The Ricky Jay Collection

The Ricky Jay Collection

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 611. Von Arx (Charles Albert Nicol) | The Witch's Caldron and Quick Change Illusion.

Von Arx (Charles Albert Nicol) | The Witch's Caldron and Quick Change Illusion

Auction Closed

October 28, 08:54 PM GMT

Estimate

800 - 1,200 USD

Lot Details

Description

Von Arx (Charles Albert Nicol)

Von Arx World's Premier Illusionist and All-American Company. The Witch's Caldron. St. Paul: Standard, ca. 1912 (no. 476) — Von Arx World's Premier Illusionist and All-American Company. Quick Change Illusion. St. Paul: Standard, ca. 1912 (no. 477) 


2 color lithograph posters (27 1/2 x 20 1/2 in.; 698 x 520 mm & slightly larger). A few tears and creases, chiefly marginal, tiny abrasion to second poster. Each mounted on foamboard.


Charles Nicol performed under the name Von Arx from about 1912 to 1918, when he adopted the moniker of the Great Chalbert; his final stage name was Chasan, a contraction of his birth name (Chas. A. N.). His younger brother, William, was the rather more famous Great Nicola. This pair of posters depict two of Von Arx's most notable illusions, that for "The Witch's Caldron" replete with a black cat, rats, bats, snakes, and skulls in addition to the obligatory witch.


REFERENCE:

Magic, p. 346

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