1920's Demley NY Mechanical Auto-Dice
This remarkable mechanical dice roller features two internal D6 (six-sided) wheels that spin with the push of a button, effectively simulating the experience of rolling dice.
Originally crafted in the 1920s, the Demley Auto-Dice stands out as a unique piece of functional art, perfect for tabletop role-playing games or as an eye-catching conversation starter in any game room or collection.
Condition: Some scuffs on the back. A few lighter scuffs on the top. Otherwise, it's working flawlessly.
These are extremely rare - particularly one in good, working condition. You will not regret it.
Sold as-is. FINAL SALE.
Dimensions: ~3 1/8" x 1 1/4"
Weight: ~3 ounces.
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Features and Design
The Demley Auto-Dice is a compact, self-contained device made from metal, often finished with a chrome or nickel plating to enhance durability and aesthetics. Its sleek and functional design reflects the Art Deco influences of the 1920s, characterized by clean lines and geometric patterns.
At its core, the Auto-Dice houses two small, traditional dice encased in a transparent viewing window. By pressing a mechanical lever or plunger, the device would agitate the dice, “rolling” them without requiring manual handling. This ensured a fair and tamper-proof roll, making it particularly popular in social gatherings and gambling circles where impartiality was paramount.
Popularity and Use
The Demley Mechanical Auto-Dice became a symbol of sophistication and modernity in the 1920s, an era of roaring nightlife, speakeasies, and a burgeoning fascination with gadgets. It was used for various dice-based games, including craps and board games, and often served as a conversation piece or collector’s item.
Its mechanical precision and elegant design made it a favorite among gamblers who appreciated its portability and reliability. At the same time, families and game enthusiasts enjoyed it for its novelty and convenience.
Legacy and Collectability
Today, the Demley NY Mechanical Auto-Dice is highly sought after by collectors of vintage gaming memorabilia. Its rarity and historical significance make it a prized piece, particularly when found in excellent working condition with intact dice and mechanisms.
The Auto-Dice stands as a testament to the creativity of the 1920s, combining functionality with flair and encapsulating the spirit of a vibrant and innovative era. Whether displayed as a collectible or used as intended, it continues to evoke nostalgia for a bygone time of mechanical ingenuity and social exuberance.
The Metropolitan Seminars in Art series was written by John Canaday, a renowned art critic and historian, and published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 1950s. It was designed to make art appreciation accessible to a general audience, focusing on the study of painting, artistic techniques, movements, and history.
Each volume explores a specific theme, such as “Realism,” “Abstraction,” or “Expressionism,” providing insights into artistic styles, techniques, and the cultural context of art. The books include tipped-in color plates, which are fine-quality reproductions of notable artworks. These plates could be detached for display, making them highly collectible.
John Canaday’s clear and engaging prose simplifies complex art concepts, making the series appealing to both beginners and seasoned art enthusiasts. Spanning a wide range of artistic movements, the volumes provide an in-depth yet approachable art education experience.
The series remains a sought-after collectible for its timeless educational value, elegant design, and inclusion of high-quality artwork reproductions. It is especially prized when complete and in good condition with the original prints intact.
We source our Bygone Goods from all over! Through our travels, we’ve built strong relationships with exceptional antique and vintage vendors across the country.
Sometimes, we simply stumble upon rare finds in hidden gem stores.
Every piece we list is carefully curated—if it doesn’t meet our high standards of quality and uniqueness, it doesn’t make the cut.
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Photographs, posters, vintage artwork, vintage items, and "Bygone Goods" products are FINAL SALE and are not returnable.
In cases where items are damaged in transit, exceptions may be made. Gladfellow reserves the right to address these issues on a case by case basis.
For our full return policy, please see return policies.
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