Select Secrets: Rare & Important Magicana

Hartz, Joseph Michael. Two-Page Hartz ALS on Pictorial Letterhead. Dated Nov. 1, 1879, Hartz writes in great detail about forthcoming performances in America, describing aspects of his gift show, and explaining his strategies for selling tickets, as well as listing for his correspondent – presumably an agent – his box office takes at recent shows. On two pages of Hartz’s printed 8vo letterhead bearing a fine lithographed bust portrait of the magician in the upper left. Signed “Hartz” and listing his address as Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Near fine. Rare. Hartz, a well-known American magician and owner of what may have been the first magic shop in America, was a seasoned performer and savvy businessman, as this letter makes clear. Describing business in Manchester [New Hampshire], Hartz explains how other entertainers, including the great actor Joseph Jefferson, sold tickets at the same opera house, and how his tactic of lowering ticket prices brought in over $200 at each performance.