Heavy prison cell lock used by Harry Houdini during an escape from a Newgate Prison cell. Lock measures approximately 10 x 7.5 and has four holes for mounting on prison bars, keyhole, and solid rectangular lock protruding from left side. Lock is accompanied by its original skeleton key, as well as a letter of provenance from Sidney Radner, honorary curator of the Houdini Historical Center, which reads: “Houdini escaped from the cell on which this lock & key were used. The officials were so impressed with his escape that they removed the lock and presented it to Houdini for a souvenir. I know of no other cell lock that Houdini had in his collection.” Shadowboxed and framed to an overall size of 25 x 17 x 3.75. Houdini once proclaimed, ‘No prison can hold me,’ with this lock serving as proof. An absolutely remarkable piece from the master escapist’s own collection. Provenance: Butterfield and Butterfield, 1999; and Guernsey’s Pugliese Pop Culture Collection, 2008. Oversized. RR Auction COA.
