Five of the Best – Bonhams’ Gentleman’s Library Sale

Harry Houdini’s escape prop sack to be sold alongside all manner of other unusual items on Valentine’s Day

 

On 14^th February, Bonhams will hold their ‘Gentleman’s Library Sale’ in Knightsbridge, London. Amongst the circa five hundred items to be offered are all manner of unusual items and here we choose five of the best:

 

Harry Houdini’s escape prop sack – £1,500 to £2,000

($2,100 to $2,800, €1,700 to €2,300 or درهم‎‎7,800 to درهم‎‎10,400; pictured above)

This green, oversized canvas sack was used by Harry Houdini (1874 – 1926) as a prop for tricks. It dates to around 1915 and comes with a poster for his ‘Metamorphosis’ act. Houdini’s brother, Theo, gave the item to a mutual friend after his death and it was last sold at Christie’s in 2011.

 

Australian silver and Kangaroo paw lighter – £800 to £1,000

($1,100 to $1,400, €910 to €1,100 or درهم‎‎4,200 to درهم‎‎5,200)

Possibly one of the most unusual cigarette lighters available, this unusual item was made by WD&Co Limited in 1910. It is 40cm long.

 

Australian throwing club – £150 to £250

($210 to $350, €170 to €280 or درهم‎‎780 to درهم‎‎1,300)

Dating to the 19^th century, 69cm long and made of carved and incised hardwood this dangerous weapon could certainly be used to see off a burglar. It was collected in the 1860s in Queensland, Australia.

 

Silver plated model battleship – £800 to £1,200

($1,100 to $1,700, €910 to €1,400 or درهم‎‎4,200 to درهم‎‎6,200)

This early 20^th century silver plated model battleship is 23cm high and comes with three pairs of cannons to the deck. It’d make a jolly addition to any desk.

 

Novelty Eiffel Tower clock – £800 to £1,200

($1,110 to $1,700, €910 to €1,400 or درهم‎‎4,200 to درهم‎‎6,200)

This 62cm tall gilt and bronze 19^th century clock is designed in the form of a model of the Eiffel Tower. It has a brass dial with Roman numerals.

 

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