August 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2013
Legendary magician Harry Houdini autograph note signed boldly ''Harry Houdini'' to a German-to-English language learning book, dated 21 May 1916. Originally known as ''Harry Handcuff Houdini'', the master escape artist challenged various police forces to see if he could escape their jails and became known worldwide for his famous death-defying acts. Houdini writes note to verso of flyleaf of book and mentions Appleton, Wisconsin, the first town in America which Houdini emigrated to from Europe with his family circa 1880, ''Out of this book my dear father tried to master the English language in his 60th year. / Harry Houdini / I remember this book vividly as his preceptor was a wood cutter in Appleton, Wisconsin. / May 21, 1916. / This book was a new one at that time. We left Appleton in 1882.'' The book is a German to English guidebook titled in German, ''Englichen Sprade''. Berlag Von Bermann: St. Louis, MO: 1877''. Former owner of book has written his name above title, ''Rev. M. L. Weifs''. Book is framed and matted in red velvet elegantly with two colorful posters from his famous acts, ''Houdini's Death-defying Mystery: Escape From a Galvanized Iron Can'' and ''Prison Cell & Barrel Mystery'', with a pair of vintage handcuffs, most likely just a prop for framing purposes at top center. Frame measures 32'' x 22.5'' and is 3'' deep, creating a shadow box effect. Book is worn with chipping to corners and toning throughout, though nicely preserved and protected within frame. Overall, near fine
Harry Houdini Autograph Note Signed to a German-English Language Learning Book -- ''...Out of this book my dear father tried to master the English language in his 60th year...''
Click above for larger image.