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 Dove
in Balloon Tray
Unknown
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method:Good
Value: Good |
For
those of you who know me, I have been trying to build a
comedy act with multiple Spring Raccoons for some time.
I purchased this with the hope that I
could make a raccoon appear instead of a dove, but the
compartment on this particular version, probably made
off-shore, is way too small. Will probably get resold on
eBay soon.
I did use it to produce a stack of $500.00
for my wife's birthday. She liked it! |
Mini Blammo
Thomas
Clark
Rating: Excellent
WOW: Excellent
Method:Excellent
Value: Excellent |
After
purchasing Thomas' Take Apart Vanish, I contacted him to see
if he could make a custom designed prop to make a spring
raccoon appear.
He laughed and suggested a Mini Blammo
which would typically be used to change silks to doves or a
rabbit. We agreed on an extremely fair price and away he
went into his wood shop.
Within one week he started sending me
pictures of the box. He asked for my feedback every step of
the way. I received photos every day for a week and when it
was completed to my satisfaction, he even sent me a video of
him performing the effect. To download the video, right
click here and save the file
to your PC. |
Take Apart Vanish
Thomas
Clark
Rating: Excellent
WOW: Excellent
Method:Excellent
Value: Excellent |
I
troll eBay often for magic bargains. When I found this
listing, I thought the owner was crazy for letting this go
for under $20.00!
Thomas Clark is a professional magician
and a fine craftsman. He manufactures a variety of finely
made wood props at discount prices. Why? Because he loves
working with wood and he loves magic.
This is a beautifully constructed prop and
I would have expected to pay between $50.00 to $100.00 for
this in a magic shop. Look him up! |
Design in Mind
Tannens
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: Fair |
With
the magician out of the room, a spectator selects a card
from a stack of random designs and copies it using markers.
The drawing is sealed and hidden, yet when the magician
walks back into the room, he can immediately duplicate the
selected design.
I'd read about this effect for some time
and looking at the photo I thought I could reverse engineer
it easily, but was mistaken. The method is amazingly
low-tech, and for the money, this holds a low value to me.
However, the effect looks like it could be powerful.
|
Harry Anderson's Needle Through Arm
Magic,
Music and More
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: Good |
This
classic of magic is well made, but you need to be careful
with it. It can bend easily, and must be kept clean or the
blood will stop flowing.
You sterilize your arm and then poke a
needle through it. The audience can see the needle buried in
your flesh. You can perform this with or without blood.
My jar of rubber cement arrived dried up,
but was easily replaced at the local Walmart.
Recommended. Routine included has many
excellent observations and suggestions on performance.
|
Deluxe Sword Swallowing Trick
Abra4Magic
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: Good |
Wanting
to create a 10 in 1 show (sideshow act), I found this
gimmicked sword that works like the old Swallow-It Magic
Wand. I believe this is manufactured in India by Sam Delal.
The handle appears to be ceramic and is quite heavy. While
it looks nice, it makes it somewhat difficult to perform.
Once the sword curls up in your mouth, you can not let go of
the handle or its weight causes it to droop forward making
the sword appear flexible which ruins the effect. |
Pass the Parcel
Mark
Leveridge
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: Good |
Many
years ago, Tony Spina released an effect based upon the game
of Clue called "Room for Doubt." Nine cards
representing nine rooms were displayed, and the spectator
was allowed to move a weapon of choice from room to room
based upon instructions from a tape recorded message. At the
end, the remaining card and the weapon are revealed on tape
and they match the spectator's final card and chosen weapon.
"Pass the Parcel"
is an interesting variation on this type of effect in that
it can be performed on stage with a group of people, thereby
taking an effect typically performed one-on-one and making
it into something far grander.
The effect involves seven
people sitting on seven chairs. Seven jumbo cards are shown:
six are blank and one has a picture of gifts on it. The
cards are mixed face down and a helper places a card
beneath each chair until every seated person also has a card
beneath them.
An item of value is also
borrowed from the audience and placed into bag. Following
printed instructions in a large spiral bound book, the
helper directs the seven seated people to move the bag back
and forth. Some people are directed to return to the
audience, and they always have a blank card beneath their
chair and are never left holding the bag.
Finally, the remaining
seated person is left holding the bag and the card beneath
their seat is the one with the picture of the gifts printed
on it.
If you enjoy lots of
audience participation in your stage work or children's
shows, then "Pass the Parcel" has lots of
opportunities for comedic byplay. Comes complete with
everything you need to perform the routine including bag,
cards, and spiral bound instructions. |
 Vanishing
Sunglasses
Woody Pittman
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: Good |
This effect features the
clean vanish of a pair of sunglasses. While a pair of imitation RayBan's are included, you
could theoretically use any pair of eyeglasses providing they did not weigh too much --
you would not want to strain the gimmick. The trick is very easy to
perform and the instructions are photo illustrated with a few suggested different
handlings.
