$4,000
Nicola (William Mozart Nicol). Nicola. Escape challenges. St. Paul, Standard Litho, ca. 1920. Gigantic color lithographed billboard (81 x 108") poster bearing a striking central portrait of Nicola, bound from head to toes in handcuffs and shackles, this being surrounded by vignettes of Nicola's various publicity stunts and escapes, including a bridge jump, escape from a packing crate, milk can, escape from railroad tracks, and more. Many of the poses are strikingly similar to those that appear on Houdini posters. Cloth backed and folded contemporarily; poor condition and in need of restoration, but image intact. One of only three examples of this poster known. This poster came from Monmouth, Illinois, home of the Nicol family. Though it likely passed through the hands of Jack and Leola LaWain, who traded in used and collectible magic for years, the possibility also exists that the poster was used or owned by Nicola himself.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2011-03-26
