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(HOUDINI, HARRY.) Hand-fashioned metal key for Bean Giant Handcuffs, used by Houdini for the famous Bean Handcuff escape, 7 inches in length, with a

(HOUDINI, HARRY.) Hand-fashioned metal key for Bean Giant Handcuffs, used by Houdini for the famous Bean Handcuff escape, 7 inches in length, with a metal extension soldered to the key. Np, first quarter 20th century

  • Notes: The "Bean Handcuffs" were a giant set of cuffs invented by the American Captain Ed Bean. The manacles were made large so that an escape artist couldn't reach the lock with a hidden key. Houdini built an extension onto the key so that he could reach the lock. He won $500 for his efforts. The story is detailed in Milbourne Christopher's Houdini: The Untold Story (1969). The key is accompanied by a Typed Note of Authenticity Signed by Larry Weeks, stating that he obtained the item from Maude Collins, widow of Houdini's assistant Jim Collins.

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October 30, 2003 12:00 AM EST
New York, NY, US

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