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Rare HARRY HOUDINI Signed Stock Certificate for the Houdini Picture Corporation

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Rare HARRY HOUDINI Signed Stock Certificate for the Houdini Picture Corporation
Autographs
Rare “Harry Houdini” Signed Stock Certificate for the “Houdini Picture Corporation”
HARRY HOUDINI (1874-1926). Legendary American Stage Magician and Escape Artist, (true name: Ehrich Weiss).
October 26, 1922-Dated, Document Signed, “Harry Houdini” as president, 1 page, measuring 11.75” x 8.25”, New York, Choice Crisp Extremely Fine. This is an original printed Stock Certificate for Five Shares with a face value of $10 each, in the “Houdini Picture Corporation” as issued to Josephine K. Doelker, Certificate number 2118. The Houdini Picture Corp. produced just 2 films before it folded in 1923.

This is an extremely rare and popular “Harry Houdini” Signed Stock Certificate printed is deep black and brown, having a sharp, clear deeply embossed “Houdini Picture Corporation” Seal impression at the lower left. It is trifolded for storage and has an early Transfer Agent sticker for this specific form, stating in light blue print “HOUDINI PICTURE CORP” on the reverse. This Certificate is significantly nicer in quality than the last example we offered in our EAHA Auction of February 11, 1006, Lot 54, graded Choice Very Fine, selling for $4,130 half a decade ago. Since that sale, these rare “Harry Houdini” Signed Stock Certificates for the “Houdini Picture Corporation” have increased in collector popularity. An excellent specimen for display.
The Houdini Picture Corporation was formed by Harry Houdini in 1920. He directed and produced only two movies: the first, “The Man from Beyond”, was successful; the second, “Haldane of the Secret Service”, proved a dismal failure. At that point, Houdini abruptly ended his film career. The Houdini Picture Corporation went out of business less than 6 years after its creation.

Known as the greatest stage magician of his and perhaps any era, he invented or perfected many of the illusions that still thrill audiences today. Houdini was killed at age 51 when a fan punched him, simply to test his claim that he could handle any blow, and inadvertently ruptured his infected appendix.