transfering a cursed item (through death?)

[PvK]

I don't think multiple commanders help. I'd arrange for a battle with the two commanders, the guy to get the item having free slots to take the item, and arranged so the guy to lose the item will die one way or another (e.g. have him Hold x 5 with poison cloud-producing bodyguards, or charging the enemy well ahead of everyone else).

[lch]

This might be a border case, but you can transfer items through Wish. Either wish for a cursed item and your caster will equip it, or wish for a non-cursed item of the same type and let it replace the cursed one that your caster is holding and make him return it to your lab. This is extremely useful if done right. You can e.g. equip the Dimensional Rod when wishing for a weapon or the Forbidden Light when wishing for a misc item and enjoy their astral magic bonus for the wish, without having to fear their ill side affects: They'll be unequipped before you'll receive insanity or horror marks.