I can see this as a great way to introduce yourself while doing tablehopping.
You could wear the sunglasses to create an air of mystery, and then remove and vanish them
when you step up to a new table. Sets the mood and let's them know you are a magician
without saying or doing a thing. Easily reset. |
 Yurasits' Confusing
Crayons
Magic Warehouse
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: High
Value: Fair |
This
is a version of the Tricky Bottles scaled down for kids. It uses two different colored
jumbo crayons instead of beer bottles. The benefit here is that you can switch crayons at
any time. You get what you pay for here, and
the ad and pictures are faithful to the props. They look good but are cheaply made. |
 Card in Balloon
Delal
Magic Warehouse
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
I
bought this second hand through Winkler's consignment listing for $30. It is made of brass
and is chrome plated, and breaks down into three parts for easy packing. I was not
familiar with this version and found the mechanism ingenius. I know this is not new, but having a signed card appear in a
balloon with minimal sleights makes this one worth it at any price. My new favorite
effect. |
 Card Star
Delal
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: Good |
A
faithful reproduction of the classic effect of having five selected cards appear on the
points of a large metal star displayed on a thin stand. The prop breaks down into three pieces for easy packing like the Card
in Balloon. The star is brass with chrome plating, and the hinge and trigger
mechanism work OK. You'll probably need to tape your duplicate production cards into the
clips for some insurance or they may fly out or get left behind the star when triggered.
Considering the workmanship, it would have been nice if
they had built a one-handed release into the base instead of relying on the pull of a
"hidden" thread. You'll need an assistant for this one. |
| Silk Streamers, Multi-Colored Daytona Magic
Rating: High
WOW: N/A
Method: N/A
Value: High |
Beautiful,
well-sewn and the dye job is great, too. Caught this item from one of Daytona's 50% off
sales and it is a bargain even at full-price. |
Dag's Ultimate Card Sword
El
Duco
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: OK |
Selected
card appears on tip of sword as deck is thrown into the air. Signed and numbered by the
creator, this sword is in use by The Pendragons and The Moretti's, to name a few
professionals. It is beautiful. Chrome-plated with a nicely wrapped handle. Same old
method. If the gaff breaks, it will take an hour to fix. If you have the money ($450),
this is a collector's item you will use all the time. |
Appearing Cane
Fantasio
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Fair
Value: Fair |
These
canes keep getting more expensive. Why? About the only difference from the one I bought
for $20 twenty-five years ago is the release mechanism (spring instead of a slide). Sharp metal is able to cut through fingers in a single appearance.
So use Fantasio's plastic one. Same effect with no cuts and
half the cost. |
 The Clatter Box
Rating: OK
WOW: OK
Method: OK
Value: OK |
I read
a routine using this effect combined with a Breakaway Fan and Wand over 20 years ago and
always wanted to have one. For a period of
time they were difficult to find. India has once again revived a classic. This version is
made from thin maple, stained with splashes of gold, black and green trim to make for an
attractive little silk cabinet.
I love the effect and this one works well. You vanish a
silk with the aid of a clumsy assistant who breaks your fan, wand and then finally the
box, but as it falls to pieces in their hands the vanished silk is found tied to the lid!
Not bad. |
Mak
Night Club
Magic Table
Top Hat Motif
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: OK |
Black
laquer with gold drizzle paint and standard top hat with white glove motif. Opens to full
height table; closes to bulky suitcase. Wouldn't
want to drop this puppy on my foot. Heavy. While well constructed with pop rivets and good
hinges, the sides of the case are 1/8 inch thick masonite while the other surfaces are
usually 1/4 inch. Casters are wheel -- not ball. Handle is plastic not padded.
Could be used for either kid shows or stage act. Hole in
front of case to accomodate handle is a bit awkward; surprised Mak doesn't make a cloth or
wood insert to cover this up.
Inside of case accomodates a lot of smaller items but my Run
Rabbit Run and Deceptive Square Circle do not fit. Bummer. |
 Drum Head Production
Morrissey
Magic Warehouse
Rating: OK
WOW: OK
Method: OK
Value: OK |
Show a
flat tube on a stand. Affix tissue paper to front and back using metal rings. Break paper
and start pulling silks out of the apparently empty drum head. Was not sure which method would be provided. Acceptable,
inexpensive and showy prop for the production of silks. |
Instant Magic Table
Delal
Rating: OK
WOW: OK
Method: OK
Value: OK |
Yet
another misadvertised prop. Supposed to be like the Appearing Tables of Harbin, but comes
across as a kludgy production. It is nicely
made, but a tad disappointing in its appearance |
 Color-Changing
Streamer
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: OK
Value: Good |
Saw
this bundled with a children's painting effect 20 years ago. Loved the color change but
hated the painting trick. Now available
after some time off the market, this streamer works OK but not as smooth as I remember it.
