This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2021
Houdini, Harry (Ehrich Weisz). Houdini Bean Giant Handcuffs. Ungimmicked nickel-plated “escape proof” handcuffs formerly owned by Harry Houdini. The configuration of Bean’s cuffs made it nearly impossible for a key to be inserted by the restrained. Even so, Houdini escaped from a set early in his career, helping secure his reputation. He would later use Bean Giants to challenge other supposed handcuff “kings.” Width 6". With key. Working. Patent number stamped inside cuffs. These two sets of handcuffs were formerly owned by French stage magician Keith Clark, remembered as the author of the Encyclopedia of Cigarette Tricks. Clark obtained the cuffs from Houdini’s brother, Hardeen, and from Clark they passed to Dr. Morris N. Young, and later to John McManus, and finally to the Circus Museum of Sarasota before the Klosterman collection. Dr. Young’s letter of provenance accompanies the handcuffs, stating that Houdini considered these as being “especially choice.”