Birmingham magician’s kit could cast a spell

A magic kit owned by an esteemed Birmingham magician is up for sale in the city’s Fellows auctioneers.

E Ray Griffiths was President of the British Magical Society in 1947 and performed as Fabian The Magician. Fabian was widely renowned as a conjurer in the mid-20th century.

His magic box of tricks features in Fellows’ Antiques, Silver & Collectables auction, closing on July 27. The kit has an estimate of £200-300. 

The kit comprises two magic wands, one with an enamelled British Magical Society badge, and the other engraved “presented to E Ray Griffiths President 1947”. There are also three images of Fabian, one framed which portrays him performing.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the kit is E Ray Griffiths’ own personal playing cards and original case, with the words “Fabian” impressed. 

Kevin Jackson, Auctioneer and Senior Specialist from the Antiques Department at Fellows, said: “Fabian The Magician was a fantastic performer from the Acocks Green area in Birmingham and to sell his kit is a privilege. Our Antiques sales always conjure up brilliant prices for diverse items and hopefully this historic magic kit will be no exception. Our antiques auction, ending on July 27 is our first since before the lockdown period and we are thrilled to include fantastic items such as this.” 

Besides this enchanting lot, the Antiques, Silver & Collectables auction features glassware, ceramics, porcelain, paintings, clocks, and furniture. The huge variety in this sale includes historic and modern items along with the weird and wonderful.