and Mrs. Shimada and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Larsen, Jr.

If you recognized any of the others, please email and let me know. - $45.00

(d) This offering is for three 6 5/8"x10" photos:
GERALD KOSKY and SHIGERU EKUNI

I know, for sure, Gerald Kosky is in these photos, and had been advertising the other person as Dr. Sawa.

Max Maven was kind enough to email and let me know the other gentleman is none other than: Shigeru Ekuni.

In the first two photos, the pair are sitting at the bar together, the third of Shigeru Ekuni, seated at a table, performing with a deck of cards.

Rubber knaji stamp on backside in Japanese characters, which leads me to believe these photos were taken in Japan.

When I asked a Japanese friend what the rubber stamp meant, she said it appears to be that of the photographer who took the photos. - $75.00

If you can identify any of the others, please email and let me know. - $75.00/each

a)

b)

c)

(f) This offering is for FIVE assorted photos of one of Japan's Most Famous Magicians: TENKAI - $100.00/(for all five photos)

4 1/2"x6 1/4" photo of two Japanese gentleman.

Handwritten on the front:
"To Gerald Kosky - Tenkai, H. Tada"

I don't know what this references - maybe "The Magic of Tenkai" book?

Three photos measuring 3 1/2"x5"

The top photo shows Tenkai (seated), with four female family members around him.
The middle photo is a close up of Mr. and Mrs. Tenkai seated at a banquet table.
Bottom photo is of Mrs. Tenkai, in deep laughter.

Also, written on the back on the middle photo is "p27".

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(g) 4 3/4"x 3 3/4" photo of a group of 24 people. Some seated, some standing. - $75.00

Written on the back is "p17".

Some of the above include:
Hal Robbins, Arnold Furst, Tenkai and his wife Okinu, Joe Berg, Bill Derman

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2946-7539) T. Francis Fritz Handwritten Letter

Written on MAHATMA Magazine Stationery, dated October 11, 1902 - now 107+ Years Old!!

While I have had my share of Mahatma magazines to offer, I'VE NEVER had a handwritten letter, by one of the original editors on Mahatma Stationery.

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2898-4195) THE 37cent HOUDINI STAMP From 2002.

20 stamps come to a sheet. 

The Houdini stamp sheet  was first issued at the 2002 Society of American of Magicians convention in New York on July 3^rd.

The Houdini stamp was ‘officially dedicated’ at the convention, with Houdini’s niece Marie Blood in attendance. David Copperfield was there, too.

If you didn't pick up a sheet of these Wonderful Houdini stamps, 7 years ago, here's your chance. - $12.50

The portrait on the Harry Houdini stamp, which depicts a confident, self-assured man at the height of his career, was taken from a 1911 lithographed poster in the collection of Gary H. Mandelblatt. Designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona. The stamp contains a hidden image which, when viewed through the official U.S. Postal Service Stamp Decoder, appears to wrap Houdini in chains. 

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2908-7899) THE FINAL HOUDINI SEANCE LP

2909-2563) HOUDINI 8x10 PHOTOs IN DESK FRAME

For the most part, the photo's below tell the whole story. This offering is for three different Houdini reproduction photographs.

First is a nice portrait photo of Houdini from the waist up, slight turned to his right, wearing a suit with bow tie. This is the same image Houdini used in the upper left corner of his stationery. As can be seen in the photo below, there's a great signature: Harry Houdini - Jan 31, 1914 going along the left side of the photo.

The second is Houdini's famous "Hollywood pose". Wonderful starring look by Houdini with his right hand covering part of the left side of his face. One of his most famous photo's.

The last photo shows Houdini in a three piece suit, hands in his pockets. Harry Handcuff Houdini written across the middle of the photo. Except Houdini has had some fun with his signing and only used two H's, instead of three. How clever!!

If these were a genuine photo's, they would cost you hundreds of dollars and the signed one, thousands. No one has to know it’s not real, unless you tell them....

Each comes in an ‘antique looking’ frame, 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 9 7/8"x11 3/4". Don’t want to spend hundreds? Then this is for you.... Just click on the 'thumbnail' photos for a better look.  - $25.00(each)

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2910-1452) 1966 CLOWN STAMP issued by the US Postal Service. Actually you get four stamps. What’s offered here is a "Plate Block", which consist of four stamps (still attached) and the corner serial numbers. This would have come from a ‘full sheet of 20 stamps’.

As the photo below shows, it’s a very colorful and Happy picture of a Circus Clown.

This stamp was issued 43 years ago to commemorate the American Circus and the Clown.

2911-2669) HOUDINI PUZZLE. Springbok Jigsaw Puzzle. "The Mystery of the Vanishing Magician". 

