The Magic Collection of Jim Rawlins

Heller, Robert (William Henry Palmer). Robert Heller’s Top Hat and Leather Carrying Case. New York: Knox, ca. 1870. Fine black fur hat owned and worn by the great English/American pianist and magician, housed in its original silk-lined leather carrying case. The crown bears the marks of DHS Steinmetz & Son, hatters of Washington D.C., where Heller lived out his final years. The lid of the case bears a well-worn inspection label of the U.S. Customs House. Case lacking strap and significantly worn, hat brim with a few scattered spots of wear, but overall, very good condition. Accompanied by extensive signed documentation from descendants of Heller tracing ownership of the hat through the family. A truly significant artifact from the career of one of magic’s great Victorian practitioners. Heller (1829 – 1878) was one of the truly great – and famous – magicians of the mid-nineteenth century. He idolized and emulated the shows of Robert-Houdin, but found real successes after giving up a poor imitation of the Frenchman. With a show that was part conjuring performance and part piano recital, he rocketed to fame on both sides of the Atlantic. Heller’s theatrical successes allowed him to retire comfortably to Washington, D.C. where he taught piano lessons until his death.