Select Secrets: Rare & Important Magicana

Houdini, Harry (Ehrich Weisz). Houdini-Wresch Collection Gimmicked Peerless 1915 Handcuffs. Circa 1915. Gimmicked handcuffs modified to allow for a quick release without use of the key, meant for use by an escape artist. Length 9”. Lacks key. An inventory number has been scratched on to the surface of one cuff. With a COA from Joseph Tanner, former owner, and copies of documents related to the Houdini-Wresch collection. Houdini’s brother, Hardeen, sold a large assortment of his brother’s handcuffs and leg irons to A. Nugent, Jr., later dubbing the collection “The greatest hand-cuff and leg iron collection in the world.” In October of 1954, Nugent’s collection was sold to Richard Wresch, who exhibited the collection frequently, and authored the scarce booklet, “The Great Houdini Handcuffs and Legiron” in 1961. The Houdini-Wresch collection was sold by the Wresch family in 1993 Joseph Tanner and his partner, who then resold the cuffs, locks, and restraints to a wide range of collectors, including the present consignor.