OKITO (Tobias Bamberg, 1875 – 1963). Important TLS from Okito to Edmund Younger. Dated January 14, 1939 and typed on two 4to sheets, one being an unusual and scarce letterhead bearing his address at “The Pagoda," Okito states, in part, “…although I practically quitted the stage over a year ago, yet I am still very interested re everything magical. I bought a very beautiful home here in Ryswk … and I take it easy. … Re the apparatus I have for sale … they have to be seen to be appreciated. It is just the opposite[e] of other apparatus … mostly impractical badly made junk …. Might you, I am not a magic dealer, [I] just happen to have these articles on hand, as there is only one of each made…." He goes on to describe his own show, which he “might dispose of," describing the stage settings, trunks, and that his props “should never come in the hands of a magical dealer, therefore I am very careful to sell it only to the Professional, who will guard it against copying. It is too good for the amateur…." With more revealing and opinionated content. A few soiled spots and chips; very good. SIGNED in ink, “Okito."
Okito and his family were forced to flee Holland when Germany invaded in 1940. Instead of “taking it easy," Okito lost his home, his savings, and much of his show, returning to the road and performing as Okito yet again.