This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/8/2023
Roterberg, August (1867 – 1928). Early ALS to Houdini Regarding Handcuffs and Other Matters. Dated November 21, 1897 and written on Roterberg’s printed letterhead from his Chicago-based magic emporium, the magic dealer writes to the then-young Houdini, stating, in full: “Friend Houdini, Never mind about shackles because if I sell any at all it will be the improved Bean Shackle. If you can get an ad from a card firm for no less than $25.00 per full page, I will give you 5 books for it. It wouldn’t do for me to write to them on any books you sell, of course, you get a discount. Don’t mention the slight notice I gave you, I was glad to do so, as you deserve praise for your work and admirable perseverance. Hastily, your sincere friend, A Roterberg.” One 8vo leaf, tattered around the edges affecting some text, with tissue reinforcements to tears; attached to another contemporary blank page, the latter with inked notations in an unknown hand. An early and fascinating piece of correspondence related to Houdini’s early specialization as an escape artist, from a fellow magician and friend. Penned years prior to Houdini’s rise to fame, Roterberg, one of the most prominent dealers in magical apparatus of the era, is here alluding to his book New Era Card Tricks. Though the missive discusses shackles – a regular feature in Houdini’s shows at the time – escapes were not yet his main focus. Roterberg and Houdini would remain friendly until Houdini’s death in 1926.