Lot 422
Houdini, Harry (1874-1926) Magician, illusionist, and escape artist; one of the most popular entertainers of all time. Born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, he came to America at the age of four. He performed in small venues throughout the Midwest and New York from 1891until 1899, when he was "discovered" and became a major vaudeville star in America and Europe. He was a master of publicity, staging public exhibitions and accepting challenges from various groups. Houdini made five movies, beginning in 1918, becoming one of Hollywood's first action figures. In 1926 he had a very successfull one-man show on Broadway, which he took on tour, but a case of appendicitis, aggrevated by some blows to the stomach, was neglected too long, and Houdini died in Detroit on October 31, 1926. There was an outpouring of grief on his passing.
Postcard with Autograph Note Signed "Houdini w frau" [Houdini with wife], Honolulu, 1910 May 2, addressed in Houdini's hand to "Family Roterberg" in Hamburg, Germany: "Fine trip so far. We will be home until Sept 1910. Hope alls well. I believe we will go through Chicago on our way home. regards / Houdini w frau." The postcard pictures Honolulu harbor; in the lower border, Houdini wrote: "Our home address 278 N. 113th St. New York City U.S.A." Very good; postmark partially affects three words.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500.
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| Realized $863 |
