$400
Gysel, Robert. Large archive of documents from Gysel regarding lock picking, Houdini, etc. This archive contains many letters to, from, and about Gysel, who was embroiled in an acrimonious dispute with the I.B.M. One TLS from W.W. Durbin to Al Saal states: "This fellow Gysel has broke loose again … I don't pay any attention to it but looks as though he has got on a rampage again ... ." Other items include Gysel's manuscript for Opening Padlocks by Manipulation of Hand Picks, various lock picking instructions, many original drawings, letters on his letterhead, postal covers, references to Houdini, etc. 1910s-1940s. Good condition. Should be seen. All significant biographies of Houdini mention his contemporary Robert Gysel, who was also interested in escapes, mediums, and ultimately, once reformed, busting fraudulent spiritualists. It is said that Gysel's inside knowledge as a former fraudulent medium himself was invaluable to Houdini in his crusade to expose them.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2009-04-26