Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Darryl Gundersen on March 16, 2018 at 6:57pm

Thanks for the reply. Yes, this is dated 1908, so his signature certainly could have varied from the 1880's until then.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 16, 2018 at 7:11pm

It looks like you're posting an image in a printed catalog, is that right?

I haven't studied Houdini deeply, but that autograph has strong Houdini characteristics to me, and I compared it to some period exemplars to confirm my opinion. I would be surprised if he didn't sign it.

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Gundersen on March 16, 2018 at 7:43pm

Thanks for taking a look, Steve. It was an ebay listing that I recently won. The listing stated that the book actually belonged to Houdini. I am not too concerned about whether or not he owned it, but I definitely want to make sure that the signature is good. Thanks again for your opinion!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 16, 2018 at 8:30pm

Darryl.

I'm concerned because the image appears to be out of a catalog, not the actual book. Do you have more photos?

Regular PayPal will protect you but it's best to know for sure from the start.

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Gundersen on March 17, 2018 at 3:54pm

The ebay listing (dndgalleries, an antique book dealer, is the seller) did have more pictures of the book. I just took a picture of my computer screen with a closeup of the signature and posted it, which is why it isn't the best picture.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 18, 2018 at 8:26am

Tim,

Please post the Houdini signature you found from the time period. Darryl's looks very likely genuine to me, so I'd like to see if I'm missing something. Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Gundersen on March 18, 2018 at 3:54pm

One thing that I have realized while doing research on Houdini's signature is that they seem to vary quite a bit. Even the two pics posted from 1909 and 1911 vary quite a bit, and they are only 2 years apart. I am not even 100% sure that the autograph that I posted was signed in 1908, assuming that it is authentic. If this was indeed Houdini's personal copy he could have easily added the signature, location and date that he obtained the book at a much later time. That may be a little far fetched, but possible.

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Gundersen on March 18, 2018 at 4:31pm

I tried a PSA Quick Opinion but they would not render an opinion. They said that I would need to send it in which I will probably do. It will cost me around $150 total but if it fails I will be able to get a refund through paypal.

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Gundersen on March 30, 2018 at 4:01pm

Hi again, I just waned to give an update on this Houdini signature. PSA/DNA did pass it, so I am very happy with that. To my surprise though, they failed a Dolores O'Riordan signed Cranberries CD Cover that I purchased from Newbury Comics. Go figure.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 30, 2018 at 4:47pm

Congrats on the Houdini! Nice piece.

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Permalink Reply by a pug called eva on March 30, 2018 at 10:44pm

Hi Darryl, thanks for closing the loop on this one. I thought it looked real but I only have an example that Houdini signed in block capitals in 1900 so I didn't feel qualified to offer an opinion. I wonder why Houdini would have signed or even owned that particular book? Very odd subject! 

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Gundersen on March 31, 2018 at 4:08am

Houdini apparently had a huge library containing thousands of books....definitely an odd subject though.

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