Magicana of the Golden Age
Sat, Jun 20, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 7
Signed Portrait of Young Houdini, King of Cards.
Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000
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 Portrait of Young Houdini, King of Cards. St. Joseph, MO: Schroder, ca. 1898. Handsome half-length portrait of Houdini in a high white collar and bow tie. Cabinet card format on printed mount, 6 1/2 x 4 1/4". INSCRIBED AND SIGNED by Houdini on the reverse, "Harrisburg Pa / 1/2 - 98 / Respy Yours / Harry Houdini."
An outstanding, rare, and early portrait of Houdini - in near fine condition - captured during his days as a circus performer and dime museum entertainer. This image was most famously used as a model for the bust portrait on one of his first and best-known lithographs, billing Houdini as the "King of Cards." Before rising the ranks of stardom as a world-famous escape artist, Houdini presented a general magic show with a focus on card manipulation, palming, arm spreads and catches, and fancy shuffle work.
Condition
Near fine with only minor rubbing to image.
Overall Dimensions
Weight: 1.00 lbs
Available payment options
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