HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Houdini TLS Regarding his Partners and Imitators. Dated March 10, 1903, Houdini writes to "Kollins" from Köln, regarding the Hayman brothers, Jacob and Joe, who were early partners of Houdini's in The Brothers Houdini magic and escape act.

Houdini writes, in part, about the misappropriation of his stage name by Jacob Hayman: "Yes, it is a dirty trick for Jacob to take the name of Houdini, and after he himself changed it ... so that no one should think that he was the Houdini that was playing Dime Museums. ... Perhaps some day Jacob will be sorry that he acted in this manner. 

He goes on about Joseph Hayman: "Regarding Joe, I never had anything to say against him ... but now I don't know what to think or say. Joe [was] a kid when I joined [Jacob], so I not know him as a man ...

"...it hurts me to think that I can't trust Jake, for he could have had almost anything from me, and here he goes and drags my faith in him in the mire."

Typed on and filling one trimmed 4to sheet, and BOLDLY SIGNED IN INK, "Harry Houdini." 

Despite these problems and the fact that Jacob Hyman was trading on the Houdini name when this letter was written (Hayman was performing in America using the name J.H. Houdini, while the real performer was in Europe), the two men eventually settled their differences. Later in 1903, Hayman sold his apparatus and the name back to his old friend, and the two resumed their friendship.

Hyman went on to a career as a successful surgeon, while his brother Joe remained in show business, eventually recording the first million-selling comedy album, Cohen on the Telephone. 

Splitting at old folds, old tape repairs to verso.