Did This Magician Just Buy Harry Kellar’s Missing Head? The Shocking $80,000 Valuation!
A magician walked onto Antiques Roadshow with a mysterious carved wooden head—and walked away with a jaw-dropping valuation. Is this the head of a famous magician?
Biggest Takeaways
A magician brought in a wooden head, originally thought to belong to Houdini, but later identified as Harry Kellar.
The head was purchased online from an antique store in London for $5,000.
The appraiser valued it between $60,000 to $80,000, citing its rarity and historical significance.
Magic History Uncovered
Magic met mystery on Antiques Roadshow when a magician presented a rare wooden head, initially believed to be Houdini’s but later linked to Harry Kellar, one of America's most legendary magicians.
"Harry Kellar was, like, the O.G. magician," the guest explained, highlighting that Houdini even took inspiration from Kellar’s name.
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The appraiser confirmed the match:
"You look at pictures and posters of Harry Kellar, and there's a pretty astonishing resemblance. I'm right there with you, I believe it is Harry Kellar."
This artifact became even more valuable with Kellar’s original props lost in a shipwreck.
The guest theorized it may have been used in a spirit-cabinet trick, where the face would "float around in this ethereal-type ectoplasma or something."
The appraiser agreed, suggesting it was likely part of a spiritualism act or levitation illusion.
The magician revealed they had purchased the artifact for $5,000—including shipping from Europe.
The appraiser, clearly impressed, delivered the big reveal:
"Because of the scarcity of high-end magic props, I would not be comfortable putting an auction estimate on it. But I would have no problem putting an insurance estimate of $60,000 to $80,000 on it."
The guest, clearly stunned, chuckled:"Oh, yeah... Wow. Ha!"
Online Reactions: Shock, Jokes, and a Bit of Jealousy
The internet had plenty to say about this mind-blowing discovery!
One commenter joked about the magician's real trick:
"She’s a magician? How did she make money appear so that she had $5,000 to purchase it? I need to know the trick, please."
Another shared an old Harry Kellar poster that might hint at the head’s purpose:
"I highly suspect it was part of his decapitation act. I have seen an old poster of Kellar on the internet with his disembodied head floating in front of him."
Some were simply in awe:
"Suuuuuper cool!!!"
"Where can we see her show? Asking for a friend 👀"
"I’d be putting that in a very secure safety deposit box!"
With a valuation of over 10 times its purchase price, this magician pulled off a truly magical investment!
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