[HOUDINI] How Handcuff Tricks Are Done by Imposters! Edinburgh: John Fairley, Printer, ca. 1904. Letterpress handbill for an exposé of handcuff secrets by the “celebrated illusionist of Vienna,” Franz Kukol, and the “magician of London” Geo. Vickery, who were, in fact, trusted assistants to Houdini. 11 x 8 ¾”. Linen backed. Brown pulp paper variant (others were printed in pink). SCARCE.

Two of the three most trusted assistants working for Houdini, Vickery and Kukol were also talented performers in their own rights. This bill advertises a performance sponsored by Houdini meant to steal the thunder of other wannabe "handcuff kings" attempting to capitalize on his enormous success and fame.

This bill alludes to Houdini’s concurrent appearance at the Gaiety Theatre, Leith, during the same period, and also gives a simple explanation as to some methods used to escape from packing boxes, an all but unheard-of tactic for a magician who would become the president of the Society of American Magicians, an organization slavishly devoted to keeping conjuring secrets unknown to the public at large.

A few chips expertly repaired; very good or better.