Houdiniana & Magic Memorabilia
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 83
Houdini and Robert Todd Lincoln Correspondence Regarding a Spirit Photograph
Estimate: $250 - $500
Sold for
$4,800
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $30 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
[HOUDINI] [LINCOLN] Two TLSs Regarding a Spirit Photo of Mary Todd Lincoln. Dated February 18 and 20, 1925, F.N. Trowers, secretary to Robert Todd Lincoln, writes to Houdini regarding a spirit photograph of Mary Todd Lincoln, stating, "Receipt is acknowledged ... of the alleged photograph of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln with President Lincoln in "spirit form," at his side. Mr. Lincoln tells me that it is a "passing good" picture of his Mother; but that it is, beyond all doubt, a fraud." This is a reference to the now well-known CDV by Mumler of Boston showing Lincoln's ghost hovering above his wife. Both letters typed on R.T. Lincoln's printed 8vo stationery bearing his address, and accompanied by one original mailing cover. One letter affixed to an album page together with a playing card autographed by Alfred Smith, Governor of New York, and a clipped printed photograph of Robert Todd Lincoln. Album page 12 x 11", with chipping to perimeter, letters in very good condition. Provenance: Collection of Beatrice Houdini, passed to the consignor by descent.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 12.00 in
Width: 11.00 in
Depth: 1.00 in
Weight: 1.00 lbs
Available payment options
If your bid is successful, as an alternative to in-house shipping, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling by us of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items. Packing and shipping expenses shall be added to buyer's invoice and will reflect a charge for labor, materials, insurance, transportation, as well as actual shipper fees.
