HOUDINI HARRY: (1874-1926) Hungarian-American magician, escape artist, illusionist and stunt performer. A.Q.S., Harry Houdini, on a small 8vo page removed from an autograph album, n.p., 31st December 1904. In dark fountain pen ink Houdini has penned his familiar sentiment, 'Love Laughs at Locksmiths, So does Harry Houdini', adding the date in his hand beneath his signature. Some light staining and minor age wear, G The present autograph dates from the same year in which Houdini was challenged by the Daily Mirror newspaper in London to escape from their especially commissioned handcuffs which had apparently taken five years to make. The much-hyped event took place on 17th March 1904 and, after just over an hour, Houdini emerged free and declared that it had been one of the most difficult escapes of his career.