Incredible unsigned handwritten letter by Harry Houdini, one page, 10.5 x 16, The Houdinis—Metamorphosis letterhead, dated at Chicago, 1897. Handwritten letter to "Mr. Hixson," penned on the reverse of an extraordinary broadside advertising the Houdinis' famous "Metamorphosis" act. In part: "We were with Rogers Orpheum Stars on percentage & after working 7 weeks received only our board, laundry & stamp money out of our share & we were getting as we thought a good thing at first. So we are a little backward in accepting your offer unless you guarantee us a certain amount of money & our board every week. I will let you say the figures. Our work is far superior to Gimbal's, and although I am his junior, I would willingly follow his act with any magic act. His second sight act is very good but not the best in the world. And that is what our cabinet act is, it is never seen its equal & if you want me to work hand cuff why I will do so—can easily run 60-75 minutes." The remarkable letterhead boasts images of Harry Houdini and his wife and stage assistant, Bess, enthusiastically billing them as "The Master Monarchs of Modern Mysteries." The broadside on the opposite side boasts a large illustration of the "Metamorphosis" act, with testimonials from theatre managers printed below. In very good condition, with light creasing, old tape stains, and short splits to the ends of the intersecting folds.
The "Metamorphosis" act illustrated here shows Houdini being put into a bag and locked in a chest by his assistant; the two then miraculously switch places in a moment of 'metamorphosis.' Harry and Bess Houdini performed the "Metamorphosis" as their feature effect from 1894 to 1905, with revivals in 1914 and 1925-26. Considered to be a classic magic trick, the illusion continues to be performed and innovated upon to this day.
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