Potter & Potter Auctions is pleased to announce the results of its early spring Harry Houdini sale. This 345-lot event was held on April 8. At the end of a long day of enthusiastic bidding, the auction realized over $652,000 and had a 98 percent sell-through rate. Prices noted below include the auction houses buyers premiums. Houdinis signature apparatus and everyday household items took the top lot slots in this key sale. Harry Houdini was a stage name. The performer was born Erik Weisz (1874-1926). Houdinis Spirit Cabinet escape sold for $50,400. This prop was outfitted with brass handles and locks. In performance, Houdini was placed atop a four-legged base, and then this series of four open boxes were lowered over him, one at a time, each successive section being locked to the others below it. Once enclosed, four separate metal rods were lowered through holes in the apparatus, further locking them together. After being only briefly concealed, Houdini dematerialized from the device, which when examined by a committee from the audience, was shown to still be solidly fastened together. Houdinis Straitjacket escape made $43,200. This heavy canvas jacket was reinforced with leather across the neck, back, arms, and waist. This remarkable piece of magicana history was accompanied by numerous documents, newspaper articles, and photographs tracing the ownership of the jacket from Houdini to his brother Hardeen, and then to Hardeens assistant, magician Armand Landry. Harry and Beatrice Houdinis personal mirror realized $10,200. This large, round, wooden-framed looking glass was decorated with carved floral ornaments at its apex and around its perimeter. Visually stunning original posters and broadsides promoting Houdini and fellow magicians were also well represented in this sale. Harry Houdini. King of Cards soared to $21,600. It was printed in Chicago ca. 1898. This half-sheet, linen-backed color poster was used by Houdini as a young performer and featured his bust portrait at the center and vignettes depicting his facility with a deck of cards above and below. This is one of the first posters produced to advertise the magician just before he attained fame. The World Famous Houdini / Master Mystifier sold for $11,400. This ca. 1925 three-color card was made to advertise a Chicago venue of Houdinis final U.S. tour. It was only one of two examples known for this appearance and was found in the rafters of a Chicago bungalow. It would become the subject of a segment on the PBS TV series, The History Detectives. The First Performance of the Water Torture Cell scored $10,200. It was printed in Berlin by Plakat-Druckerei Eduard Jackel in 1912. This letterpress broadside heralded an appearance of Houdini on Sept. 21, 1912, (and the following day) at the Circus Busch, presenting for the first time his Water Torture Cell escape. This was the only example of this broadside Potters experts had ever encountered. This sale also featured a number of images of Houdini over the course of his life. A tintype portrait of Houdini as a young man delivered $21,600. This ca. 1891 image was likely taken at Coney Island. He was seated on a bench and wearing a boater, bow tie, and evening clothes. The picture is perhaps the only example extant and is amongst the earliest portraits of Houdini the auction house had ever offered. A transatlantic photo album sold for $14,400. This oblong album held six total 4-by-5-inch mounted silver gelatin print photos of Houdini and his wife aboard the S.S. Imperator on their trip to Europe from America on Aug. 30, 1913. A photo of Houdini and the Iron Maiden traded hands at $3,600. This sepia tone image was taken in Glasgow in 1909. It depicted the full stage of the Coliseum, where on Oct. 22, 1909, Houdini successfully escaped from a massive Iron Maiden torture device, suspended at center stage from a stout wooden scaffold. This sales offering of important ephemeral items related to Houdini and his contemporaries caught the eye of collectors worldwide. An autographed note signed by Thurston the Magician made $7,200. This single pink sheet of autograph paper was written in black ink and dated May, 1928. It read, Never be a magician / Howard Thurston / May/28. A Houdini final tour souvenir program sold for $2,880. It was printed in New York in 1925 and was illustrated with photos and line drawings. Its pictorial wrappers featured a striking photo of the performer. An important signed letter from fellow magician Kellar to Houdini delivered $11,400. It was dated Oct. 15, 1917, and written in anticipation of Kellars appearance in New York at what would be his final appearance on stage. It noted, It would be impossible for me to do anything excepting the rope tie as my hand is still too stiff for work. I might do the Davenport Cabinet for your sake only; for no one else could hire me to again appear in public. I am too old and too long off the stage to my best work. Books and other important Houdiniana brought this thrilling sale full circle. A Magician Among the Spirits turned the page at $18,000. This first edition was published in New York by Harper & Brothers in 1924. This copy was inscribed, signed, and initialed by Houdini to fellow magician Howard Thurston: To / Howard Thurston / Best wishes / Houdini / June 20/1924 and further inscribed: The result of 30 years research is embraced twixt the covers of this book which I believe will be my monument! H. The book was also signed by Houdini on the dedication page. This was among the strongest offerings of Houdini we have brought to market, and an exciting auction. Were already planning the next sale, said Gabe Fajuri, president at Potter & Potter Auctions. For additional information, visit www.potterauctions.com.