This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2023
[HOUDINI, Harry (Erich Weisz, 1874-1926)]. Ehrenerklärung! Im Namen des Königs Wilhelm, II. Kaiser v. Deuschland. Leipzig: Atelier J. Zier, [ca. 1902]. Bright stone lithographed poster depicting Houdini in handcuffs standing before a tribunal of judges, as helmet-clad police look on. Linen backed. Approximately 30 ½ x 40 ¾”. Extensive restoration and color overpainting in image and around perimeter. B-. SCARCE; one of only a handful known. The English text in the lower right of the poster explains the scene succinctly: “The imperial police of Cologne slanderously libeled HARRY HOUDINI, stating his advertised tricks were swindles! HOUDINI answered them by sueing [sic] for “An Honorary Public Apology.” The police lost the case in the three highest courts, as they were unable to fetter or chain HOUDINI in an inescapable manner. He was even successful in opening a special lock that they had constructed which after it had once been locked could not be opened! … Having lost the case in all three trials the police were ultimately compelled to publicly advertise “An Honorary Apology” and pay all costs of the trials. By Command of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Emperor of Germany.