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Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction

Sat, Oct 31, 2026 04:00PM EDT
  2026-10-31 16:00:00 2026-10-31 16:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/houdini-returns-the-centennial-auction-23392
Marking 100 years since the death of Harry Houdini, Potter & Potter will present a landmark sale of Houdini memorabilia on October 31, 2026 at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. The sale brings to the public for the very first time 100 historic items from the collection of Kevin Connolly, many of which were personally owned by Houdini.

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HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Harry Houdini Giant Lobby Portrait.
Lot 89

HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Harry Houdini Giant Lobby Portrait.

Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
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Starting Bid
$2,600
Bid increments chart

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Harry Houdini Giant Lobby Portrait. New York: Apeda Studio, ca. 1920. Enormous matte-finish three-quarter length photograph of Houdini, nattily dressed in a tweed coat and fedora, with his hands thrust in his pockets. The text "HOUDINI!" has been lettered at the base of the image in white ink. Mounted to heavy board (likely by the photographer or creator). Modern frame; 39 x 30". 

The only such example of a Houdini lobby portrait we have been able to trace, this giant image was used to promote his performances and stood, along with other displays, in the lobbies of the showplaces where Houdini appeared. Apeda was a large, well-organized  photography studio and printer of postcards and photographs headquartered in New York City. The firm captured portraits of many Broadway stars, including several classic Houdini portraits. 

Condition

Visible wear to perimeter, including chips and scuffs and corner chips. 

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If your bid is successful, as an alternative to in-house shipping, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling by us of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items. Packing and shipping expenses shall be added to buyer's invoice and will reflect a charge for labor, materials, insurance, transportation, as well as actual shipper fees.

Collection of Harry Houdini, auctioned in 1980 with other personal property from the Houdini residence in New York City in Allendale, New Jersey. Later part of the collections of Richard Buffum, Magic Island of Newport Beach, and of Robert J. Albo, MD. Kevin Connolly collection.

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