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Lot #861
Harry Kellar

Extraordinary letter to Houdini: “I had Billy Sunday and family at dinner at my house today & showed them the Tea Kettle and other stunts”

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Description

Extraordinary letter to Houdini: “I had Billy Sunday and family at dinner at my house today & showed them the Tea Kettle and other stunts”

Prominent magician (1849–1922) known for his spectacular stage illusions. ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.75 x 7.5, personal letterhead, September 8, 1917. Letter to Harry Houdini. In part: “We had one glorious time last night at the Banquet the local magazines gave me and some of the young fellows are very clever and show great talent…We mentioned you last night and your name was received with great applause. Harry Cooke & Thayer wish to be remembered to you. I had Billy Sunday and family at dinner at my house to day & showed them the Tea Kettle and other stunts…Kind regards to you Mrs. Houdini and all members of your family.” Attractively matted and framed beside an advertisement for Kellar’s show to an overall size of 23 x 14.5, with a window on the reverse so that the letter’s conclusion can be viewed. In fine condition. In addition to a being a piece of correspondence between two of the great illusionists of the era, Kellar mentions his lifelong friend Harry Cooke, who was the president of the Los Angeles Society of Magicians, and Floyd Thayer, founder of the Thayer Magic Company. Billy Sunday was a widely known professional baseball player-turned-evangelist preacher. A superb letter rife with excellent associations. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #443 - Ended December 10, 2014





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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