Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction
Sat, Oct 31, 2026 04:00PM EDT
Lot 7
HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Signed Cabinet Card Photograph of Houdini in Chains.
Estimate: $3,000 - $6,000
Sold for
$9,000
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). 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.
Condition
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.
Overall Dimensions
Weight: 1.00 lbs
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.
Kevin Connolly collection.
