This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/17/2019
Nelson’s Secret Invention Correspondence and Instructions. 1947/50. Including a lengthy TLS from Robert Nelson to the purchaser of the “first ultra short wave ultra short wave sending and receiving device for mind reading purposes”; a lengthy and informative TLS from Bill Dodson to the purchaser of the device regarding its make-up, components, and method of operation; a warranty certificate for the device signed by Nelson; and an extensive printed instruction booklet (over 20 pp., including supplemental instructions) for the apparatus. Nelson’s invention reportedly took ten years to develop. It offered mind readers a secret, silent way for two performers to communicate with each other. The device was revolutionary for two-way mind reading acts, taking advantage of the most up-to-date technology of the era, generally unavailable to the public. As such, it was offered for sale by application only, at an undisclosed (and very high) price. The outfits were constructed for Nelson by Dodson – who was something of a legend when it came to construction electronic devices for magicians and crooked gamblers alike.