Harry Houdini | A collection of manacles, posters, and documents

Harry Houdini

A collection, comprising:

i) Set of Palmer manacles

Bolt-fastened steel manacles, each shackle composed of three hinged sections, patent stamp faintly visible, 135 x 65 mm (unopened), with modern screw inserted for opening, framed and glazed, one shackle with cracks in one steel section

PROVENANCE

Acquired from the estate of Harry Houdini by Joseph Dunninger in 1928; sold by his widow to Richard John Silmser (“The Iron Man”), 10 January 1988 (photocopy of letter of provenance included in lot); sold by Silmser to Joseph Tanner, 21 March 1988 (letter of provenance included in lot); included in Tanner’s catalogue of Rare Houdini Dunninger Memorabilia [1988], p.5 (copy of catalogue included in lot); sold to Rick Maisel, escapologist (original correspondence, 1988-89, included in lot); sold to the present owner in 2000 (letter of provenance included in lot)

ii) Set of Darby handcuffs

D-shaped steel restraints with keys, chain link, stamped "B" and "[?H]IATT", 265x105mm (unopened), framed and glazed (645 x 450mm)

PROVENANCE

Martin Pacheco, Argentinian collector

iii) Window Card Poster.

Master Mystifier HOUDINI the greatest entertainment of all times. printed in three colours (yellow, black, and white), with paste-over slip printed in red to advertise performances at Providence Opera House, week beginning 4 October [1926] 550 x 350 mm– NOT EXAMINED OUT OF FRAME, framed and glazed (820 x 525mm)

HOUDINI'S FINAL POSTER. This poster, with its distinctive and unusual design, was used on Houdini's final tour, which ended with his tragic death on Halloween 1926.

PROVENANCE

Metro Collectibles [Stephen A. Sparks of Salt Lake City], June 2000; purchased by Clifford Bradley; purchased from him by the present owner, 2005

iv) Harry Houdini, letter signed (“Harry Houdini”), to “My dear Goldston”, confirming an appointment with his secretary, 1 page, folio, Empire Theatre, New Cross, [London], 5 May 1914, framed and glazed (frame size 360 x 310mm)

v) Harry Houdini, leaf from an autograph album, inscribed “With best wishes Harry Handcuff Houdini”, dated Melbourne, 8 March 1910, with the signatures of other performers in Melbourne, and, on the verso, a photograph of a performer in the “Cherry Blossom Ballet”, leaf frayed at edges and with tape repair not affecting text

vi) Harry Houdini. The Unmasking of Robert Houdin. New York, 1908. 8vo. Inscribed on front free endpapers (“With compliments | of the author | Harry Houdini | March – 20 – 1916”), publishers cloth, incomplete at end with loss of part of the index, binding worn and dust-stained, internal marks and stains

PROVENANCE

“Library of Paul Daniels” (embossed ownership stamp)

vii) Signed share certificate

Houdini Picture Corporation, certificate number 844, 210 x 290mm, made out to Dimitry Bogach as owner of 10 shares, 24 August 1921, signed by Houdini as President and one other officer, embossed stamp

viii) Signed share certificate

Houdini Picture Corporation, certificate number 2128, 210 x 290mm, made out to Elizabeth Paddell as owner of 15 shares, 6 December 1922, signed by Houdini as President and one other officer, embossed stamp

ix) Signed document

Society of American Magicians, membership card for William A. Russell of Batavia, New York, member number 291, valid until June 1921, signed by Harry Houdini as President and another officer of the society, 65 x 105mm, framed and glazed (frame size 370 x 475mm), with a note of provenance on the reverse of the frame by T.J. Bogusta (“This card originally belonged to Billy Russell of Batavia, New York. Billy was a semi-pro in the early 1900s. I acquired the card from the late George Hawley who was a personal friend of Russell. George was also from Batavia.”)