Magic Collectibles
Sell Rare Magic Books, Gambling Literature & Conjuring Collectibles
Britannic Auctions specializes in antique and vintage magic collectibles including rare books, gambling exposés, manuscripts, posters, ephemera, and unusual apparatus from the history of conjuring.
Highly Rated Reviews
Positive Feedback
Strong Auction Results
Trusted by families, collectors & estate consignors
Your Memorabilia, Our Worldwide Collector Reach.
Realized Prices
Strong Results for Magic Collectors & Consignors
Britannic Auctions specializes in rare magic books, gambling literature, conjuring ephemera, vintage apparatus, and estate collections, combining specialist expertise, targeted collector marketing, and worldwide auction exposure to achieve strong results for historically significant material.
Realized Prices for Rare Magic & Gambling Collectibles
Magician Robert Houdin: “Talking Head Illusion” Scarce Vintage Photos
Sold for
$300
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
1893 The United States Printing of Ohio Calendar U.S. Playing Card Company
Sold for
$950
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
Harry Houdini Signed “Elliott’s Last Legacy Card Tricks”, 1923
Sold for
$880
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
Endless Amusement: Magic, Fireworks, Experiments, 1828
Sold for
$80
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
What We Handle
Rare Magic Books, Ephemera
& Conjuring Collectibles We Seek
We specialize in antique and vintage magic collectibles with strong collector demand, including rare books, gambling literature, manuscripts, posters, ephemera, and unusual apparatus.
Rare Books &
First Editions
- First editions, scarce printings, privately issued works, and out-of-print books on magic and gambling
- Erdnase, Houdini, Hoffmann, Vernon, Annemann, Marlo, Ortiz, and other notable conjuring authors
- Magic books valued for their secrets, history, or collector demand
Gambling &
Card Magic
- Cheating exposés, gambling literature, card mechanic material, marked cards, and gaming collectibles
- Books and ephemera relating to advantage play, crooked gambling devices, and casino history
Libraries &
Estate Collections
- Collections assembled over decades by magicians, collectors, dealers, and students of the conjuring arts
- Inherited magic libraries, estate collections, and dealer inventories of varying sizes
Manuscripts &
Ephemera
- Lecture notes, correspondence, handwritten manuscripts, posters, programs, catalogs, and advertising material
- Magic club publications, dealer lists, photographs, and other historical paper collectibles
Vintage Apparatus &
Unusual Props
- Vintage apparatus, spirit magic, mechanical devices, and unusual conjuring equipment
- Dealer-made props and historically interesting pieces with collector appeal
What We Usually
Do Not Handle
- Modern children's magic sets, mass-produced novelty tricks, and common instructional books still in print
- Magic: The Gathering cards, Magic 8 Balls, and other non-conjuring collectibles
Selling Rare Magic Books, Props & Collectibles
Many of the magic collections we handle were assembled over decades by amateur magicians, collectors, dealers, and students of the conjuring arts. Whether you are downsizing, settling an estate, or helping a family member place a lifelong collection, Britannic Auctions provides free evaluations for rare magic books, gambling literature, manuscripts, posters, ephemera, and vintage apparatus.
The market for magic collectibles has changed considerably in recent years. Some once-scarce books have been reprinted, while other obscure publications, dealer catalogs, and manuscripts have become increasingly difficult to obtain. We evaluate collections based on rarity, condition, collector demand, and the current auction market.
From Erdnase and Houdini to gambling exposés and unusual conjuring props, Britannic Auctions helps connect historically important material with knowledgeable collectors worldwide. If you are unsure whether your collection has value, simply send photographs for a free review—most submissions receive a response within 48 hours.
Trusted by Collectors, Estates & Magicians
What Sellers Say About Britannic Auctions
Collectors, heirs, and longtime magicians trust Britannic Auctions to evaluate, catalog, and present rare books, gambling collectibles, and conjuring artifacts with professionalism, honesty, and specialized expertise.
First Class all the way! Great communications, very clear procedures, a totally positive experience. Highly recommended.
