$4,200
Kellar, Harry (Heinrich Keller). Important six-page ALS from Kellar to Houdini. Incredible holographic correspondence written by the Dean of American magicians to the art’s greatest exponent. Kellar writes on many subjects, including Houdini’s burgeoning film career (“Hope for your sake your pictures will prove a big success…”), Harry Blackstone (“my friend”), and then reproduces, in his own handwriting, the complete text of a playbill of the magician Herr Alexander advertising his appearance at the Boston Melodion in December 1849 and January 1850. Kellar both writes the text of the bill out in longhand, and illustrates it, crudely, with a drawing of the magician. Individual tricks are described in flowery, magnificent detail. Kellar even includes the cost of tickets (25 cents and 12 ½ cents for children) and the name of the printer of the bill (J.H. & F.F. Farwell’s). He concludes by writing, “I think this is the Alexander who preceded Fay & Me on our South American Tour. The people in South America thought him the greatest they had ever seen (he had some show for his day – nearly 72 years ago.” On two 8vo sheets of Kellar’s lithographed letterhead printed by the Strobridge Litho Co., folded. An outstanding and never-again-to-be-seen document.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2012-10-27
