Much analysis has been done on the man who called himself S W Erdnase.and his methods. Darwin Ortiz Dai Vernon wrote extensive analysis on his methods. Others have speculated on who the man himself was. I would like to offer. Couple of speculations based on my on my own analysis of the Erdnase text. In particular the Erdnase grip. Erdnase claimed certain sleights as his own others as done by others. He claimed an overhand stock shuffle riffle shuffle stock controls and certain shifts. He did not claim originality on his bottom and second deal or his grip. I speculate that Erdnase worked as a professional card dealer in gambling houses and this is where he learned card sleight of hand. I speculate that the so called Erdnase grip was widely used by professional card dealers in those days. Just as the mechanics grip later became widely used and today the dealers grip. I welcome thoughts from the excellent cardmen on this subject.