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Lot 603

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Houdini's Famous Escape Act Packing Crate

This wooden crate was used by Harry Houdini in one of his most famous escape acts of the 1910s and 1920s, the first occasion of which took place in 1912 in the East River in New York City. Houdini was handcuffed and put in the crate, which then had the top padlocked. The crate was wrapped in rope or chains, and lowered into the river. He freed himself from the crate in only minutes. The secret to the famous packing crate escape to be revealed upon the new owners' request. Crafted of pine, the crate has a removable lid and five of the original six hinges. A handle is on each end of the box, which was once brown and varnished. It shows age- and use-related wear in the form of dents, scratches and nicks, and includes an interesting graffiti at the bottom left corner. Formerly the property of the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame in Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada. 38 x 58 x 40" Sale History: Butterfield & Butterfield, February 1999

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