38 / 230
52
●
HINDENBURG, PAUL VON. Brief Typed Letter Signed, “von Hindenburg,” to
“Very Esteemed Mr. van Setten,” in German, thanking him for his renewed attention. 1
page, oblong 8vo, “Der Reichspräsident” stationery; remnants of prior mounting at edges
verso, vertical fold touching signature (with minor loss), large signature.
Berlin, 21 April 1926
[300/400]
WITH
—
6 pairs of “Deutsches Reich” stamps in 3, 5, 6, 8, 12, or 25 pfennig denominations,
each bearing the profile of von Hindenburg; uncancelled, mounted to larger sheet.
HOUDINI PERFORMS FORTHE ROOSEVELT FAMILY
53
●
HOUDINI, HARRY. Group of 3 Typed Letters Signed, “Houdini,” to magician
Leslie Guest. The first, written in the blank lower portion of his partly-printed telegram
form, explaining that he would forward his items to NY for inclusion in next issue of
M.U.M. [magazine published by the Society of American Magicians].The second, request-
ing that he be put in touch with people who have Roosevelt negatives and offering to
teach him a trick.The third, explaining how an ordinary trick in Houdini’s hands becomes
extraordinary. Together 3 pages, oblong 8vo or 4to, the 1925 letter on “Society of
American Magicians” stationery; moderate even toning to 1923 letter.
NewYork, 1923-25
[700/1,000]
13 April 1925: “That party never called on me regarding the Roosevelt negatives. . . . I have
changed my mine about that special trick of mind and was waiting at the theatre to show it to
you, so that you could teach it to Judah. Next time you come around, will teach you the trick.
It is one of my favorites, but nevertheless as it requires a little practise, you are certainly wel-
come to it.”
16 December 1925: “. . .You see a trick when performed by an ordinary magician is not the
same in my hands. I weave an air of romance and mystery about it and it appears in a differ-
ent light, for example my card star trick, silk trick, fish bowl stack, and even Palagenesia, so
when I get hold of the effect I will see what I can do with it. Remember I try out lots of tricks
and throw them away.”
On February 20, 1925, Houdini performed a private show at the home of Mrs. H.A.
Alexander; in attendance were a group of the grandchildren of the late President Theodore
Roosevelt, his widow Edith, and Mrs. Kermit Roosevelt.The “Roosevelt negatives” presum-
ably refers to photographs taken on the day of the show.
54
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(JUDAICA.) BAECK, LEO. Autograph Letter Signed, twice (“L. Baeck” and “Leo
Israel Baeck”), on a postcard, to Helmut Bradt, in German, expressing congratulations for
his having been awarded a prize, stating that he respects Bradt’s mother and her exemplary
behavior, and wondering whether he received his letter about a hospital in Schwyz. 1
1
/
2
pages, 12mo, written on the recto and verso; minor scattered creases, even toning.
Berlin, 18 November 1942
[350/500]
“
. . .Your mother visited me yesterday, and I had her tell me everything else too. I have great
respect for your mother. She tends to her work like any needlewoman and keeps her mind on
the good and beautiful, thus maintaining a happy disposition. She is a model for many.
“
In the summer I wrote to you at the hospital in Schwyz, but it appears that these lines never
reached you there.”
WITH
—
a postcard from Philipp Manes to Helmut Bradt, in German. Berlin, 27 April 1942.
55
●
(JUDAICA.) BIALIK, HAYYIM NAHMAN. Photograph Signed and Inscribed, in
Hebrew, bust portrait by Eva Riefenberg, showing him looking into the camera. Inscribed
on the mount, below the image. Additionally signed by the photographer, on the mount,
lower right. 8
3
/
4
x6 inches (image), 17x12 inches overall; some mirroring in dark areas,
mounted to a larger sheet, short closed tear at left edge of mount, some wear to all edges
of mount.
Np?, 3 March 1933
[350/500]