This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/17/2019
Production Birdcage and Growth of Flowers Table. Circa 1920s with later modifications. Two matching turned aluminum tables with electric motors and lighted bases, black drape, and an elaborately hand painted metal cylinder with Chinese motif. The production birdcage is shown with cylinder sitting on top of stand, empty. When a side lever is then pressed, it causes an electric elevator mechanism to raise the cage from beneath the table that is concealed by drape. When the cylinder is removed, a steel birdcage appears. The growth of flowers table features a chrome bowl that is shown empty and is set on top of stand. The cylinder is placed over the bowl to conceal it. The bowl has a trapdoor that is opened, and a side lever is pressed causing the flowers from beneath the stand to rise into the bowl. The cylinder is then removed to show the growth of flowers in the bowl. Both housed in massive black painted metal and wood steamer trunks. Height with cylinder 50”. Scattered paint chips to cylinder. Production birdcage works; growth of flowers electric elevator mechanism turns on but does not release the flowers. Sold as is. Photocopied facsimiles of correspondence and COAs between original owner and Sidney Radner, founder of the Houdini Historical Society, highlighting that these props were once owned by Houdini. COA states “The props explained below were obtained from J. Yadah by previous owner. He (Yadah) obtained them from Hardeen the brother of Houdini who inherited them upon Houdini’s death.” Signed “Sidney H. Radner” Dated 5/16/06. Radner writes to previous owner “The Houdini props which you have are definitely his. I have been aware of the items since Hardeen owned them after acquiring the item when Houdini died.”