The Double-Fold Death Defying Mystery

[houdinisghost]

This man Collins, who rescued this, among the finest examples of Jimmy Collins' genius, is a completely honest and innocent man. The name is coincidental. I know why he has delivered it in such beautiful shape. He performed with it. It stayed young for him. It was a matter of love I think. You know how an empty house dies. Or how a prop in a barn or in the back yard can die. Oh yeah, and when Rev. Collins performed with the D-F-D-D-Mystery box, there was no water involved.
Look at how he has cared for this prop. I wonder if the box traveled in the Airstream with his family?
This escape was my Maltese Falcon. It's 10 years since Jon Oliver told me the guy who owned it was a minister, he lived in Michigan and Jon didn't know his name and couldn't find him despite clocking some miles trying to find him.
I suspected Jon was being evasive.
Now I think he was being straight, it was that Maltese Falcon Box that was being evasive.
I, Caspar Gutman (the fat man) Joel Cairo, Brigid O' Shaughnessy, and Wilmer heard the box had been spotted in Shanghai. We traveled to Shanghai, then on to the South of France and then Glastonberry. Always it escaped us.
This prop is a work of genius. I think it is pure Jimmy Collins work and it is the best example of his woodwork that still exists. The prop looks, as all Houdini's props look, exactly as it should, but, Collins could do fine woodwork as well. The Nest of Boxes he made as a gift for Houdini which in Ken Klosterman's collection is just beautiful.

[Richard Kaufman]

Patrick, what is your guess at the sales price tomorrow?

[houdinisghost]

I don't know who is out there who understands the significance of this prop. James Collins invented it and built it and that's major. The bottom of the box had to be rebuilt for Hardeen (that would also have been done by Jimmy Collins) but the hardware on the bottom of the box appears to have been cannibalized from the box that fit Houdini (which was about 6" shorter). Hardeen had a new Milk Can made to fit the box. The top is entirely original.
I know that there are people who would like very much like to have it. But some are married. The spouse has to be enthusiastic. Some are afraid they'll get well out on a limb and win it for too much money. I would fall into that category.
I would be amazed if the bids aren't past $50,000 at this point. You must understand that this prop is priceless to me.
If there is competition, it would not amaze me if it hit 6 figures.

[Richard Kaufman]

Interesting.

[JohnCox]

SOLD for $55,000.

[Brad Henderson]

was that the highest lot?

[Kevin Connolly]

I'm pretty sure it was.

[Richard Kaufman]

Do we know who bought it?

[JohnCox]

Do we know who bought it?

Don't know yet. Could have been Copperfiled. He was bidding. And, yes, it was the highest lot.

I have a rundown of the auction on my blog:
http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2014/08 ... sults.html

[Brad Henderson]

great post on the auction. thanks for that

[JohnCox]

great post on the auction. thanks for that

My pleasure, Brad. It was an exciting day.