$2,000
Stanley Sokeitous Escape Display Board. Circa 1920. Lobby display used by magician and escape artist – and Houdini imitator – Stanley Sokeitous to advertise his shows. Permanently affixed to the board are a set of vest pocket thumb cuffs, four pairs of vintage handcuffs, and associated objects. Each item is accompanied by handwritten identification tag, tying the item to various criminals, the attributions fabricated to drum up interest in Sokeitous’s shows. Included among the bogus items is a hacksaw blade reportedly used by the “Biddle Boys in making their escape from liberty,” a crowbar, and a non-working revolver labeled (falsely) as the gun used to assassinate President McKinley. Sturdy wooden frame 26 x 22”. Original cloth covering significantly worn and tattered, but locks and other objects in good condition. Sold together with a reprinted photograph of the escape artist posing with the board.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2016-04-09
