B. B. Keyes information

Looking for information on Benjamin B. Keyes (1837-1895). There are a few fleeting references in Mahatma and the Sphinx about him, as well as a mention in some letters to Houdini. He was a inventor and mechanic in Boston that built efforts for magicians and the circus. He created the illusion "Astarte" and also had a number of patents, including one for a light bulb. He is credited by Dr. Elliott and W. D. LeRoy (Boston magic dealer) with developing the challenge handcuff escape act. Houdini bought the act from LeRoy, as I suspect did a number of other early escape artists (including Brindamour). So it looks like B. B. Keyes may have started it all. Thanks for any help.

Gary Hunt
garyhunt@mindspring.com
www.magicfootnotes.com