$38,000
Houdini, Harry (Ehrich Weisz). Houdini Presents His Own Original Invention. The Greatest Sensational Mystery Ever Attempted In This or Any Other Age. Cincinnati: The Strobridge Litho. Co., 1916. Vibrant and imposing poster advertising what is perhaps the most famous of all of Houdini’s escapes, the fabled Water Torture Cell. Text at the bottom of the poster advertises a $1,000 reward to anyone who can prove Houdini can breathe while upside down in the “water filled torture cell.” 39 x 84". Image uniformly toned, very tiny scattered restoration; A-. Rare. Built in England at the tremendous cost of some $10,000, Houdini’s Water Torture cell was both a sensational and important escape device. The artist’s representation of the Cell in this poster is unusual in that it includes an outer jail-like framework around the tank. Early on, a cell-like device was lowered into the water, apparently adding a further layer of difficulty to the escape. This was later discarded. Outer bars were less-frequently used, though spectators were invited to secure them with their own locks, adding yet another layer of difficulty to the feat. Houdini’s earlier water escape, the Milk Can, was brilliant for its time, but easy for his imitators to copy, construct, and perform. The Water Torture Cell, on the other hand, was not so easily duplicated. Importantly it allowed the audience to see him while submerged, an innovation that made the stunt both sensational and an audience favorite. Of the effect, H
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2016-06-25
