A 1985 first edition copy of Gaffed to the Hilt!—number 26 of 110, signed by Don England, Jon Racherbaumer, and Richard Kaufman—sold at Britannic Auctions in 2019 for $565. With only 110 copies printed, each individually numbered and signed, finding one in collectible condition is challenging.
Published by Kaufman and Greenberg, Gaffed to the Hilt! showcases England’s work in gaffed cards, a specialized area of sleight-of-hand magic. He personally crafted every gaffed card described in the book, making this edition especially valuable to collectors.
What Makes Gaffed to the Hilt! So Hard to Find?
A few key factors make this book especially rare:
- The First Edition Had a Small Print Run – Only 110 copies exist, all signed and numbered.
- The Second Edition Was More Common – In 1993, a 1,000-copy reprint came out, making the original much harder to find.
- It Came with Exclusive Collector’s Materials – Each book included a cloth binder with silver stamping, a black folder, and gimmicked cards in sleeves.
- England’s Influence in the Magic Community – As a key figure in Ed Marlo’s Sodality, he played a major role in advancing sleight-of-hand techniques.
What’s Gaffed to the Hilt! Worth?
Prices for Gaffed to the Hilt! vary depending on condition, completeness, and whether the book includes all original enclosures. Here are a few past auction results:
- $1,500 – High End: A signed copy in top condition sold for $1,500 at Potter & Potter Auctions in 2017.
- $565 – Mid-Range Sale: A signed, complete copy (#26/110) sold for $565 in 2019.
- $80 – Low End: A poor-condition copy was sold for $80 in 2021.
Collectors looking for a first edition with all enclosures and signatures should expect to pay well over $500, with high-grade copies selling over $1,000.
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