Visible Die Through Hat. Flein, Germany: Rudiger Deutsch, 1999. Modified by Del Ray, ca. 2006. A large die penetrates the crown of a solid silk opera hat. The magician then offers to repeat the trick, but this time, visibly. The hat is balanced on top of the die. Now, visibly, the hat sinks down – ever so slowly – through the die, as if one solid is melting through the other. A fine and elaborate brass and roller-shade mechanism incorporated into the table causes the visible penetration effect. One of six units manufactured based on an early twentieth century German design, with several modern electronic improvements added by Del Ray. Requires batteries. With detailed typewritten instructions, and a padded ATA case for transportation. 3 _” die. Table 39” high. Very good working condition. A mechanical masterpiece. Together with: a file of documents that includes a piece of correspondence between Del Ray and the consignor, a sheet of suggested patter, pencil-sketched diagrams, and instructions for operation and care.