This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/17/2019
Downs, T. Nelson. T. Nelson Downs ALS to Paul Rosini. Dated October 18, 1926, the “King of Koins” writes to the soon-to-be-famous close-up magician, Rosini, with little news, but mentions Rosini’s “new venture,” perhaps an allusion to the transition the Italian magician made from mind reader to close-up performer. On uncommon Downs letterhead, splitting at old mailing folds. Rosini (Paul Vucic, 1902 - 1948) emigrated to Chicago in 1912 from his native Italy. There he was introduced to magic at Roterberg’s shop, and later he learned the complex Zancig two-person code act, working as the medium after the death of the first Mrs. Zancig. It was his eventual transition to dapper nightclub performer – around the time this letter from Downs was written - that made his fortune and name.