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Lot #856
Harry Houdini

HOUDINI perpetuates a myth of his own creation: “Born April 6—1874, Appleton, Wisc.”

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Description

HOUDINI perpetuates a myth of his own creation: “Born April 6—1874, Appleton, Wisc.”

AQS on an off-white 6.5 x 4 album page, in full: “Jan. 5—1917, Love Laughs at Locksmiths, So does Harry Houdini, Born April 6—1874, Appleton, Wisc.” After years of doubt as to the true circumstances of Houdini’s birth, extensive research confirmed in 1972 that he was born Erich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary on March 24, 1874. From 1907 on, however, Houdini claimed American birth, and on a different date, evidently in an attempt to conceal his humble European origins. In very good condition, with toning to left two-thirds of sheet (touching most of the text and affecting appearance), mild soiling, mounting remnants to reverse, and small tear at lower left corner (well away from writing). The writing is dark, clear, and well-contrasted throughout. Highly desirable! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #333 - Ended May 14, 2008