Rare Houdini Poster Sets World Record Price of $114,000 at Auction

February 2017--CHICAGO--A rare poster depicting Harry Houdini performing his famous Water Torture Cell escape has sold for a world record price of $114,000.00 at Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. That price now stands as the most expensive magic poster ever sold at public auction.

The anonymous winning bidder participated by phone.

Printed in London in 1912, the poster depicts Houdini locked upside down and underwater in the Torture Cell, perhaps the most famous escape the magician ever invented and performed. The poster was produced one year after the trick’s invention.

“Advance buzz for the auction was high, and especially for the Houdini posters,” said Gabe Fajuri, President of Potter & Potter. “Chatter on social media included considerable speculation about just how high the price would go,” he added. “Several outlets wondered if we’d set a new world record. We’re glad they were right!”

Another Houdini poster, Houdini - King of Cards also set a record in the auction, bringing in $24,000.00. The poster was printed in 1898 in Chicago, several years before Houdini became a star. The previous record for the image was $20,400.00.

The posters were two of some 1000 vintage lithographs from the collection of professional magician Norm Nielsen. Offered for sale on February 4th, 2017 as part of an auction entitled The Golden Age of Magic Posters, Part II, the posters were collected of the course of 25 years. The first sale from Nielsen’s collection was conducted in June of 2016. In all, the two auctions from Nielsen’s collection totaled of over $1,400,000.00.

Headquartered on the North side of Chicago, Potter & Potter is a full-service auction firm specializing in the sale of collectibles, rare books, and magic memorabilia.

For additional information, images, and details, contact:

Potter & Potter Auctions, Inc.

3759 N. Ravenswood. Ave. Suite 121 Chicago, IL 60613 www.potterauctions.com
Phone: 773-472-1442, Email: info@potterauctions.com