$4,200
Letters between Thurston and Houdini on Houdini’s Silk Trick. October, 1920. Comprising three sheets, and including two typed letters signed by Howard Thurston, with a typed letter from Houdini in response, likely signed secretarially. Two of the letters formerly hinged together and damaged at corner from separation, with chips at edges; third letter, on Thurston’s decorative pictorial letterhead, punctured at top center from staple removal. Oct. 5, 1920: Thurston TLS acknowledges receipt of a letter that morning from Houdini, discusses his latest show and picture, and proposes buying the Silk Trick, “either the apparatus complete including the silk or just the drawings of the mechanical part.” Oct 8, 1920: Houdini, emphasizing the trick is his original invention, questions Thurston’s professionalism, writing that he “cannot possibly be serious regarding ‘making other arrangements for my trick’,” offers the silk production for $1000 while retaining rights to perform it any time in the future. Oct. 13, 1920: Thurston TLS assures Houdini he has no intention of doing the trick without permission, and declines the $1000 offer.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2015-04-04
