They won so much. More than a dozen Buchinger’s. The 1903 poster “Houdini in Russia”, commemorating the moment when the illusionist, undressed and locked in a Moscow cell, escaped in 28 minutes “to the unspeakable astonishment of the Russian police”. The 1898 window card with the vivid illustration announcing the latest achievement of Kellar, the legendary magician: “Self Decapitation”.

These, and much more, to be transported elsewhere with the blow of an auctioneer’s hammer.

But wait, ladies and gentlemen! As amazed as you are certainly by everything that has happened before, please remain in cast – in your seats, that is – for the astonishing conclusion of this story!

After Sotheby’s removed the nearly 2,000 items it had selected – 200 times 10, ladies and gentlemen! – Verges looked around.

There were still thousands of books. “Modern card tricks without a device.” “Other exclusive magic secrets of Will Goldston.” “The best of the best dice games in the world.” “The amusements of old London”, volumes I and II.

There were still the original notes for long wizarding acts, including a 1905 screenplay by Germain the Magician, once known for his illusion of a bouquet of flowers (“I wish to borrow once more, this time a handkerchief from lady for a few moments… “).

There were still posters celebrating sword swallowers and spiritualists and strong men able to withstand a cannonball shot to the stomach. Still old pieces of paper meant to be slapped on a wall and forgotten, but still there, still celebrating the diversions of another time. Yet – so much.

So here is, ladies and gentlemen, Ricky Jay’s latest illusion, as his astonished wife, Chrisann Verges explains:

“Sotheby’s took their cargo,” she said. “And you can’t even tell he’s gone.”