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Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction

Sat, Oct 31, 2026 04:00PM EDT
  2026-10-31 16:00:00 2026-10-31 16:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/houdini-returns-the-centennial-auction-23392
Marking 100 years since the death of Harry Houdini, Potter & Potter will present a landmark sale of Houdini memorabilia on October 31, 2026 at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. The sale brings to the public for the very first time 100 historic items from the collection of Kevin Connolly, many of which were personally owned by Houdini.

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THURSTON, Howard (1869 - 1936). TLS to Dunninger Regarding Houdini.
Lot 50

THURSTON, Howard (1869 - 1936). TLS to Dunninger Regarding Houdini.

Estimate: $800 - $1,200
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Starting Bid
$400
Bid increments chart

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

THURSTON, Howard (1869 - 1936). TLS to Dunninger Regarding Houdini. Dated June 30, 1922, Thurston writes on his letterhead, in part, "I have been away for a few weeks, and have now the first opportunity of answering your letter. I acknowledge [a copy of] your letter sent to Harry Houdini, regarding the expose of illusions. I brought this matter up at the annual meeting after the banquet and explained the whole affair to the society [of American Magicians]." 

The exposure referenced in this letter is most likely some form of publicity garnered by Houdini by explaining the secrets behind simple tricks or puzzles, but the exact context is unknown.

One 8vo sheet with the front panel of the original mailing cover retained. The letter is BOLDLY SIGNED in ink, "Howard Thurston." 

Condition

Dampstain to upper portion of letter not affecting text. 

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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.

Dunninger collection, Kevin Connolly collection. 

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