"The Great Houdini" has disappeared during a performance...and it's not part of the act! Or is it?

Read the Marcus Q. Hall mystery inside, then piece together the jigsaw puzzle which shows a totally different scene, revealing the vital clue to Houdini's mysterious disappearance! 500 pieces, measures 18"x 23 1/2".

A challenging puzzle to put together. Would even look nice framed. - $20.00

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ASSORTED IBM and SAM

PROGRAMs and PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPHs

Were you or a family member at any of these conventions? Did you receive one of these panoramic photographs and/or programs, they've been lost for years and you've ALWAYs wanted to replace it? Well, here's your chance!!!

Where you see a split in photo, this is caused by either myself trying to match up multi-photos or by the photographer matching up the parts. For a better look at each photo, please click on the 'Thumbnail' photos to see the larger.

2919-2678) 10th Annual S0CIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANs Convention Program, May 27, 28, 29, 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo - $25.00

2920-1652) 50th Annual S0CIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANs Convention Program and Panoramic photo, May 30th thru June 1st 1952 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo - $150.00 - Program - $50.00

2921-4284) 2nd Annual INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANs Convention Program and Panoramic photo from 1927. Held in Kenton, Ohio.  Photo - $200.00 - Program - $150.00

2922-9473) 3rd Annual INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANs Convention Program, June 7,8,9, 1928. Held in Lima, Ohio. - $100.00

2923-3544) 21st Annual INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANs Convention Program and Panoramic photo from May 30th thru June 2nd 1949. Held in Chicago, Illinois. Photo - $125.00 - Program - $50.00

2924-4587) ANNUAL BANQUET, 14th CONVENTION, MAGICIAN'S ALLIANCE OF EASTERN STATES Berkley Carteret Hotel, September 29th, 1956. Photo only - $75.00

Please CLICK HERE to see all Panoramic Photos & Programs available.

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2927-9478) THE JUGGLER

Called "The Juggler, but in Old English, this means MAGICIAN.

This is an AUTHENTIC 126 Year Old photogravure published in 1883 by Gebbie & Co. It is printed on a heavy-weight paper and is blank on the reverse. The print is in very good condition with the image area crisp and clean. It is titled in the lower margin.

Imagine how nice this would look framed and hanging on your wall. - $125.00

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Milbourne Christopher even liked this image, so much, he featured it on the content page of his book: "Panorama of Magic".

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2928-8469) CABOT ST. CINEMA THEATRE, (Beverly, Massachusetts) style newspaper for February 18, 1985.

Tons of Le Grand David information spread through out the 16 pages.

Including the First Ever - "Houdini Awards".  - $10.00

2797-7456) HOUDINI JEWELRY

Not a whole lot of description for this offering, as I think the title and photo below, pretty much explains everything.

The green holder, holding the jewelry pin, states at the top:

GENUINE AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL

At the bottom:

HANDCRAFTED

Jewelry pin measures approx. 1/2"x2 3/4".

Just another example of you never know where the "HOUDINI" name is going to pop up. - $25.00

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2798-8432) 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 58 years old itself, this stamp offering is in virtually Mint Condition. - $25.00

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2799-5151) HARRY HOUDINI RUBBER STAMP.

Produced from a drawing by Rick Geary, who illustrated a children's book about Houdini. The stamp is approximately two inches tall, one and a half inches wide. The photo below shows both sides of the rubber stamp. Beneath this, a couple impressions, I made from the stamp itself. Click on the thumbnail photo to bring up a larger photo for a better look.

Now here's a gift for the person who has everything. Great for the Holiday Stocking!!! - $10.00

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2800-5497) Beer Label for: HOUDINI DRAFT LAGER

2801-2695) HOUDINI...and Beyond

17 Years Ago, Award Winning Artist, Diane K. Sparks (no relation), did an Original painting of Houdini. From the Original, this poster was produced.

The image area measures 21 1/2"x27 1/2". The overall poster measures 24"x36", which leaves plenty of boarder area - should you wish to have the poster framed.

Poster is on a glossy paper stock with fade resistant ink.

The words: "Harry Houdini Poster" is only super imposed for this listing and isn't on the actual poster itself.

The Print shows Houdini bound in chains, while a ghostly image of his Mother looks on: from Beyond. - $15.00

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2802-1344) EXTREMELY LIMITED & SCARCE HOUDINI PRINT.

This "Hand Cut -and- Wood Cut" Print was produced by artist Robert Allen. A great contrast of black with one other color. Print is on "Fine Art Paper" and measures approx. 11"x16".

