$1,200
The Sphinx Medal. New York, 1930s. Cast silver medallion bearing the head of the Sphinx on the obverse; plain reverse. Hanging from a red silk ribbon with sterling silver pinback bearing text “The Sphinx Award” stamped. Medal 1 1/8” in diameter, overall length 4 ½”. MT308. Scarce. The Sphinx Medal was sculpted by Mark Federson and presented annually by John Mulholland, editor of The Sphinx magazine to two contributors to the magazine each year (one amateur, one professional), beginning in 1934. Recipients were selected by an “unprejudiced committee.” Winners included Dai Vernon, PC Sorcar, Okito, MacDonald Birch, John Booth, Matt Schulien, Karrell Fox, Dr. Jacob Daley, Paul Rosini, Les Levante, and Walter Gibson. A total of 32 medals were awarded between 1934 and 1952. The medal and its history was the subject of one of Burton Sperber’s Real Miracle publications.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2014-02-08
