$250
Ducrot, Frank (T. Francis Fritz). Two-page TLS to W.R. "Russ" Walsh with exceptional personal content regarding Harry Houdini. On Ducrot's stationery, dated December 10, 1926. Ducrot writes, in part, "In Harry Houdini I have lost a real pal – close to me as any member of my immediate family. …I knew him for over thirty-five years, and our acquaintance started before he ever adopted the name of Houdini – it then was Prof. Erie. …I [hope] that I may live long enough to do at least 10% of the good deeds and work that I personally know he did…It was his intention to make this his last theatrical tour and enter Columbia College next year – to take up English. The remainder of his life was to be devoted to writing books." Tears at folds and in margins, with two large pieces missing from the lower right corner of each page, affecting only two words of text. Ducrot came to own Martinka & Co., which, at one time, had been owned in part by Houdini. The letter's contents also include a discussion regarding Houdini mementoes on display in Ducrot's shop, and the intimate friendship the two men had ("…he would telephone me at least four times each week…").
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2009-04-26
