Hungarian-born American magician (1874–1926), né Erik Weisz, who would ultimately attain a place among the greatest practicioners in the history of the art. From his early success as the “King of Cards,” Houdini (who took his stage name from his idol, French magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin), went on to create ever grander and more elaborate illusions, many of which spectacularly showcased his remarkable physical prowess and skill as an escape artist. An ardent debunker of phony mediums, yet a believer in spiritualism himself, Houdini came to an untimely end when, punched in the abdomen unprepared by a college student who wished to test the magician’s strength, he suffered from a ruptured appendix. After performing a full show in Detroit with a high fever, he died of peritonitis on Halloween, 1926 at the age of 52. Vintage ink signature, “Love Laughs at Locksmiths, So does Harry Handcuff Houdini, The Jail Breaker,” on a white 4.75 x 3.5 card dated February 4, 1905. Suede matted with a name plaque and photo to an overall size of 15 x 31. In fine condition, with some mild toning along left edge. Oversized. R&R COA.
