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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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Lot 56

HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874–1926). Houdini Exposes Slate Writing Photograph.

Estimate: $600 - $900
Starting Bid
$300

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). TEALE, Oscar (1847–1934). Houdini Exposes Slate Writing Photograph. Sterling, PA: Brown Brothers, ca. 1924. Black and white photograph depicting Houdini, presenting a slate-writing stunt, seated across the table from his wife, Beatrice. He reaches behind her to swap slates with his secretary and fellow magician Oscar Teale, exposing the slate-switching deception. In practice, the switch would take place in a darkened séance room. 8 x 10”. A classic image from Houdini's crusade against fraudulent mediums. 

Condition

Chipping, pinholes, one short tear. 

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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.

Stanley Palm collection (labels to verso of photo); Kevin Connolly collection.