This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
Houdini, Harry (Ehrich Weisz). Providence Tool Co. Handcuffs. Houdini—Wresch Collection. Nineteenth century set of handcuffs, with original key, marked “Prov. Tool Co.,” purchased by Joseph Tanner in 1993 from Robert R. Wresch, who in 1954 acquired an extensive collection of handcuffs and leg irons from A. Nugent Jr., which consisted of pieces from the collection of Houdini and his brother, Hardeen. Included in the lot are copies of letters documenting chain of ownership, comprising: a statement of provenance from Tanner, specifying several identifying points on this set of cuffs (Oct. 22, 2005); a bill of sale of Tanner’s purchase of the Wresch Collection (Aug. 22, 1993); certification of Nugent’s sale of the same collection to Wresch (Oct. 29, 1954); and a letter from Hardeen to Nugent (March. 30, 1943) concerning the collection.