The Collection of Jim Rawlins Part II

Herrmann, Alexander. Alexander Herrmann Cigar Box. New York: Stoddard, Gilbert & Co., ca. 1901. Wooden 25-count cigar box bearing color lithographed Alexander Herrmann label on its lid and interior, the magician with a quill in his hand, signing his name. Internal monochrome labels further picture the magician and bear his name. Internal revenue stamp and factory label to bottom, printed internal wrapper bears Herrmann’s name. 8 ½ x 5 x 1 ¼”. Edgewear and chips as expected. Rare. Alexander Herrmann was the most famous magician of his generation, and his image became – and remains – that most associated with magicians of yesteryear. The Frenchman cultivated a Mephistophelean look, including pointed moustache and van dyke, and on the labels of this box, he is dressed as a combination jester/devil, in a bright red costume.