Handcuff King signed promotional cards

My new book, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900-1909, will soon go to the printer, and by the end of the year you should have it in hand. I'm very proud of it and very excited to share. I set out to make the Houdini book of my dreams, and it feels like I did. But you'll be the ultimate judge.

In the meantime, I am offering two promotional cards at my online store, Wild About Harry PRESS. I handed out Style A in Appleton and have just received Style B. Both cards feature unique original Houdini advertising on one side and a promo for the book and my signature on the other.

The cards are $5 each with FREE shipping in the U.S. International shipping is a flat rate. Only the cards I'm offering here are signed. Supplies are limited.

Handcuff King Signed Promo Card Style A

Handcuff King Signed Promo Card Style B

You'll also get both cards FREE with the purchase of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 while supplies last.

Thank you for your patronage and patience!

Related:

• Wild About Harry PRESS is open for business
• Signed copies of Escaping Obscurity back in stock
• ANNOUNCEMENT: I'M DONE WITH HOUDINI!

Michaels gets magical

I know I'm late on this one, but the crafts store Michaels has an assortment of original magic-themed merchandise, including some Houdini merch. I've heard it's a Halloween special, but many people have reported seeing these at select Michaels now. Happy shopping!

Thanks to Tom Interval for the images.

Related:

• Fred Pittella's Houdini key bookmark and lapel pin
• Dunhill's Harry Houdini Commemorative Pipe
• 'Houdini Unchained' original art and merchandise

Fred Pittella's Houdini key bookmark and lapel pin

Our friend and collector, Fred Pittella, has released two new pieces of Houdini merchandise memorabilia. The first is a high-quality bookmark with a replica Bean Giant Handcuff Key. "So your next page doesn't escape you!" says Fred. A mini trading card also comes loose in the package. With so many new Houdini books this year, a good bookmark is a must!

Next is a high-quality lapel pin depicting the Handcuff King in his prime. This is a beauty, and is going to be my new go-to lapel pin. Especially as it captures Houdini in his Handcuff King days.

The price of the bookmark is $40 plus $14 shipping. The lapel pin is $25. You can get them by contacting Fred at fredpstuff@aol.com.

Related:

• Fred Pittella inherits Larry Weeks estate
• Guest Blog: The Bobby Handcuffs come home
• New Houdini Pin from Castle Thunder Graphics

The Dream Big Folio: Houdini’s Illusion That Inspired David Copperfield

Here's a nice holiday gift idea. "The Dream Big Folio: Houdini’s Illusion That Inspired David Copperfield" is a new release by History By Mail. Below is a photo and details.

Step into the moment that redefined what humans believe is possible.

Dream Big Folio – Houdini’s Illusion That Inspired David Copperfield brings you inside the legendary 1918 Vanishing Elephant performance at the New York Hippodrome—an act so audacious it later inspired a young David Copperfield to imagine making the moon disappear.

This folio is built around one extraordinary centerpiece: a replica of Houdini’s original letter to Harry Kellar, preserved exclusively in David Copperfield’s International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts, the world’s largest private collection of magic memorabilia. Kellar, widely known as the “Dean of American Magicians,” was the most celebrated magician in the United States before Houdini and one of Houdini’s early heroes and mentors. The original letter resides only in Copperfield’s museum.

Everything in the folio is designed to give you the same spark Copperfield describes in his letter—the spark that later helped fuel some of the most iconic illusions in modern history.

You can purchase "The Dream Big Folio: Houdini’s Illusion That Inspired David Copperfield" at the History By Mail website.

Related:

• 100 years ago Houdini vanished an elephant
• Revisit my visit to the Copperfield Collection
• David Blaine's Beautiful Struggle started with Houdini

Those were the days

Here's an ad from 1980 for all old-time style Bell telephone that evokes nostalgia for 1913. They had me at "Ragtime," and sold me with "The Great Houdini."

The Houston Chronicle, Sept. 29, 1980.

My guess is this wasn't a great seller as it seems ill-timed. Nostalgia was big in the 1970s. I actually had an old-time phone. But a wave of modernity was about to hit the go-go '80s. Ah, those were the days.

