UPDATE: The description has been updated to reflect that these are Bean Cobb leg irons, patented in 1899, not Lilly leg irons as originally described.
Pair of Harry Houdini's personally-owned Bean Cobb leg irons, patented in 1899, with each locking shackle ring measuring about 3.5" in diameter, attached together by a thirteen-link 11"-long chain. The key is missing, and the irons exhibit an overall patina.
Provenance: Houdini Magical Hall of Fame, Lot 419, Butterfield & Butterfield, November 15, 1999.
Houdini came to international fame as an escape artist beginning with his 1900 tour of Europe, where he challenged local police departments of each city he visited to restrain him. Houdini, of course, inevitably escaped and he became famous as the 'King of Handcuffs,' or, more simply, Harry 'Handcuff' Houdini. A fantastic relic from the legend's personal collection.
