For fans of card magic and gambling demonstrations, Ed Marlo's name is legendary. His work revolutionized sleight of hand, and his books, magazines, and personal manuscripts continue to be highly sought after by collectors and magicians alike.
At Britannic Auctions, we’ve had the privilege of handling some of the rarest Ed Marlo manuscripts, from handwritten gambling routine notes to signed and numbered Marlo’s Magazine volumes.
One of the most impressive pieces to cross our auction block? A collection of handwritten gambling routine manuscripts, penned by Marlo himself, which sold for $8,000 in 2019. These pages offered a behind-the-scenes look at Marlo’s creative process, featuring detailed notes, original diagrams, and unpublished variations of classic card sleights.
The Value of Ed Marlo’s Rare Works at Auction
Marlo’s original works are more than just books and notes—they’re pieces of magic history. Over the years, we’ve seen strong demand for signed copies, limited editions, and unpublished materials. Here’s a look at some notable Ed Marlo collectibles and their realized auction prices:
"Marlo’s Magazine" Volume 6 (1988) – Signed & Numbered #28
- One of the rarest and most desirable Marlo publications.
- Sold for $610 in 2017.
Ed Marlo’s Correspondence to Brad Holbrook (1968) – Unpublished Gambling Notes
- A four-page handwritten letter from Marlo to magician Brad Holbrook.
- Includes discussions on Table Faro techniques and Marlo’s Red-Black Deals.
- Sold for $184 in 2021.
"The Unexpected Card Book" (Limited Edition #101, Signed by Marlo)
- Sold for $158 in 2019.
- Marlo’s first self-published book, produced with David Solomon.
- 248 typewritten pages printed on a duplicating machine.
Marlo’s Handwritten Manuscripts: A Rare Auction Find
Beyond his published works, handwritten manuscripts from Marlo are among the most valuable finds in card magic collecting. The $8,000 collection sold at Britannic Auctions contained:
- Original photographs and hand-drawn diagrams of gambling routines.
- Typed and handwritten manuscripts covering sleights, shuffles, and Marlo’s signature moves.
- Unpublished material featuring new approaches to classic card magic techniques.
One standout from this collection was Marlo’s handwritten explanation of "The Cigar Bottom Deal", an underground move highly regarded among card sharps and gambling demonstrators.
For collectors, owning these original notes and manuscripts is like having a direct line to one of the most influential minds in card magic.
Get a Free Appraisal for Card Magic Materials
If you own Ed Marlo books, manuscripts, or magic-related ephemera, we’re always interested in consigning rare pieces. Whether it’s a signed first edition, handwritten notes, or a complete set of Marlo’s Magazine, collectors are actively searching for these items.
Contact us today for a free appraisal! Find out what your collection might be worth and get expert guidance on selling at auction.