Related:

• Calling Houdini...
• Houdini's London address and phone
• Houdini was a "wireless telephone" pioneer

Houdini Legacy Card Deck Kickstarter

John B. Midgley, current President of the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.), has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a custom set of Houdini playing cards designed by Shawn Farquhar, past President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Proceeds from the Kickstarter will go to the Houdini grave restoration fund. It's a great-looking deck and a very worthy cause.

Click to view the Houdini Legacy Deck Kickstarter

Related:

• Houdini's grave is in trouble
• The Houdini-Weiss exedra turns 100
• Gladys and Leopold headstones return to Machpelah

$5000 Houdini pen because why not

Here's more high-end Houdini-inspired merchandise for people with more money than...well, for people with money. I do think this is pretty cool, but at 5K, I'll have to stick with my Sharpie.

Step into the world of magic and illusion with the Montegrappa Icons Harry Houdini Limited Edition Rollerball Pen. Part of Montegrappa’s acclaimed Icons series, this enchanting limited edition celebrates the legendary illusionist and escape artist, Harry Houdini, known for his incredible feats of escapology. With only 150 pieces of this remarkable rollerball pen being produced, this is an exclusive opportunity to own a piece of history, ready to break free from the ordinary.

You can get more info and see more pics at Appelboom. Buy one for each day of the week!

Related:

• Dunhill's Harry Houdini Commemorative Pipe
• Houdini's Water Torture Cell 1 oz Silver Coin
• The 'Houdini House Pen' gets it write

Spectral Motion Houdini mini bust

Here's one that's worth jumping on. Our friend Mike Elizalde at Spectral Motion has produced a 3D printed version of his famous bronze Houdini bust in a smaller size at a smaller price. It may not be bronze, but it sure looks good to me!

Own a piece of magic history with this Harry Houdini mini bust, expertly 3D printed in tough resin and hand-painted in a stunning bronze finish. This highly detailed collectible is crafted from a precise 3D scan of the Houdini bust on display at the world-famous Hollywood Magic Castle, making it a truly authentic tribute to the legendary escape artist.

You can purchase Spectral Motion's Houdini mini bust at their Etsy store.

Thanks to Dan Bowen for the heads-up.

Related:

• Houdini bronze by Spectral Motion
• The Magic Castle makes some Houdini additions
• REPORT: Inside the L.A. Conference on Magic History

Hungary issues an official Houdini stamp

The Hungarian postal service Magyar Posta revealed their new Houdini stamp at The House of Houdini in Budapest, Hungary, today. The stamp commemorates the 150th anniversary of Houdini's birth. The stamp has a face value of HUF 1,270 and was produced in conjunction with The House of Houdini and David Merlini, based on the work of Tamás Ajtai and Barnabás Baticz. The stamp folds open to reveal an image of Houdini. The inside image even includes a hidden lock that is visible under UV light. 

I think this stamp looks fantastic, and I'm thrilled to see Houdini honored in his home country. You can purchase the stamp HERE.

Congratulations to Magyar Posta and The House of Houdini!

Photo courtesy Artin Diramerján and The House of Houdini. You can see more photos from today's event on my Patreon.

Related:

• Marking Houdini's 150th in Budapest
• Houdini honored with U.S. postage stamp
• Houdini stamp from 1951

Dunhill's Harry Houdini Commemorative Pipe

If I smoked, I would smoke a pipe. And if I smoked a pipe, it would be this one! Famed pipe maker Dunhill has crafted a special pipe commemorating Houdini's 150th birthday. Breathe in the details below.

Dunhill Harry Houdini Commemorative Pipe
In 2024 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of entertainer Harry Houdini they released a special book edition pipe. A forward leaning dublin shape with an eye catching diamond shaped shank. The tamper captures in fine detail the bust of Harry Houdini wrapped in chains descending into a trademark milk churn. As this quaint pipe is not one of Dunhill's regular production shapes, it does not feature a traditional 4 digit code. The base is stamped with a 4 in a circle, indicating it's group 4 size. The collectable set is completed with a leather bound book case and a certificate of authenticity.

You can buy Dunhill's Commemorative Harry Houdini pipe at Smoking Pipes.com (this is the pipe pictured above). I also see a different pipe style at Goodfella's Cigar Shop, so you might want to investigate before buying.

