$3,400
Hofzinser, Johan Nepomuk. Hofzinser Playing Card. An ace of hearts, the card is signed and inscribed by Hofzinser's amanuensis, Ottokar Fischer. Presented as a gift to Dai Vernon by David Bamberg (Fu-Manchu) in November, 1968, the card is accompanied by two letters to Vernon, one a TLS that states, in part, "Enclosed is a little present that may please you. It is an original playing card used by Hofzinser and inherited by Fischer. This card was given by Fischer to a dear friend of his, Johannes Kappelmacher, a member of the Vienna Magic Club, just before the Nazi invasion. It's the only Hofzinser item that I own and I thought that no one in the world deserves to have it more than you." The other letter, an ALS, is a letter of introduction and both it and the TLS are signed familiarly, "Dave." The card, ca. 1860, is lightly toned, but in good condition; both letters are worn but in good condition with original mailing covers and on Centro Magico Fu-Manchu letterhead.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2010-01-30
