1907 Government Mailbag Challenge - Harry Houdini

One hundred years ago 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 showcase any collection!

The mailbag consists of a bag made from sail canvas which is #8 or a very heavy 18 ounces per square foot!  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. Today you are fortunate for the working lock and key come with this mailbag.

Included is 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!

Please ask all questions prior to buying. Though this mailbag is masterfully constructed, all sales are final.

The mailbag is approximately 48 inches long, 27 inches wide. 5 inches deep at top and 10" deep at bottom. This allows an adult to sit knees to chest while it is closed.

NOTE: PLEASE ALLOW 2 WEEKS DELIVERY TIME ON THIS ITEM.