Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction
Sat, Oct 31, 2026 04:00PM EDT
Lot 20
HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Harry Houdini's Engraved Pocket Watch.
Estimate: $20,000 - $40,000
Sold for
$204,000
Sold Price includes BP
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's Engraved Pocket Watch. A nineteenth century French gold-filled cylinder pocket watch with an attractively engraved hunting case, given to Harry Houdini by his wife and co-star, Beatrice, on his thirty-sixth birthday in 1910. Engraved inside the watch case is the text:
"For Harry / Ever Houdini / Remembering In / Complete Happiness / BESS / 3/24/10."
The first letter of each word in the body of the inscription is in fact a code, capitalized by the engraver to spell out Houdini's birth name, "EHRICH."
The watch was presented to Houdini by Beatrice while the couple was on tour in Australia, just six days after he made a historic flight at Digger's Rest, which made him the first man to pilot a plane Down Under.
Curiously, Houdini cited April 6 as his birthday, signing autographs with this date on it. In correspondence with his brother Hardeen, Houdini stated that the April 6 date was the one acknowledged by his mother as the day of his birth, even though his true birthday was March 24, the date engraved inside the case of the watch.
Closed diameter 1 11/16". With winding key. A remarkable and deeply personal gift from Houdini's wife to the great magician and escape artist.
Condition
Near fine, with tiny spots of wear from handling almost unnoticeable to the naked eye. Mechanism in working condition but in need of service.
Available payment options
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.
After Houdini's passing, the watch was owned by noted mentalist and magician Joseph Dunninger. From Dunninger it passed to collector Raphael Ellenbogen, and then from Ellenbogen to Kevin Connolly. A detailed story of the watch's provenance written by Ellenbogen and his acquisition of it was published in Magicol no. 87 (May, 1988).
