TLS signed “H. Houdini,” one page, 8.5 x 10.75, black-bordered stationery, February 14, 1914. Letter to Stanley Collins. In full, “Enclosed you will find 10/6d for Hardeen’s initiation. Received your letter regarding the Magician’s Dinner and thank you heartily for same. I enclose you 2 photographs of your Theatre in Paris. Kindly add them to your collection.” A brief typed postscript reads, “Kindly send receipt direct to Mr. Hardeen.” Houdini has made two handwritten corrections to misspellings of Hardeen’s name which occurred during dictation. Two other typed notes are present, one at the top reading, “This week—The Empire Theatre, Glasgow,” and one at the bottom stating, “Next week:—The Empire Theatre…Leeds.” Some small separations to central horizontal and vertical folds, as well as a bit of trivial foxing, otherwise fine condition.
Following in the footsteps of his famous older brother, Theo Hardeen (known simply as Hardeen), was a highly accomplished magician and escape artist, and founder of the Magician's Guild. ‘The Brothers Houdini’ began developing their skills at an early age, performing their first successful shows together in 1893 at Coney Island. It was there that they met fellow performer Bess Rahner, who, despite being courted by Hardeen, would marry Houdini the following year, replacing his brother in the act, renamed ‘The Houdinis.’ With no hard feelings, the brothers continued their individual magic careers while staying closely connected, with Hardeen performing and improving upon several of his brother’s most famous tricks, including the milk can and straightjacket escapes. Written during one of his busiest touring seasons, with five days of performances at a dozen different theaters between January and June—including the Empire in Glasgow from February 9-14, where he wrote this letter, and the Empire in Leeds from February 16-21—this is an excellent letter to well-known conjurer and treasurer of the Magic Club Stanley Collins, with notable reference to his brother and fellow magician. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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