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Lot #680
Harry Houdini Typed Letter Signed on Spiritualism

"The Spiritualists have made some huge collections to try and stave off conviction of the man I caught"

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Estimate: $3500+
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Description

"The Spiritualists have made some huge collections to try and stave off conviction of the man I caught"

TLS signed “Houdini,” one page, 8.5 x 10.75, Keiths Theatre letterhead, March 19, 1925. Letter to English stage magician Will Goldston, in full: “Have instructed my secretary to send the Birdcage Photograph on to you. I have neglected to do this before I left New York. Enclosed is copy of clipping which will no doubt interest you. The Spiritualists have made some huge collections to try and stave off conviction of the man I caught.” Houdini adds the surname salutation in his own hand, as well as the postscript: “New scty, over look formality of letter, Hope alls well." In very good to fine condition, with light creasing and toning, a few small stains, and trivial loss to the left edge. Houdini dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to debunking the claims of spiritualists, psychics, and mediums by exposing their fraudulent methods. Houdini published his own book on the subject, A Magician Among the Spirits, in 1924. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, as well as the referenced clipping, which lists both Goldston and Houdini; the text under Goldston reads: "Teacher-Writer-Confidante-Circus Elephants-Manure-Humiliation"; and the text below Houdini reads: "Worlds greatest showman-poor magic young man-St Pauls 200M.-Luggage-railway-Collection-Proved Value Publicity / Austria-Prison Cell-Unlocked / Berlin-Frozen River-Hole-1/2 Min-Strong Current I 3/4 Min-Never forgot / Death-Punch-Police-Exposing Spirit / Conan Doyle-Friend-Sup Nat Powers / After Death-Communication-No Result Code."

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Presidents
  • Dates: #658 - Ended February 08, 2023





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