$550
Hotsie Totsie Bathing Beauty. Colon Michigan, Blackstone Magic Co., 1928. A painting on cloth of a seaside “bathing beauty” is shown. The cloth is folded in half, and the magician reaches into the painting and removes the bather’s cape, then swimsuit. When the painting is unfolded it has transformed – the tide has come in, covering the bather’s body and protecting her dignity in the process. Hand painted and sewn. 15 x 23 ½”. With original cape, but lacking suit. Scarce. Owned and operated by Percy Abbott and Harry Blackstone, Sr., The Blackstone Magic Co. was a short-lived enterprise, operating for only 18 months. A serious disagreement between the partners shuttered the business permanently. Consequently, everything the company produced is scarce or rare, including printed instructions, correspondence, and in particular the apparatus it produced – in any condition.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2013-02-02