$6,000
Bancroft, Frederick. Bancroft the Magician. Cincinnati, Enquirer Job Printing, ca. 1896. One-sheet lithograph replete with skeletons, devils, Sphinxes, and a medallion bust portrait of the magician. Framed to an overall size of 45 x 32”. Not examined out of frame. The only known example of this poster. Bancroft’s career was short-lived. After making his fortune in real estate and insurance, he purchased lavish stage settings in order to build a spectacular magic show. Unfortunately, his personality and props did not match the grandiosity of the settings he performed in. Even after hiring Alexander Herrmann’s manager – as indicated on this poster – Bancroft never realized his dream of becoming one of America’s truly “great” magicians. He died of typhoid fever after just a few years on stage, at the age of 31, in 1897.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2015-10-31
