Potter & Potter Auctions held a 447-lot sale on Oct. 26 featuring materials owned by Edwin Alfred Dawes(British, 19252023). Dawes was a biochemist, magician, and recognized authority on the history of magic. All prices noted include the auction houses 20-percent buyers premium. The top lot was Harry Houdinis (born Erik Weisz, 18741926) The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Estimated at $3,000-$5,000, the book realized $33,600. This first edition was published in New York by Printers Publishing Co. in 1908. It was inscribed, signed, and initialed by Houdini, To my friend / Okito / with compliments / and best wishes / from the / author / Harry Houdini / New York April 25/1908 / may the contents of this book / bring back pleasant / thoughts of the author / H.H. Titled Harry Houdini King of Cards, estimated at $10,000-$15,000, a half-sheet color lithograph measuring 28-by-21 inches, illustrated with a portrait of a young Houdini at its center, with vignettes above and below picturing the magician performing, delivered $26,400. It was published in Chicago by National Printing and Engraving in 1898. Sigmund Neubergers (18711911) The Great Lafayette / Doctor Kremser was estimated at $15,000-$25,000 and sold for $20,400. This linen backed, color lithograph half-sheet poster was produced in Belfast by David Allen & Sons Ltd. around 1909. This example, believed to be the only one extant, depicted the magician disguised as the vivisectionist Doctor Kremser, one of the many characters portrayed in the quick-change portion of his stage spectacle. This absolute rarity measured 30.25-by-18.75 inches and was featured in the reference book The Great Illusionists on page 102 and on the publications rear dust-jacket. A vivisectionist is a physician who operates or cuts open live animals for research. Etta Pauls (1878-1964) The Incomparable Vonetta was estimated at $5,000-$8,000 and traded hands at $16,800. It was printed in Belfast by David Allen & Sons around 1910. This 86-by-39-inch three-sheet color stone lithograph bore a bust portrait of Vonetta looking down over a huge cast of colorfully costumed characters parading through the scene; these other characters were actually Vonetta herself, who presented an elaborate quick-change routine as part of her magic show. A card star and watch target combination was estimated at $1,500-$3,000 and scored $9,600. This apparatus was made in England around 1880 and measured 30 inches tall. It was in the form of a tall sun-like wreath on a slender central arm, and decorated with faux flowers at its center and painted tin rays. With this illusion, the magician reproduced six chosen cards at the tips of the suns rays on command, and then with a shot from his pistol, a borrowed watch, previously thought destroyed, appeared at the center of the garland. This sale offered yet another peek inside the rich cabinet of magical curiosities curated by Dr. Dawes over the course of nine decades. The results show how eager his fellow collectors and historians were to take home elements of that collection, and the old axiom that items fresh to the market perform well at auction. We are looking forward to hosting the next sale from the Dawes collection in February of 2025, according to Gabe Fajuri, president of Potter & Potter Auctions. For more information, visit wwwpotterauctions.com.