This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
[HOUDINI] How Handcuff Tricks Are Done by Imposters! Edinburgh: John Fairley, Printer, ca. 1904. Letterpress handbill for an exposé of handcuff secrets by the “celebrated illusionist of Vienna,” Franz Kukol, and the “magician of London” Geo. Vickery, who were, in fact, trusted assistants to Houdini. 11 x 8 ¾”. Minor folds and chips at edges. Scarce. Two of the three most trusted assistants to work for Houdini, Vickery and Kukol were also talented performers in their own rights. This performance was sponsored by Houdini to take the wind from the sails of other handcuff kings attempting to capitalize on his enormous success. This scarce bill alludes to Houdini’s concurrent appearance at the Gaiety Theatre, Leith, during the same period, and also gives a plain explanation as to some methods used to escape from packing boxes, an all but unheard-of tactic for a magician who would become the president of the Society of American Magicians, an organization slavishly devoted to keeping conjuring secrets unknown to the public at large.