What’s offered here is called an "Artist Proof". These are what the artist would produce, towards the very end of their work, before making the ‘limited signed and numbered’ prints. Generally, there weren’t very many of these APs produced and certainly fewer than the numbered, limited edition commercially production.

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2806-8517) ROBERT-HOUDIN FIRST DAY COVER

Issued back in 1971 to commemorate the 100 year passing of Houdin. There are two nice cancellation imprints on the envelope showing a good likeness of Houdin, his life span (1805-1871) and the date of the issue, October 16, 1971.

The left 1/3 of the envelope has a portrait drawing of Houdin, with him performing his broom suspension in the background. Jean-Robert Houdin Illusionniste 1805-1871. Premier Jour D'Emission. First Day Cover.

This is a 'silk screen' image.

In the upper right hand corner is the French postage stamp showing Houdin (from the neck up) and to the right of this, Houdin's broom suspension illusion.

As NEW today as when it was issued 38 years ago. - $35.00

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Mine looks great hanging next to all the other ‘magical themed’ plates on my wall. - $75.00

"Our artist has given us herewith a very excellent picture of his utensils and automation figure, as they appear on the rising of the curtain, to the audience."

Leave as is, or take the front page off and have it beautifully matted and framed.

Would look GREAT framed!!

Measures approx. 11 1/4"x15 3/4" with a total of 16pages.

Piece shows some wear, but is still in pretty good condition, considering is now almost 158+ Years Old!! - $125.00

2712-1547) ASSORTED MAGIC TOKENs

(a) MAJA Goddess of Magic, Arthur Felsman token. A.P.F. at the 6 o'clock location of both sides. About the size of a Silver Dollar. - $10.00

(b) August Roterberg - MT285 - Location: Chicago, Illinois - Date: 1925. OBVERSE: Goddess of Magic in center, MAJA GODDESS OF MAGIC MAJA/ AR. REVERSE: Same. Composition: German Silver. Photos show this Token is actually in pretty good condition. - $25.00

(c) MARTINKA MAGIC TOKEN. The year this was made is unknown. Produced for the Famous Magic Shop in New York City. The obverse and reverse, of this token, show the same image. In the center is a Magician standing on the World. Magic wand in his right hand and Top Hat in his left. Around the image, circling the magician are the words "MUNDUS VULT DECIPI: DECIPIATUR". As can be seen by the photo below, the token has a little wear and has been cleaned. The size is 30mm, which is about the size of a Half Dollar. - $25.00

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This write appears in the September 16, 1843 issue of the Supplement To The Connecticut Courant.

There are no photos, woodcuts, etc. just a great early piece of history on John Henry Anderson from 165+ Years Ago!! - $75.00

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Best wishes
from
Harry Houdini
April 9, 1910

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2666-6985) IN TOWN TONIGHT. Complete Set of 50 Churchman Tobacco Cards from 1938 issued by the Imperial Tobacco Co. of Great Britain and Ireland. Assorted stars, etc. of the time were commemorated on these 50 different and 'much sought after' Tobacco Cards. Among those honored was the magician DANTE. There’s a detailed subject description on the back of each card.

