An ultra rare poster for Houdini's 1911 playlet, "Challenged" or "Houdini Upside Down" sold today for $18,000 (including 20% buyers premium) at Potter & Potter's auction of "The Magic Collection of Ray Goulet. The auction estimate was $15,000 - $25,000.This was a short play Houdini performed only one time for the purpose of licensing his yet-to-be-revealed Water Torture Cell. The poster is signed by Houdini to magician John Mulholland.
I admit I'm surprised this didn't go higher. It's of extreme historical significance, signed, and the only known copy (maybe the only one ever made). But maybe because it doesn't feature any kind of image is what kept the price in check.
Another rarity was a playbill for Houdini's appearance at the Melbourne Opera House during the week of February 26, 1910. Items from Houdini's one time tour of Australia are exceedingly scarce. It sold for $3,360 (including premium) on a $2,500 - $3,500 estimate.
Related:
It shows the admission price of one guinea or one dollar. In today's money that is the equal to about $26. What a great deal for a ticket to see Houdini, considering the prices some big name entertainers are charging nowadays
ReplyDeleteWONDER WHO BOUGHT IT?? IS IT ME BUT ARE HH PRICES SLIPPING?
ReplyDeleteI hope David Copperfield got it as it really belongs in his collection. Not only does he have the USD, but he also has the John Mulholland collection.
DeleteI don't see anything slipping. An America's Sensational Perplexer pitchbook sold in this auction for a very high price. It all depends on the item. I think no image might have hobbled this one a bit. It's not something that displays as impressively as some other Houdini posters. This one is more significant to history lovers. Another reason I hope DC got it.