Vintage German Hourglass Dice Tumbler, c. Early 20th Century
Mechanical Dice Tumbler
Germany, c. 1930s–1950s
Description:
A finely crafted mechanical dice tumbler featuring a sculptural wire cage mounted to a stepped base with a curved metal crank. Likely manufactured in Germany between the 1930s and 1950s, the piece is constructed from nickel-plated steelwith a vellum or heavy paper-lined base platform—an uncommon material choice that suggests early institutional or custom production. The dual-lobed crank handle spins the hourglass-shaped cage with fluid motion, designed to randomly dispense dice or tokens through a trap opening.
This example includes a set of translucent polyhedral dice (added later), and was likely repurposed from its original use—possibly as a raffle drum, gambling tool, or educational randomizer. The construction quality, materials, and patina all point to Central European origin and mid-century manufacture.
A rare and sculptural example of early 20th-century mechanical design, this piece straddles both industrial utility and visual charm—equally suited for collectors of games, design, or vintage European hardware.
Materials:
Nickel-plated steel, paper/vellum platform, polyhedral dice
Dimensions:
Approx. 10 × 8 × 6 in. (25.4 × 20.3 × 15.2 cm)
Provenance:
Private collection, USA
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor oxidation and surface wear consistent with age. Cage turns freely; dice included. Original platform surface shows patina and signs of age-appropriate use.
Mechanical Dice Tumbler
Germany, c. 1930s–1950s
Description:
A finely crafted mechanical dice tumbler featuring a sculptural wire cage mounted to a stepped base with a curved metal crank. Likely manufactured in Germany between the 1930s and 1950s, the piece is constructed from nickel-plated steelwith a vellum or heavy paper-lined base platform—an uncommon material choice that suggests early institutional or custom production. The dual-lobed crank handle spins the hourglass-shaped cage with fluid motion, designed to randomly dispense dice or tokens through a trap opening.
This example includes a set of translucent polyhedral dice (added later), and was likely repurposed from its original use—possibly as a raffle drum, gambling tool, or educational randomizer. The construction quality, materials, and patina all point to Central European origin and mid-century manufacture.
A rare and sculptural example of early 20th-century mechanical design, this piece straddles both industrial utility and visual charm—equally suited for collectors of games, design, or vintage European hardware.
Materials:
Nickel-plated steel, paper/vellum platform, polyhedral dice
Dimensions:
Approx. 10 × 8 × 6 in. (25.4 × 20.3 × 15.2 cm)
Provenance:
Private collection, USA
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor oxidation and surface wear consistent with age. Cage turns freely; dice included. Original platform surface shows patina and signs of age-appropriate use.
Mechanical Dice Tumbler
Germany, c. 1930s–1950s
Description:
A finely crafted mechanical dice tumbler featuring a sculptural wire cage mounted to a stepped base with a curved metal crank. Likely manufactured in Germany between the 1930s and 1950s, the piece is constructed from nickel-plated steelwith a vellum or heavy paper-lined base platform—an uncommon material choice that suggests early institutional or custom production. The dual-lobed crank handle spins the hourglass-shaped cage with fluid motion, designed to randomly dispense dice or tokens through a trap opening.
This example includes a set of translucent polyhedral dice (added later), and was likely repurposed from its original use—possibly as a raffle drum, gambling tool, or educational randomizer. The construction quality, materials, and patina all point to Central European origin and mid-century manufacture.
A rare and sculptural example of early 20th-century mechanical design, this piece straddles both industrial utility and visual charm—equally suited for collectors of games, design, or vintage European hardware.
Materials:
Nickel-plated steel, paper/vellum platform, polyhedral dice
Dimensions:
Approx. 10 × 8 × 6 in. (25.4 × 20.3 × 15.2 cm)
Provenance:
Private collection, USA
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor oxidation and surface wear consistent with age. Cage turns freely; dice included. Original platform surface shows patina and signs of age-appropriate use.