Houdini portrait signed in German fetches $7,200

A beautiful 1900 portrait photo of Houdini signed in German to his friend and Chicago-based magic dealer August Roterberg sold today in Potter and Potter's "Magic Collection of Rudiger Deutsch: Part 1" auction for $7,200.00 (including buyers premium).

What might be most surprising about this is how unsurprising that price is. Even though it blew away the auction estimate of $2,500 - $3,500, we seem to be moving into a time when even unsigned photos are touching $3000.

What makes this one extra special is the inscription in German. You don't see this too often. I also love that it's dated April 6, 1901, his 27th birthday, which was not mentioned in the auction description. Houdini signed this while he was playing the Hansa Theater in Hamburg, Germany.

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