This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/8/2023
HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 – 1926). FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE WATER TORTURE CELL. In Beiden Vorstellungen! Houdini! Berlin: Plakat-Druckerei Eduard Jackel, 1912. Letterpress broadside heralding an appearance of Houdini on Saturday, September 21, 1912 (and the following day) at the Circus Busch, the famous German variety theater, presenting for the first time his now-famous Water Torture Cell escape. Handsomely framed to 30 x 18”, sight 23 ½ x 11 ½”. Old folds and some restoration visible, but not examined out of frame. A rare and important Houdini poster. Houdini invented the USD (The Upside Down, as he referred to the Torture Cell) in 1911, and performed it in England just once, as part of a mock play, perhaps for an audience of just three or five people, in attempt to copyright and protect the act. The first public performance of this signature feat, which has long been associated with Houdini and his image, was in Berlin, at the Circus Busch, and is advertised on this poster. This is the only example of this broadside we have encountered.