By Anne Gilbert
Who isn’t fascinated by magic tricks and the magicians who perform them ? When the subject comes up the most familiar name is “Houdini.” For collectors “Houdiana” covers a variety of items related to magician Harry Houdini(1874-1926), born Erik Weiz, the famous magician of the early 20th century. Posters, event tickets and objects used in his shows find eager buyers willing to pay, sometimes, over a thousand dollars. Such was the case when Potter and Potter, a Chicago auction housed featured two private collections of not only Houdini collectibles but other items relating to magic.
Among the items that found buyers at the Potter auctions were posters advertising his show, objects used in his performances. One rare item, a large wood crate used in his “death defying water escape” sold for over $3,000.
A pair of handcuffs that he “miraculously unlocked” fetched over $3,000. Scrapbooks, advertising posters and photos of Houdinia and even more recent magicians and illusionists found buyers. Even Houdini commemorative stamps were issued. They are a crossover collectible for stamp collectors as well as magic memorabilia collectors.
The art of magic or illusion dates back to ancient Egypt. In different forms it has come and gone in popularity. Currently different forms are making a comeback. Among them Houdini-style escape tricks rather than the rabbit in a hat illusions.
From the 19th century on there have been many famous “illusionists” whose related items are now pricey collectibles. Among them was Englishman William Robinson, who took the name Chung Ling Soo and became known as “the marvelous Chinese Conjurer.” He performed silently, saying he didn’t want to speak English.
Most familiar to late 20th century fans and collectors is David Copperfield, an illusionist who seemingly made the Statue of Liberty disappear.
CLUES: Early books for would-be magicians are popular collectibles. One of the first known, printed in 1584, “Discoveries of Witchcraft “ by Reginald Scot is the earliest known. Houdini’s books, describing some of his tricks is one of many written by 20th century magicians. These days there are magic clubs, workshops, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, which publishes a monthly journal.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: (1) Houdini catalog (2) Houdini magic water crate (3) Houdini magic lock.
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