Related:

• Houdini is alive and well at 150
• Houdini's Water Torture Cell 1 oz Silver Coin
• Houdini & Doyle (ep. 4): Spring Heel’d Jack

Houdini's Water Torture Cell 1 oz Silver Coin

Spectres has produced a 1 oz silver coin celebrating Houdini's Water Torture Cell. The coin is legal tender with a face value of 1000 Francs CFA. Details below.

Step back into the golden age of magic with Spectres' Houdini's Water Torture Cell coin. This 1 oz .999 pure silver coin pays homage to Harry Houdini, the illustrious Hungarian-American illusionist and stunt performer. Celebrating the centennial legacy of the Water Torture Cell, invented in 1912, this coin captures the essence of one of the most daring feats in escapology. A limited edition of just 1000 coins worldwide, each piece intricately shaped and proofed with color, the coin features a vintage illustration of Houdini in his self-named "Upside Down" escape act. This coin is not just a tribute to Houdini’s iconic 1912 invention but also a valuable piece for collectors and enthusiasts of American history. 

You can buy the Houdini Silver Coin directly from Spectres. I've been told they have 8 left. I've also seen it available from sellers on eBay.

Below is a video that gives a good look at the coin. You can also watch an unboxing video HERE.

Related:

• Gray Water Ops Houdini Coin is here
• Australia mints coin commemorating Houdini’s first flight
• Magic Castle Houdini Seance Coin marks 55 years

Own a replica Steel Straitjacket from Houdini '53

One of the standout escapes in the 1953 Houdini biopic is when Houdini frees himself from a "steel straitjacket." The steel straitjacket is a one-of-a-kind piece of magic apparatus provided by Joseph Dunninger. While I've never found any account of the real Houdini doing such an escape, it has become iconic in its own right.

Now, our friend Richard Sherry of Sherry and Krall Magic has manufactured a beautiful reproduction of the Steel Straitjacket. He has produced a limited run of only TEN jackets that can be purchased gaffed or ungaffed. And, as Tony/Houdini says, I'm sure he used "only the very best steel."

If interested, you can find pricing and details on Richard's website or email him at richard@richardsherrysmagic.com. 

"It looks like you have me all locked up."

Related:

• The Steel Straitjacket
• Sherry and Krall's 100th Anniversary Torture Cell tribute
• Canadian Mystery Cell owners revealed

Bring home a piece of 278 for the holidays

Before I wrap up the blog for the year, I wanted to give a shoutout to Roger Dreyer's Houdini Revealed and this terrific new novelty he is offering. When I visited Roger's amazing museum in September, he gifted me this authentic piece of 278 brick that sits on a miniature 278 base (a clear plastic dome fits over it all; the dome is off in the image below). I love it!

While I don't yet see this on his website store, Roger said these are available for purchase. So if you're interested in gifting a piece of 278 to a loved one or yourself, give Roger a shout HERE.

Roger also offers full 278 bricks and assorted wood pieces that are listed on his website. So you have many ways of owning a piece of Houdini's home this holiday season.

Thank you, Roger!

Related:

• Ambassador's Tour
• Own an authentic brick from Houdini's 278
• Barry Spector will end his 278 magic wands with #150

Dave Powell's 1/6 scale Water Torture Cell replicas

Our friend Dave Powell of Dave Powell Magic Company is offering a breathtaking 1/6 scale replica of Houdini’s original Water Torture Cell. As you can see from the photos, it's a stunner!

Dave spent over two years researching articles and hundreds of photographs to create this highly detailed replica. Each cell is handcrafted in solid mahogany, as was the original, with custom cast handles, drain plugs, hasp, and hinges plated in nickel. Each cell holds over 450 screws. Even the size and configuration of the planks on the sides and back match Houdini's original apparatus precisely.

This is an actual working replica, meaning it contains the secret of Houdini's escape. Shhhh.

These are being offered as a signed and numbered limited edition of only 25. Each cell comes with a booklet describing Dave's process of creating the replica with over 50 photographs.

It's not cheap, but if you have the means, you can ORDER HERE.

Related:

• The Water Torture Cell
• Water Torture Cell replica is mine!
• 278 wood lath Water Torture Cell by Barry Spector

A magician among the monsters

Here's a fun way to kick off Halloween week. This 2022 collection of monster trading cards by award-winning artist Mark Spears includes a nice collection of Houdini cards and stickers. You can buy the box on Amazon or find individual cards on eBay.

Joe Notaro discovered these and showcased all the Houdini cards on his site, so I will redirect you there to have a look.

