Houdini, Harry. Houdini. Europe’s Eclipsing Sensation. Houdini. The World’s Handcuff King & Prison Breaker. New York, U.S. Sign Board – Russell Morgan, ca. 1906. Oil on plywood. Oversized lobby board (48 x 109”) bearing perhaps the most famous image of Houdini, used under license from the Russell & Morgan Printing Co. of Cincinnati (which would later become the US Playing Card Co.), the firm that produced the well-known stone lithograph bearing this image. At the center of the board is a full-length image of Houdini, fettered with cuffs, leg irons, chains, and locks, surrounded by eight sets of hands restrained by other handcuffs Houdini escaped from. The border is made up of painted links of chain. Wear, chipping, and holes at several points around perimeter, and scattered spots in image, but overall good condition. Unique. Exhibit History: Houdini: Art and Magic. The Jewish Museum of New York. Two-year touring exhibit. Also featured in a book of the same name.
Sale History: Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, June 1993.