I have decided after a lot of soul searching to dispose of these cups.
I purchased them in the mid 1980's from Walter Wandman, the wonderful entertainer and manufacturer who's business was in Birmingham in the 40's, 50's & 60's (maybe longer). He moved to Exmouth Devon in the early 80's and he rang me to see if I was interested in buying the balance of his business items. A lot of the stock had be purchased by Chris Woodward prior to me been approached.
We got on really well and I used to meet with him quite regularly and finally we struck a deal and I purchased all his remaining stock and the FULL rights to his business with these 2 cups.
They were given to Wandman by Bill Stickland after he took a party of Magicians from the UK to the USA in 1939 and these were presented to the team.
As you can see now they are now in poor condition.
The details of the cups are as follows.
The Black Cup reads;
Presented by the City of Elmhimst ???????? USA to the British Magicians under the direction of Levante in appreciation of their Art. Mon. June 19th 1939
ON THE OTHER SIDE
Levante, Deveen, Ramsey, Wandman, Shackelton, Cedric, Darlington, Dowler, Sutcliffe, Ballard, Younger.
THIS CUP STANDS 16 INCHES HIGH
The Gold Cup Reads;
Good Will Cup. IBM Convention 1939. Battle Creek Mich USA
Presented to Party of English Magicians By Cecils Drug Stores. A Coke Cecil Pres. High Point NC
THIS CUP STANDS 19 1/2 INCHES HIGH
Well then there it is. I am asking for offers for these two cups. To be sold together.
Please send me your bid by email to colin@colinjohn.com
I will let you know if you have been successful.