French Victorian magic trick in shadow box from Stephen Sondheim estate

This Victorian era boxed trick "porte-feuille escamoteur" translates roughly as wallet magician. The pieces in the 10"x10" shadow box are attached by velcro so it is possible to take them out and, if you are fluent in French, follow the instructions which are pasted onto the background. Stephen Sondheim was an avid collector of games and puzzles and he especially appreciated items from the Victorian era such as this. This item (without shadowbox) was part of lot 121 from Stephen Sondheim Collection auctioned by Doyle in New York City on November 14, 2024. The lot was arranged in the shadow box after the auction. The buyer will receive a COA.