Auction Date:2011 Nov 09 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Scarce and unusual vintage glossy 4.25 x 2.75 photo of Houdini in a French Voisin biplane, signed in fountain pen, “Harry Houdini, The first flier in Australia, March 10/1910.” In very good condition, with trimmed bottom edge, and surface dimpling due to mounting remnants on the reverse. The signature remains extraordinarily bold.
While Houdini boasted he was the "first flier in Australia," other contenders jockeyed for air position in the rush to be the first in powered flight. Between December 1909 and March 1910, three other aviators attempted flights prior to Houdini that were either not witnessed or ended in crashes.
With his contenders down for the count, Houdini taxied down the runway to test the controls in March. He opened the throttle and the Voisin lifted into the air for a full minute before it landed safely. He made another two flights the same day and on March 21 the airplane cruised for seven minutes. Unlike his predecessors, many people witnessed the flights, although the actual day remained in question. Houdini claimed the date as March 10, but historical research officially stated March 18. Whatever the date, newsmen, flight enthusiasts, Houdini fans, and Australian Aerial League representatives agreed that he was the "first flyer." With a certified stamp of approval, Houdini rightfully claimed his unusual place in Australian aviation history.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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