ALS signed “Houdini,” one page on his illustrated 8.5 x 6 “Lettergram” letterhead affixed at the corners to a larger sheet, October 21, 1923. Houdini writes to Dr. Prince. In full: “Orpheum K.C. MO., Week Oct. 21—Orpheum Th[eater] Sioux City Ia. Dear Dr. Prince, Have you seen reports of Mrs. Stewart baffling Sc[ientific] Comtee. Were you present?” The recipient, Walter Franklin Prince (1863–1934), was a head of the American Society for Psychical Research. While Prince was somewhat more credulous than Houdini on the subject of spiritualism—the two men often debated the issue in public—both shared a disdain for fraudulent mediums and joined forces in exposing them on a number of occasions, including the celebrated “Margery” case. “Mrs. Stewart” is evidently Josie K. Stewart, one of the would-be psychics who attempted—and naturally failed—to win a $2,500 contest sponsored by Scientific American magazine to produce a “spirit” photograph or a “visible psychic manifestation” under controlled circumstances. In very good condition, with intersecting folds and a few light wrinkles (away from signature), a touch of mild soiling, and a very subtle hint of show-through from glue at corners. The letter is clearly penned and clean overall and displays quite nicely. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
