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Magicana of the Golden Age

Sat, Jun 20, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-20 11:00:00 2026-06-20 11:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Magicana of the Golden Age https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/magicana-of-the-golden-age-22866
Highlights of this closely-curated sale include remarkable rarities from the golden age of conjuring: a diverse array of Houdiniana, Victorian magic apparatus, relics from the stages of St. George's Hall, rare posters, select modern props, and choice ephemera. Purchase Catalog Potter & Potter Auctions info@potterauctions.com
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Adelaide Herrmann's Die Casket.
Lot 291

Adelaide Herrmann's Die Casket.

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
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Starting Bid
$2,000
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$0 $5
$30 $10
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$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

HERRMANN, Adelaide (1853 - 1932). Adelaide Herrmann's Die Casket. European, ca. 1890. A wooden die placed in a burled wooden chest transforms into a bird or any other small object when the box is re-opened. Owned and used by Adelaide Herrmann, and possibly Alexander and Compars Herrmann. Brass inlay to exterior, mirror inside lid. 3 ½” die. With key. Props linked to the Herrmann dynasty are rarely encountered. 

 

Condition

Expected wear from age; very good. 

Overall Dimensions
Weight: 3.00 lbs

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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.

A letter of provenance from Dr. Victor Trask to Dr. John Henry Grossman states, in part, “I am sending you the Die Box…it was given to my father by Adelaide Herrman[n] during one of her visits at our home. Dad had a string of theaters in the Northwest known as the “Blue Mouse Theaters.” I was just a kid at that time but from what Dad told me, the box was first used by [C]arl Herrmann, later by Alexander, then he took it out of the act. I first thought of sending it to the Magic Circle, but after our visit felt that you might like to have it….”

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