The Magic Collection of Jim Rawlins

Heller, Robert. Autograph Letter Signed, “Robert Heller,” to Madame Blanchard. Boston: Aug. 2, 1854. Three-page letter in Heller’s hand, on a folded folio sheet of P&S laid paper, signed and underscored “Robert Heller,” the cover initialed by Heller and addressed to Blanchard at the corner of Pleasant and High St. in Boston. Expected folds, old loss to margin at the wax seal. Heller explains his long delay in correspondence by claiming that the representative of a bogus investment firm in Boston has swindled him of “the whole of my earnings,” totaling some $1,100, and that the loss has prevented commencing performances he planned for September, 1854. The “villain,” Heller states, has sailed for England or Europe with his money, “leaving Creditors to make the best of it.” In his “beaten down” state, Heller appeals to Blanchard for a loan, as a last resort in his effort to finish his American tour, having been rejected by other friends and lenders and “shamefully robbed on all sides by the Yankees.”. .405. Heller, Robert. Cabinet Card Portrait of Heller. N.p., ca. 1900s. Sepia-tone bust portrait of the famous conjurer, on standard cabinet-format mount. Image 5 ½ x 3 ¼”. Jagged diagonal crease from top edge of mount through image. Verso with a Martinka ownership/inventory signature. 77_506.600/900