Houdini’s Impact on the Film Industry and Stamp Collecting

Harry Houdini was also a pioneer in the film industry. Within the frame of the stamp collecting sheet, it shows a scene from a film performance as he breaks free, while a padlock can be seen in the stamp. A special feature that will excite stamp collectors within the souvenir sheet is that the stamp itself can be peeled back and, after folding back the flap, a half-length portrait of Harry Houdini appears in the space below the stamp. Another special feature of the souvenir stamp collector sheet is that the half-length portrait of Harry Houdini appears in the padlock on the stamp under UV light, while the padlock appears in the half-length portrait of Harry Houdini after the stamp has been opened.

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Harry Houdini's Early Life

It is no surprise to stamp collectors that Harry Houdini, is the greatest escape artist of all time. He was born in Budapest on 24 March 1874. Born Erik Weisz, the family moved to the United States in 1878. As a child, the magic tricks of a traveling magician, Dr Lynn, captivated him to such an extent that he developed a deep interest In conjuring.

At the age of 12, Erik ran away from home in the hope of finding a better life and a well-paid job. Erik, who changed his name first to Ehrich and then to Harry, eventually found work in New York. At around this time, he read his first book on magic, the autobiography of Jean Eugne Robert-Houdin (1805 71), who is considered the father of modern conjuring. To express his admiration for his great predecessor, Harry added an  I  to Houdin s name, and from then on, he and his performing partner Jacob Hyman became known as the  Houdini Brothers .

Hyman was later replaced by Houdini s real brother  Dash   (Theodore, who was born Dezso Ferenc Weisz). From the early 1900s, Houdini s success on stage and in his performances made him the most celebrated man of the age, his name becoming a metaphor for escape and mystery. Although he died in Detroit on 31 October 1926, his name is still known worldwide.

Stamp collectors should be aware that the House of Houdini in Budapest's Castle District is a tribute to Harry Houdini. Its aim is to preserve the memory and art of the artist and illusionist and to present noteworthy memorabilia.

Discover More Stamp Stories

If you're an avid Stamp collector you can learn more about stamp stories from around the world in Stamp Stories, Volume One. Which includes some amazing stories such as China's 'Cultural Revolution' 1968, The French Foreign Legion and JFK's last Christmas at the White House.

Stamp collectors can keep their collection safe in a stamp album. Each stamp booklet is covered with a plastic protective shell to prevent dust and moisture.