HOUDINI THE AUTOGRAPH COLLECTOR

HE ORDERS AN ALS AND PORTRAITS OF LOLA MONTEZ — WRITING ON HIS OWN PORTRAIT IMPRINTED LETTERGRAM STATIONERY  

HOUDINI, HARRY (1874-1926). Illusionist and stunt performer. Choice Typed Letter Signed “Houdini”, on his uncommon yellow Lettergram, [his own personalized version of a telegram with two images of himself in top upper corners]. One page, oblong octavo. October 3, 1923. The introductory text is pre-printed, excusing the incivility of the rushed response, and directly underneath from Houdini’s typewriter are the dates he will be performing in late September and October of that year. The printed text reads:

“Please pardon any incivility in this letter. It has been rushed to you under stress of business and written in the dressing room. Therefore all formalities like Dear Sir, Dear Madame. etc. have been omitted, not to be curt or brusque; but that it is deemed better to let you hear from me in a lettergram of a few words than not at all, Cordially yours, HOUDINI”.

With the recipient blacked out, the typed letter portion reads:

“Will you please send on that fine ALS of Lola Montez with about 6 fine portraits, at $7.50. Regards, Sincerely, yours, Houdini.”

Houdini has underlined “Fine ALS” and a notation in pen alongside Houdini’s autograph notes “Paid, 10/24.” Lola Montez was the stage name of Eliza Rosanna Gilbert, Countess of Landsfeld (1821–1861), was a dancer and actress who became famous as a courtesan and mistress of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, who made her Countess of Landsfeld. She came to America in 1848 at the start of the March Revolution, where she continued as an entertainer and lecturer.

 

$5000.00