This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/8/2023
[DAVENPORT BROTHERS] HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 – 1926). Two Important TLSs from Harry Houdini to Ira Davenport. Houdini’s retained copies bearing notes in his hand dated December 12, 1908 (three legal size pages) and October 8, 1909 (two legal size pages). Houdini writes from England to one half of the famous Davenport Brothers, delving into great detail about his career highs (frequently in a boastful tone, “we have come out with flying colors,” “I have NEVER had anyone defeat me…”, etc.), his tours in Germany and Australia, the challenges he has faced (including one presented to him by German magic dealer Carl Willmann), and the other entertainers whose paths he has crossed, including J.N. Maskelyne. Houdini writes at times in a flattering manner: “ The great escape artists also alludes to a book he is writing which never saw print, titled “Modern Men of Mystery,” (which may have eventually been shaped in to Miracle Mongers and Their Methods), as well as an updated British edition of his Unmasking of Robert-Houdin, updated as he says, to “…mention I have heard from you, and have added and interesting paragraph regarding [Ira Davenport].” Other performers, living and deceased, mentioned by Houdini include John Henry Anderson, about whom he relates a story, as well as Ernest Basch and Pinetti. The earlier letter SIGNED by Houdini in ink and with his manuscript notations at the top of each page; and the second document INITIALED and noted in Houdini’s hand in ink. Sold together with four vintage photographs of a missive written to Houdini by Ira Davenport on January 19, 1909 that covers a range of topics from Davenport’s former career, including lengthy descriptions of incidents from the brothers’ tours. Also included is a printed photograph of the two men seated together, likely extracted from Houdini’s book, A Magician Among the Spirits. An important set of documents linking two significant figures in American mystery entertainment and the spiritualist and anti-spiritualist movements of the early twentieth century. PSA/DNA COA.