A wonderful working relationship. Upfront, honest and a quick response to all my questions.
Britannic Auctions was brilliant in auctioning my memorabilia. They kept me informed from beginning to end. Everything happened as promised.
Thank you for your fine service. Consignment checks came promptly and the explanations were very clear. Your consignment rate seems very fair.
A Simple Consignment Process
We guide you through the process from initial review to final payment.
Send Photos
Email a few photos along with any background information you may have.
Evaluation
We review the material and explain whether it may be appropriate for auction or consignment.
Auction & Marketing
Items are photographed, researched, and marketed to our targeted collector email lists.
Settlement
After the sale, payment and settlement are issued promptly.
More Realized Prices
Ed Marlo: Rare Handwritten Gambling Routine Manuscripts Archive
Sold for
$8,000
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
“The Man Who Was Erdnase”, Limited Edition Signed by Busby, Whaley, Gardner
Sold for
$366
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
Signed Robert Albo “Classic Magic Series” 8 Volume Limited Edition Set
Sold for
$1,551
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
Bruce Cervon’s “Castle Notebooks”, Five Volume Set
Sold for
$800
Incl. Buyer’s Premium
Get a Free Evaluation
Get a free evaluation of your magic collection
Share a few photographs and tell us about your rare books, props, manuscripts, or other magic collectibles. Britannic Auctions typically reviews submissions within 48 hours and will let you know whether your material may be suitable for auction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Magic Collectibles
Find answers to common questions about selling rare magic books, gambling literature, vintage conjuring props, ephemera, and estate collections with Britannic Auctions.
How do I know if my old magic books or props are worth anything?
Value depends on rarity, condition, author, edition, subject matter, demand, and whether the material is still difficult to obtain. Rare first editions, out-of-print works, gambling literature, Houdiniana, manuscripts, and unusual apparatus can attract strong collector interest.
Britannic Auctions can usually begin with photographs of the books, props, or collection. Even if you are not sure what you have, a quick review can help determine whether the material may be suitable for auction.
I inherited a magic collection. Where should I start?
Start by keeping the collection together and taking clear photographs of shelves, boxes, title pages, props, posters, notes, and any unusual items. Do not throw away dealer catalogs, lecture notes, correspondence, or paper ephemera, as these can sometimes be important.
Britannic Auctions regularly reviews inherited magic libraries, estate collections, and collections built over decades by amateur magicians, collectors, dealers, and students of the conjuring arts.
What kinds of magic collectibles are most desirable?
Collectors often seek rare and out-of-print magic books, first editions, gambling and card cheating literature, Houdini material, manuscripts, lecture notes, posters, dealer catalogs, magic club publications, photographs, and select vintage apparatus.
Material connected to names such as Erdnase, Houdini, Hoffmann, Vernon, Annemann, Marlo, Ortiz, Scarne, and other respected conjuring authors or performers may be especially worth reviewing.
Do you accept modern magic tricks, beginner sets, or common magic books?
Usually, no. Britannic Auctions is not generally looking for modern children's magic sets, mass-produced novelty tricks, common instructional books still in print, Magic: The Gathering cards, Magic 8 Balls, or ordinary used books about magic.
We are most interested in scarce, antique, vintage, out-of-print, historically important, or specialist material with real collector demand.
Should I sell my magic collection as one group or separate the best items?
It depends on the collection. Some libraries and archives benefit from being kept together because they tell a stronger story. Other collections perform better when rare books, manuscripts, posters, gambling material, or unusual apparatus are offered separately.
Britannic Auctions reviews each collection individually and recommends the approach most likely to serve the material and attract the right collectors.
What happens after I submit my magic collection for review?
After Britannic Auctions reviews your photographs and description, we will let you know whether the material appears suitable for auction. If it is a good fit, we explain the consignment process, commission structure, shipping options, cataloging approach, and expected auction timeline.
There is no obligation to consign after receiving an initial evaluation.
Have More Questions?
Questions about rare magic books, props, gambling material, or a lifelong collection? Start with a quick review.
