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Jun 20, 2026
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.
Expected wear from age; very good.
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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