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(No lock is not included in this auction).

 

One hundred years ago this year Harry Houdini faced a High Security Registered Mailbag and a patent Rotary Government Mail Lock in what was known as the Government Mailbag Challenge.  Only drawings of the mailbag and brief descriptions of the secretive lock were all that survived - until now!

 

These drawings and descriptions gave up their secrets and the result is this historically accurate 1907 Challenge Mailbag and authentic patent Rotary Government Mail Lock!  Together these two items recreate an image long gone and they will show case any collection!

 

The mailbag consists of a bag made from sail canvas which is #8 or a very heavy 18 ounces per square yard!  The top of the mailbag consists of several square feet of leather forming a top flap that laces onto a set of hardware loops and is sandwiched between two other pieces of leather.  A leather strap runs through the hardware meeting a second strap on a hasp.  The patent Rotary Government Mail Lock is then applied to secure the mailbag.

 

Harry Houdini faced this high security mailbag in the challenge and was successful in his attempt to escape.  Had he failed,  it would have been necessary to take Houdini and the mailbag to the Post Office to be unlocked.

 

Details on this historical and notorious lock have been slim but now, since it is becoming obsolete, this lock is available for those who are fortunate enough to find one.

 

This auction includes the historical 1907 Challenge Mailbag replica  and the book, Houdini's Mailbags so that you can learn even more about this mailbag and the other three mailbags associated with Harry Houdini!

 

The mailbag is 47" long, 27" wide. 5 inches deep at top and 10" deep at bottom.  This allows an adult to sit knees to chest while it is closed.

 

Please note: This mailbag is difficult to close due to the front flap.  This is probably why it was discontinued and replaced by the version without the front flap.  

1907 Mailbag Replica

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