Where were these when I was a kid!?

Related:

• Houdini + Bo Derek = huh?
• Sporting Life 'distressed' Houdini card
• Fourth of July "one of one" Houdini trading card

New Wild About Harry Patreon STORE

This month I'm excited to launch an all-new Patreon feature; a digital store. Here you can buy past PDF rewards, research, and more. And the best part is the store is open to EVERYONE, not just members. You can check it out by clicking the image below.

Of course, joining my Patreon is still the best way to receive all my rewards and research as part of your membership. But if you prefer your Houdini ala carte, this is another way to stay wild. 

Thanks for your support.

Related:

• Announcing WILD ABOUT HARRY on Patreon
• Patreon updates subscription billing

'Houdini Unchained' original art and merchandise

The Christmas shopping season is upon us, so I thought this was a good time to showcase some of the original merchandise created for Houdini Unchained: The Legacy of Harry Houdini at Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, CA. The museum commissioned several artists to create original Houdini pieces. That artwork is on display and also available as prints in the gift shop.

I snapped these photos inside the gift shop last time I was there. Muzeo doesn't have an online store, so it appears the only way to buy these is to visit in person. Or perhaps you could try contacting the artists direct. I've linked them all below.

"The Handcuff King" by Chris Kawagiwa.

"The Handcuff King" by John Coulter.

"Close Call with the Sea Monster" by Justine Prebich.

"Halloween Seance" by Michelle Prebich.

Vanishing Elephant lenticular by Melissa Chan Stone.

"The Key to his Heart" by Olivia Faust.

"Asleep in the Deep" by Vincenzo Savastano.

"Great Escape" by John Coulter.

"Lil Houdini Magic Set" by We Are Pretend Friends.

Houdini patch by Badaboöm Studio.

Muzeo is located at 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805. Normal hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Houdini Unchained: The Legacy of Harry Houdini will be on show until January 22, 2023.

Related:

• Houdini lives in Anaheim!
• Have a "Houdini Unchained Seance" at MUZEO
• Dr. Randall Bell is about to wow us

'Houdini March Two-Step' sheet music (update)

This 1906 sheet music entitled HOUDINI March Two-Step For Piano by Harrie A. Peck recently sold on eBay for $285. This was published by the White-Smith Music Co. and on the first page is written: "Dedicated by permission to Mr. Harry Houdini."

There is a photo of this sheet music in the Ken Silverman book, Houdini!!! The Career of Ehrich Weiss, credited to the Morris Young Collection. But I don't recall ever seeing one for sale and I've never seen it in color. It's a beauty and really speaks to Houdinimania of the day (I can see this selling in Boston). I'd love to hear the tune itself.

Thanks to Kevin Connolly at the Conjuring History Facebook group for the find.

UPDATE: Here's the winner of this mega rarity; the mighty Arthur Moses! Says Arthur, "Been looking for that for 20+ years."

Related:

• Houdini sheet music
• Smitten with Bess
• LINK: A bit of Houdini music

Unmatched: Houdini vs The Genie preview

A new role-playing fighter game called Unmatched: Houdini vs The Genie will be released by Restoration Games in November. Below is a YouTube "box opening" video from zeroskatr12 providing a first look at the game. While I'm not a gamer, this still looks like a must buy for that cool Houdini figurine and artwork. I also love that Bess is part of the action.

Unmatched: Houdini vs The Genie is available for pre-order at Restoration Games. It should also be available on Amazon, but no listing as of yet. When the game is released, I'll give a shout.

Related:

• The first Houdini video game?
• Escape Quest Houdini
• HOUDINI-OPOLY has arrived!

Madonna's daughter debuts video with a Houdini touch

Madonna's daughter, Lourdes Leon aka "Lolahol", released her debut single and video this week. As you'll see, she shot much of the video for Lock&Key in and around Machpelah cemetery and on the grave of its most famous resident. Think I'm too old to pass judgment on the song or her abilities, but I did love her mama back in the day. Enjoy.

While Madonna never used Houdini in her art, the Houdini Historical Center used Madonna in theirs! This poster was released by the museum gift shop in 1994.

Thanks to Bret Marnell for the tip.

Related:

• Houdini inspires Stefani
• The Houdini-Weiss exedra turns 100
• Mystifier, Second Quarter 1994