Description:

Harry Houdini
[New York, NY], January 23, 1924
Harry Houdini Signed Photo to Fraudulent Medium Anna Eva Fay, Fantastic and Bold!
Signed photograph

A sepia-toned portrait photograph depicting famed illusionist Harry Houdini and inscribed to Anna Eva Fay, a medium which he later investigated and proved fraudulent. 1p, measuring 6.5" x 9", [New York, NY], January 23, 1924. Signed and inscribed at far left: "To Anna Eva Fay/ one of the best/ from/ Houdini Jan 23/24". Featuring Houdini's backstamp on verso, visible through a 2" square window cut on the back of the frame. Exhibits general age toning and light edge wear throughout; evident ink fading to text, not affecting overall comprehension. Otherwise, very good. Not examined outside of frame, measuring 9.5" x 11.75" overall.

Anna Eva Fay (1851-1927) was a famous medium and stage mentalist of the twentieth century. She first gained popularity in the 1880s-90s for her vaudeville and stage performances where she was billed as "The Indescribable Phenomenon". Despite these successes, Fay would be exposed as a fraud at various points in her career, mainly for employing assistants that would uncover information about séance sitters in the towns that she visited. A longtime friend and correspondent of Houdini's, it was to the famous illusionist that she would eventually confess and reveal the tricks she employed upon her retirement in 1924, the same year this photo was inscribed.

Like Fay, Houdini first attracted notice at the turn of the twentieth century for his ability to escape out of handcuffs. While many suspected that these escapes were faked, he later presented himself as the scourge of false spiritualists in the 1920s, pursuing a personal crusade to expose their fraudulent methods. Indeed, his background in magic gave him an upper hand against those who had previously fooled many scientists and academics. In his pursuit, Houdini hoped to expose psychics and mediums like Fay for taking advantage of the bereaved.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9.5" x 11.75" (framed)
  • Medium: Signed photograph

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000