Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Houdiniana & Magic Memorabilia

Sat, May 21, 2022 12:00PM EDT
Lot 12

[HOUDINI FAMILY] Houdini Family Correspondence and Ephemera...

Estimate: $400 - $800

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
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$1,000 $100
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$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
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$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
[HOUDINI FAMILY] Houdini Family Correspondence and Ephemera Archive. Comprised of a large quantity of handwritten postcards, and correspondence between Harry Gross and Ella Schonberger (sister to Hennie White, Houdini?s sister-in-law), ca. 1911 ? 1915, primarily on topical postcards and being the love letters that led to the couple?s engagement and marriage; a two-page TLS from Harry Hardeen, nephew of Houdini, regarding the death of his mother sent to his aunt Hennie; a 1924 holographic letter from Hennie White to her sister Ella describing the Weiss (Houdini) family and including the line, ??the Weiss family in fact they can go to H[ell] for all I care why the dam[n] fools cut me off...? which also discusses what ?rats? the Weiss family boys are, as well as the sickness that would lead to Bill Weiss?s death; an 8 x 10? photograph of Houdini family members gathered at the grave of the great magician in 1954, including Henrietta White, on the anniversary of Houdini?s death; a postcard addressed to Alberta Weiss inviting members of the S.A.M. to the graveside service pictured in the photograph; and a RPPC of a young man, possibly a magician, seated in a chair, from the family archives. 1910s ? 60s. Condition varies, but generally good. An interesting trove of Houdini family information and gossip. Provenance: passed to the current owner by descent from the family of Houdini?s brother, William Weiss.