DEBIERE, Arnold (1878 ? 1934). DeBiere's Vanishing Bird Cage. Circa 1910. A metal bird cage trimmed in red fabric vanishes from the magician's bare hands. Of unusual construction (similar to a model used by Carl Hertz), with the outer bars made of flexible steel wire, each with sturdy maroon silk binding (which overlaps the sleeve guard and pull). Dimensions (open) 7 x 4 ? x 5". With several bars loose and the metal tarnished throughout, but intact and attractive overall.Included are two leather straps, one for the wrist and the other with an attached brass and steel pulley, as well as a special and rarely seen compartment for concealing the cage on the body in an un-traditional location. In DeBiere's presentation, after the cage had ?flown," he removed his coat and vest and handed them out for examination to further ?prove" that the cage was gone. This subtle detail for presenting the trick baffled both laymen and magicians alike in DeBiere's day, and remains little-known to magicians of the present day.This is one of many props obtained from DeBiere by the Davenport family in the 1930s. It was one of four or five signature tricks (along with his Thumb Tie, Rope Trick, and Egg Bag) that not only showcased his personality as a performer, but helped secure DeBiere's reputation as one of the foremost vaudeville and music hall magicians of the Edwardian era.