A 1895 second edition of Sleight of Hand: A Practical Manual of Legerdemain for Amateurs and Others by Edwin Sachs sold at Britannic Auctions in 2019 for $102. This particular copy stands out because it once belonged to John and Mabel Ringling, the legendary figures behind Ringling Bros. Circus.
Sachs’ book remains one of the most complete guides to sleight of hand, filled with illustrations and step-by-step explanations. Originally written for amateurs, it went on to influence generations of professional magicians. A copy linked to the Ringling family adds another layer of historical significance.
A Ringling Library Treasure
This copy of Sleight of Hand came from the Ringling Museum of Art’s library, part of John Ringling’s vision to create a world-class collection. While traveling through Europe in search of new circus acts, he developed a passion for collecting fine art and rare books. He worked with renowned dealers like Julius Böhler, steadily building a significant library of reference works and instructional books.
By 1931, Ringling had opened his Museum of Art to the public, calling it his way of “promoting education and art appreciation”. Today, the museum is best known for its Old Masters collection, featuring works by Velázquez, Poussin, Van Dyck, and Rubens. At one time, this very Edwin Sachs book was part of that growing collection.
What’s Sleight of Hand Worth?
Sachs’ book has been reprinted many times, but early editions—especially Victorian-era copies like this one—remain highly collectible.
Here are some real-world sales of Sleight of Hand:
- $425 – High End: A second edition in decorative green cloth sold at Potter & Potter Auctions in 2016.
- $95 – Mid-Range: Another 1895 edition, greatly expanded and revised, sold for $95 in 2017.
- $102 – Mid-Range with Provenance: This Ringling-owned copy sold for $102 at Britannic Auctions in 2019.
- $10 – Common Reprints: Later reprints from the 1980s can be found for as little as $10, but they don’t hold the same collector value.
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