Philippe (Jacques Noel Talon). Archive of Letters Written by Philippe the Magician. Houdini Collection. Three ALSs and one partial letter handwritten by the famed French conjurer, the contents regarding family matters, business matters (including bank loans and the sale of tickets), as well as Russian and Turkish conflicts. Letters date to 1854 and 1877 (the latter signed boldly ?Philippe Talon?), with the third undated. One letter addressed in Philippe?s hand and with the remnants of the original wax seal and postmarks. Sold together with a three-page ALS from P. Weyer (likely Alex) Weyer to Harry Houdini, relating information about the Philippe letters and about Philippe himself. Accompanied by partial translations of the documents into English. Rare. One of the great conjurers of his generation and occupying a position in the history of magic just before Robert-Houdin?s ascendence to fame, Philippe (1802 ? 1878) was reportedly a confectioner before learning various magic tricks that changed the course of his career. Among the highlights of his performances were productions of glass bowls filled with goldfish, the Linking Rings, and the lighting of many candles with the shot from a pistol. His costume included the traditional conical wizard?s hat and a floor-length robe that Robert-Houdin later eschewed. Houdini?s Unmasking or Robert-Houdin.