This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
Offered here is a superbly signed 5.5" x 6.5" January 6th, 1918 letter by Harry Houdini. Houdini would first performed the "Vanishing Elephant mystery" on the day after he wrote this letter, January 7th, at the New York Hippodrome. Jenny, a 10,000-pound elephant, was paraded around a huge, brightly painted wooden cabinet. Houdini then announced that Jenny would vanish, walked her into the cabinet, and when the curtains opened, the elephant was gone. This was done to upscale a similar act using a donkey that Houdini thought left the audience uninspired. Reads in full: "Sorry I have not been able to see you, thought you might have called up and 'visited' us. Been working all day and night on my new Vanishing Elephant mystery and think I have a world beater. Open Monday matinee. Call and see me at the Hip. Stage door man will tell you where I am. Generally am in front of Theatre." In fine condition, with some light edge creasing, horizontal/vertical folds & minor surface impressions. Authenticated by Beckett/BAS with a full letter of authenticity.