Wonderful ALS signed “Beatrice Houdini,” one page, 5.25 x 8.5, personal letterhead, December 3, [190]1. Letter to Mr. Funke, in part: “I have retired to my little place in Rye, New York—although I still keep my New York house open. I am so glad you enjoyed the Houdini book—my lawyer is writing one on Houdini’s tricks. I will see that you will receive a copy soon as published.” Double-matted with a thank you card, a sheet featuring head-and-shoulder images of Houdini and Beatrice, and a handsome pearl-finish photo of Houdini adjacent to the letter and framed to an overall size of 19.75 x 21.25; a window on the reverse allows for viewing the back of the Houdini photo, with a note in another hand reading, “Last photo Houdini posed for, taken 1926.” In fine condition. Succumbing to peritonitis and a ruptured appendix, Houdini tragically died on Halloween in 1926; the result of having been surprised by a flurry of punches to the abdomen by an overzealous college student who wished to test Houdini’s declaration that he could absorb numerous blows to the stomach. This is certainly one of his last studio portraits—if not his very last—printed during the era, enhancing an already excellent letter from the wife of the world’s most famous magician. The James Collings Collection. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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