Unfortunately, the great Houdini figure toy never went beyond the patents office (as far as I know). In fact, a Houdini action figure of any kind was conspicuously absent until Accoutrements released their Houdini Action Figure in 2005.
UPDATE: The great Pat Culliton informs me that a prototype for this toy was made and owned by the Hinson family. Indeed, you can see the prototype in this photo from the collection of John Hinson.
Today the whereabouts of this Houdini Toy is unknown.
Oh yes there was a working prototype. The Hinsons owned it. It wound with a key. Stanley Palm played with it. As he told it: the figure vibrated until it turned onto its head then spun until the arms opened by centripetal force.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere along the way, the Hinsons gave it to a fan. It might still exist.
Oh, wow, really? That is awesome. Where is that Houdini prototype toy today I wonder? Thanks, Patrick.
Deletedo you think it can be made again, I never saw it, it was before my time.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you never got to play with this one as a kid, John. But at least you had the Mirror cuffs. :)
DeletePic of the prototype added!
ReplyDelete