HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Signed Cabinet Card Photograph of Houdini in Chains. Groningen, Holland: J.F. Blöte photographer, ca. 1903. Striking full-length portrait of Houdini restrained by irons and wearing only a loincloth. Slim cabinet card format, on an embossed photographer's mount. 3 ¼ x 6 ¾”. INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY HOUDINI on the verso to fellow magician Clement de Lion on October 31, 1903 with the notation below the inscription in Houdini's hand "original!!!" 

A RARE VARIANT of this iconic image, this example without the large lock between Houdini's legs, captured after his return from his history-making Russian tour. 

Clement De Lion (1875 - 1965) was born in Copenhagen and developed a specialized magic act in which he manipulated billiard balls with great dexterity, producing and vanishing them by the handful. He performed on many of the same stages as Houdini, and both men were stars of European music hall shows. 

Very minor wear to recto; old tape stains to verso, and later inked notation below Houdini's autograph with his birth and death dates. Very good.