A vintage black and white matte postcard photograph showing Harry Houdini (1874-1926), the world-famous illusionist, signed and inscribed by him as "sincerely / yours / Houdini" along a diagonal at top. The signature is large and bold (but has POOR contrast because of the black background), measuring 2.75" x 1.25" alone. The stuntman is depicted wearing a dark suit, stiff white collar, bow tie, and watch chain under the caption "Harry Handcuff Houdini" at upper right. Blank verso. A horizontal fold extends along the bottom of the postcard 1.125" above the edge and nowhere near the signature. Light overall toning verso, else near fine. 3.125" x 5.375." Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).
The handsome turn-of-the-century Hungarian-born American entertainer wasn't that skilled at card tricks, but he excelled at performing escapes from all imaginable restraints. Between 1899-1908, during his "Handcuff" period, Houdini delighted crowds by escaping from custom-designed handcuffs, chains, shackles, ropes, and straight jackets. Later on in his career, Houdini was also buried alive, suspended over water tanks, sealed in milk cans, and interred in 500 lb. whale carcasses; each time he triumphantly escaped via unknown means.