$4,600
Houdini, Harry. Group of Three Telegrams from Houdini’s Manager, Martin Beck, and Richard Pitrot, Annotated by Houdini. Chicago, 1900. Three telegrams, handwritten; two from Beck and one from Pitrot, dated between May 1 – 29, 1900. Pitrot, on two forms, cables the terms of a contract he has received from a representative in Berlin for Houdini to perform in Berlin, London, and Paris, further advising him not to make arrangements with other managers in Europe. Laid down on paper annotated by Houdini: “Pitrot sent the following telegram, day before we sailed, but he was a Dam Liar, did this to get commission/HH.” 8 x 11 ”. The first Beck telegram advises Houdini to “accept Richmond at same salary nothing less,” mounted and annotated by Houdini, “Made a sensational Hit. I. Wells wanted to retain me another week at a $50.00 cut but Beck would not permit this so I staid at same salary./HH.” 8 x 8 ”. The second Beck telegram reads, “Hartig’s roast is a boost for you,” mounted and annotated by Houdini, “Hartig + Seeman booked me one week $250.00 and after first show, said I was overpaid – But after I started in to work up my act they apologized. Beck wired the above to me in answer to their wire to cut my salary. HH.” 8 x 8 ”.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2016-04-09
