Description:

Houdini Harry

Harry Handcuff Houdini  signature by his wife and stage assistant, Bess!

 

Calling card with Harry Houdini secretarial signature, likely in the hand of Bess Houdini, as "Harry Handcuff Houdini". Also inscribed "Boston, Apr. 6th 06" in top left corner. In near fine condition. Card is mounted on a cream colored larger sheet with moderate toning measuring 8.125" x 6.75".

 

In early April 1906, Houdini was in the middle of an extended tour of the Boston metropolitan area, as reported in the April 7, 1906 issue of Variety. His main performance venue was B.F. Keith's New Theatre, but he also performed in nearby Salem.  In mid-March 1906, Houdini escaped from the Boston Tombs, a municipal jail, after removing several sets of handcuffs and leg irons and making a secret getaway by car. Houdini jumped off Harvard Bridge into the Cambridge River in an one-piece red bathing costume and restraints on April 30, 1906. He performed multiple prison breaks and even escaped from a metal-strapped Witch's Chair during his Boston tour.

 

Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was a world-famous illusionist, stuntman, and entertainer. While by all accounts he wasn't that skilled at card tricks, Houdini excelled at performing escapes. Between 1899-1908, Handcuff Houdini relied on his audience-drawing prison breaks. Yet he was also buried alive, suspended over water tanks, sealed in milk cans, and interred in 500 lb. sea monster carcasses! Each time he triumphantly escaped.

 

Wilhelmina "Bess" Beatrice Rahner (1876-1943) acted as Houdini's stage assistant. She performed with her husband while traveling on tour, and cared for magic show animals, props, and costumes. Evidently Bess also performed many secretarial duties, including managing autographs.

 

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