Those in the Set include: #1 Fred Archer, living wax model. #2 Mrs. Emma Baker, Piccadilly flower girl. #3 Tom Beasley, swordsmith. #4 Mrs. Florence Bell, head nurse, Royal Veterinary College. #5 Algernon Blackwood, author and traveler. #6 W. Reginald Bray, the human letter. #7 George Burchett, tattooist. #8 Cyclone Danny Carter, international stunt rider. #9 Charles Coborn, music hall artist. #10 W.R. Courtnell, street smudger. #11 William Dalton, rat catcher. #12 Dante, the Master Magician. #13 Harold Davy, toastmaster. #14 Miss Christina Foyle, bookseller. #15 W. A. Gape, the Tramps' K.C. #16 Miss Gibbs, floral buttonhole maker. #17 Sir Walter Gilbey. #18 Miss Pauline Gower, woman aviator. #19 William Hagland, engine driver. #20 Walter Hart, Drayman. #21 Cecil Hunt, Howier King of Highgate. #22 Madame Indre Shira, cheirastrologist. #23 Sheikh Jalal Quraishi, perfume blender. #24 Parry Jones, tenor. #25 Sydney A. Kemp, F.Z.S., zoo dentist. #26 Miss Beryl Laverick, actress and dancer. #27 Bruce Macloud, Punch and Judy Show. #28 Rass Prince Monolulu, Abyssinian racing tipster. #29 Mrs. Molly Moore, knocker-up. #30 Mrs. Nelson, woman sweep. #31 George Nicholls, the London Zoo storekeeper. #32 The Pearly King, Queen and Prince of Blackfriars. #33 Gypsy Petulengro, Astrologer and Palmist. #34 Mrs. May Phillips, the perfect barmaid. #35 REM, pavement artist. #36 G. F. Robey, old time butler. #37 Ruston and Steel, Public House Entertainers. #38 Rev. L. Shaposnick, Jewish Reader. #39 Captain Dennis Slocum, British Airways pilot. #40 Jack Smith, fruiterer. #41 Mike Stern, petticoat lane cheapjack. #42 Miss May Storey, woman detective. #43 Toni and Yento, one-man band. #44 Bill Traquair and Arthur Champion, plumber and mate. #45 John Tussaud, great-grandson of Madame Tussaud. #46 Mrs. Usher, toffee-apple queen. #47 James Watts, street musician. #48 Donald White, chief uniformed representative of Thomas Cook's. #49 Dr. Neville Whymant, explorer. #50 Douglas, court photographer. #27 Bruce Macloud, Punch and Judy Show. #28 Rass Prince Monolulu, Abyssinian racing tipster. #29 Mrs. Molly Moore, knocker-up. #30 Mrs. Nelson, woman sweep. #31 George Nicholls, the London Zoo storekeeper. #32 The Pearly King, Queen and Prince of Blackfriars. #33 Gypsy Petulengro, Astrologer and Palmist. #34 Mrs. May Phillips, the perfect barmaid. #35 REM, pavement artist. #36 G. F. Robey, old time butler. #37 Ruston and Steel, Public House Entertainers. #38 Rev. L. Shaposnick, Jewish Reader. #39 Captain Dennis Slocum, British Airways pilot. #40 Jack Smith, fruiterer. #41 Mike Stern, petticoat lane cheapjack. #42 Miss May Storey, woman detective. #43 Toni and Yento, one-man band. #44 Bill Traquair and Arthur Champion, plumber and mate. #45 John Tussaud, great-grandson of Madame Tussaud. #46 Mrs. Usher, toffee-apple queen. #47 James Watts, street musician. #48 Donald White, chief uniformed representative of Thomas Cook's. #49 Dr. Neville Whymant, explorer. #50 Douglas, court photographer.

The cards are in Near Mint Condition -and- would look great Framed. Size of each card is approximately 1 3/8"x2 5/8". - $50.00(for the WHOLE set)

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2668-7894) HOUDINI GROLIER CARD issued by subscription only. The card is approx. 6"x 4 1/2". "The Grolier Story Of America Cards" have a nice write-up on the person or event pictured. Produced back in 1995 it contains a nice biography of Houdini on one side and a photo of Houdini, you don’t see very often, on the other side. He’s posing for the camera, arms extended showing two pair of handcuffs around his wrists. Just before he would be nailed into the wooden packing case and lowered into the water for his underwater escape. Most photos you see of this are always AFTER Houdini is already in the box and the box is being lowered into the water. Nice that this photo precedes the moment. - $10.00

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2593-4798) "EUROPEs ECLIPSING SENSATION HOUDINI" POSTER 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

When put together, according to the box, this measures 19"x27". A pretty good size puzzle.

Put another log on the fireplace and enjoy a relaxing evening. - $45.00

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2566-3437) MANDRAKE THE MAGICIAN PIN

Taystee Bread Promo from 1934. Measures approximately 1"x1 1/16".

Worn and pitted, but still a nice Mandrake collectible from 74 years ago. - $20.00

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2578-8663) LAS VEGAS CASINO DECKs OF CARDs FROM THE 1970s

What's offered here are BlackJack table decks of cards from the Stardust Hotel/Casino -and- the Sahara Hotel/Casino.

Blue and red back decks for each casino.

The Stardust decks of cards are Sealed - the Sahara decks are unSealed, but don't appear to have been used.

The Stardust casino is no longer in Las Vegas, just another which has been taken down and I 'think' a new/larger casino being built at this time.

Great memento's from the era of 30+ years ago. - Stardust deck @ $25.00 - Sahara deck @ $15.00

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"CAUTION: This record may change your life. It contains complete instructions for 11 fantastic effects, currently being used by top professional magicians & mentalist, using cards, coins, books & dominoes, that you can do any place, any time without special skill's or equipment. Perplexing, mystifying and above all entertaining!"

Since the LP is still sealed and unopened, in its cello wrap, I'm going to assume it's in Mint Condition. - $35.00

REMEMBER, all photos are Thumbnails - click on the photo to bring up the LARGER photo.

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(After viewing this Assortment &Variety of Items page, please click on any of the buttons above to move to any of the other Pages)

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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 Stephen A. Sparks Collectibles and may not be reproduced in any form or manner without permission of Stephen A. Sparks.

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