W3501s

Harry Houdini

Escape Artist, Illusionist, and Stunt Performer

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

Harry Houdini

This stamp honors a renowned and truly gifted magician and probably the greatest escape artist the world has ever seen. "Houdini always emphasized that he had no occult powers and that all of his tricks were done by natural means. His motto was "My brain is the key that sets me free. "

He was raised in Appleton, Wisconsin (real name Ehrich Weiss) by very poor parents and left home at the age of 12 to ease the financial burden on the family. Happily, they eventually moved to New York City where Harry rejoined them — working as a photographer, messenger, garment cutter, and locksmith. He began his career as a stage magician — "Erik the Great" but soon changed his name to Houdini in honor of a famous magician he idolized — Robert Houdin.

At first he did card tricks and sleight-of-hand, but soon, drawing from his locksmith experience, he began to escape from handcuffs and other restraints in his act. The crowds loved it. He progressed from handcuffs and leg irons to straightjackets, jail cells, mail pouches, milk cans, and coffins. He invented the "escape challenge" in which he would challenge local police or prison officials to bind and restrain him in any manner they chose. He always escaped. His most famous escape was the Chinese water torture chamber. Harry was chained and suspended upside down inside a padlocked water-filled glass chamber. He always successfully freed himself. The marvelous magician once jumped off a bridge into San Francisco Bay while handcuffed with a 75-pound ball and chain shackled to his anldes. Another time he was locked in a lead coffin under water for 90 minutes. He escaped from both encounters!

My hand painted cachet shows several glimpses of the great Houdini: • Tied to the wing of an aircraft About to be locked in a large, milk can-like chamber • Relaxing in a pensive pose — no doubt contemplating some new feat • On a performance ticket for the Orpheurn, which was the premier American vaudeville circuit at the turn of the century. The hand painted text, which spells his name, proclaims in its hold presentation the greatness of this unique and gifted man.

Today the name Houdini is synonymous with the terms "magician" and "escape artist." Don't wait too long before you order this interesting Collins FDC. With Harry Houdini so prominent in the cachet, I'm sure it will soon "disappear" from my stock. Collins #W3501 - $12.25.