Magic Collection of Rudiger Deutsch: Part 1

Robot Head Spirit Bell. German, ca. 1930. A strange box-like structure with blinking lights simulating eyes and a bell for a mouth that sounds out answers to questions posed by the audience, the bell ringing once for “yes” and twice for “no.” Ringing mechanism in good working order, electrical components not tested with batteries. Height 10”. Said to have been owned and used by Jenny Renee, a German nightclub performer who performed with the prop prior to WWII. Evoking aesthetics of the German Expressionist movement of Fritz von Lang and his contemporaries, the construction of this unusual spirit bell is believed to be unique. The metal screens, lights, and switches that make up the robot head evoke an era in which the style and form of artists of all types - magicians included – lent a mysterious, noir-ish aura to films, paintings, and live performances alike.