Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction
Sat, Oct 31, 2026 04:00PM EDT
Lot 64
HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Houdini Beer Can Escape Challenge.
Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Sold for
$2,880
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). Houdini Beer Can Escape Challenge. [Philadelphia], 1912. Letterpress printed handbill in blue ink on aqua stock reproducing a written challenge to Houdini by the Bergdoll Brewing Company that states, in part, "We hereby challenge you to allow four of our employees to fill that tank of yours with our Celebrated Old Style Lager Beer." Houdini's response and acceptance is reproduced below: "You may send about eighty gallons of the beverage to the Stage Entrance of B.F. Keith's Theatre...." 10 7/8 x 5 5/8". Linen backed.
The handbill makes clear that the brewers would fill Houdini's own "galvanized can" with their lager beer and he would then escape from the locked vessel. This was most likely Houdini's own gimmicked Milk Can, a device he had escaped from many times, no matter what liquid it was filled with. Ironically, Houdini was a tea-totaler.
Condition
Minor marginal folds and chips repaired; very good or better.
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