I'll leave it to others to debate whether this really is the jacket we see in the photo above, but the claim that there are only three known jackets isn't quite right. Both Murray and the seller seem to have forgotten about the jacket that belongs to collector Arthur Moses -- currently on view in the Skirlball Center's Houdini Art and Magic exhibition -- which is in this same style. I was also a little bothered by the fact that they kept calling Hardeen (who gave the jacket to the seller's grandfather) "Theo Houdini".
Nevertheless, Murray did a good job identifying the jacket by matching specific stitching and rivets visible in the photo, so this is intriguing. I'll be curious to see what happens.
The owner refused the Pawn Stars offer of $25,000.
UPDATE: Houdini straitjacket still looking for a buyer.
UPDATE 2: SOLD! Houdini straitjacket captures $46,980 at Christie's.
I missed the episode! But thanks for posting the picture and the information here. Sure looks like the same style.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable ... and yes they could have got the name right!
ReplyDeleteJust saw the episode. I'm not familiar with Houdini doing the straightjacket escape in front of the Library of Congress. I do know two locations here in D.C. where the Upside down straightjacket escape was done, but never heard of the Library of Congress one.
ReplyDeleteHi guys, I was the guy on the show and am the owner of the straight jacket, if you have any questions I can be reached at wcrocker56@msn.com
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you refused there offer.I am watching it as I speak and wanted to look up where it went.Congratulations!!
DeleteI'm trying to look for the episode can't find it which one is it ??
ReplyDeleteIt's called "The Great Escape". Doesn't look like it's online at the History Channel website anymore. Maybe HULU?
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me why this post getting so many hits today? Not that I'm complaining -- I love the traffic -- just curious. Are we linked somewhere new? Or maybe they repeated this episode last night?
ReplyDeleteYes, it must have repeated. All the hits are coming via Google searches.
ReplyDeletei drew whodinis pictures and that jacket is just like it
ReplyDeleteso the show just aired again this is awesome does anyone have anymore info now?
ReplyDeleteEpisode on right now
ReplyDeleteAnd, it's on once again.
ReplyDeleteI can always tell when it repeats because I get a wave of hits on the old posts. The link in "update 2" is want most land on -- news of its sale for $46,980 at a Christie's auction in 2011.
DeleteOn again 8 years later lol 😀
ReplyDeleteIt's on again
ReplyDeleteHoudini shows up in the latest season, but I've not seen it yet.
ReplyDeleteSo glad the owner held strong not giving it to the pawn shop.
ReplyDelete