This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2024
HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 – 1926). RPPC of Houdini, Inscribed and Signed. London: Campbell-Gray Ltd., ca. 1904. Handsome three-quarter length sepia tone glossy finish postcard picturing Houdini, in three-piece suit, with his hands thrust in his pockets. Divided back, with lengthy inked message from Rose Bonanno, who lived in Houdini’s Harlem brownstone. Very minor wear to edges and corners. CLEVERLY SIGNED in ink by Houdini on the recto: “Harry Handcuff Houdini,” using the first block capital “H” as the initial letter of the first two words in the signature.
The message from Bonanno states that the card is, “a personal picture belonging to Houdini,” indicating that in all likelihood it was discovered among his many papers left behind in the Houdini home after the Bonannos purchased it from Beatrice Houdini in 1927. Rose Bonanno lived in the house until her death in 1979; her inscription is dated Dec. 19, 1956 and is addressed to one “Michael Miller.”