Magic Collection of Rudiger Deutsch: Part II

Cagliostro’s Ivory Skull Cane. Circa 1780. Outstanding carved ivory-handled cane or wand, said to be owned by the famous charlatan and magician Cagliostro. The handle and upper portion exquisitely and deeply carved in the shape of a human skull resting atop a staff encircled by a fork-tongued serpent, the lowermost section of the handle terminating in a floral pattern. Ebony shaft below, terminating in an ivory ferrule. Overall length 30”. Handle threads slightly askew, old crack repaired, but very good condition overall. Expertly carved; a handsome and significant relic related to the life of one of the most colorful characters in the history of conjuring.Cagliostro (1743–1795) was the alias of Sicilian occultist, charlatan, forger, Freemason, and conjurer Giuseppe Balsamo. He studied chemistry and religion, sold amulets and paintings, rubbed shoulders with royalty, and was perhaps most famously implicated in the famous Affair of the Diamond Necklace. After nine months of imprisonment he was released when no evidence of his involvement could be found. He died in prison in Rome in 1795, after initially being sentenced to death by the Inquisition.According to Rudiger Deutsch, this cane (sometimes referred to as a wand) was purchased at auction in London in 1920 by German amateur magician and collector Dr. Theumer, a close friend of the illusionist Kalanag. Later, the cane passed into the possession of Herbert Paufler of Dresden. Paufler was a close friend of Deutsch, and Deutsch obtained the cane after Paufler’s passing. According to Deutsch’s research, a silver ring that once separated the upper and lower portions of the cane is absent; in its place now sits a finely engraved brass ring.