Probably from India.
Needs some work. |
| Fantastic Flotation Fearson
Rating: Fair
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: OK |
It's
ingenius but method seems obvious to me. I bought it based upon the photo in the ad; look
at the photo and use your imagination and you'll probably come close to the gaff. It comes as a kit (gimmick must be constructed) which requires a
great deal of work to assemble.
Seems very dependent upon angles. A little costly
considering all the work you have to do to make one. This one may go back in the drawer. |
Multiplying Candles
Delal
Rating: Ugh
WOW: Ugh
Method: Ugh
Value: Ugh |
A
burning candle held between the fingers multiplies to eight candles in both hands. These are modeled after the Nestos candles, but they have very
small metal tabs on them -- supposedly to help you hold them. They appear to be modeled
for someone with smaller hands than the average US adult male.
While solidly made, the candles are awkward to handle.
I'll probably remove the tabs. Stick with Owens. |
 Crystal Cube
Ickle Pickle
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Well-made
version of a classic box trick where a silk appears inside a transparent cube. Will hold one 18" silk or several smaller ones.
Good value for $25.00. |
Chinese Sticks
Empire
Magic
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Two
wands, one has short string and one has long string. Pull the short one, the long string
becomes short. Specs think the wands are connected in the back, but they are not and may
be freely shown. Small enough to fit into
your jacket pocket but sparkly enough to be seen from a distance.
Black with chrome tips to look like a wand. Silver tassels
and strings. Good value for $14.00. |
| Transformation Tube Ronjo
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Colored
water poured into tube. Cap put on. Tube thrown into air. Unscrew tube, and pull out dry
silk. Can be used to switch any two small items. Surprisingly
well-made aluminum change tube. This one has two rubber gaskets to make both compartments
water-proof.
Good value for $39.00 and is small enough to be used
close-up. |
 What's Next
Tenyo
Magic Warehouse
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
A
classic jumbo card effect where the spots on a card grow in number. If you want to do this impromptu with blank playing cards and
stickers, visit Meir Yedid's My Magic web site and look for my effect Flip Side. |
 Die Box
Mak
Rating: Good
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: Fair |
There
was a time when good die boxes were affordable and came in nice wooden finishes. This box is nicely made in red with a white die. It has a good loud
sliding mechanism.
The shell, though, does not fit well in the box and
appears obvious to me in its design.
Certainly less expensive then an Owen box, so the value is
good, but the shell was a disappointment. |
 Breakaway Fan
Rating: OK
WOW: OK
Method: OK
Value: OK |
What
can be said about a classic like a fan that breaks on your command? It's still fairly
inexpensive. This one is smaller and
lighter than my original one, but it achieves its effect.
Why don't they bolt these things together instead of using
pop rivets? Eventually, it's going to fall apart. |
 Breakaway Wand
Delal
Rating: OK
WOW: Ok
Method: OK
Value: OK |
Ditto
about their wand. It's a little smaller and thinner than what I remember, but it works. |
| Day at the Circus Delal
Rating: Ugh
WOW: Ugh
Method: Ugh
Value: Ugh |
Show
series of jumbo cards with circus figures on them. The elephant vanishes. Stung again! The only reason I bought this is because I used to get a lot of
mileage out of the one I had from Tannens.
This one is silk screened rather amateurishly with
horrible colors and artwork.
It came with an envelope with a circus tent printed on it.
Why, I have no clue. I used to use a bamboo mat which worked better.
Not worth $32. Look around for something better. |
 Educated Duck
Delal
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Cards
selected and returned to the deck are placed in holder in front of wooden duck. Duck bends
down and plucks selected cards from deck. Very cute. Flosso had the best routine with a Card Duck, and I quickly made it
my own.
Delal's creations are rather irregular and unreliable in
their design and operation. Cheap labor usually produces cheaply made effects, but this
one is actually worth the money, though mine arrived with many paint chips. Ya gets what
ya pay for, right? |
| Holiday Hats Jim
Jayes
Hank
Lee
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
A bag
which can be turned inside out to reveal four different hats (Santa, Wizard, Bunny w/ears,
and Clown). Good value and well-made,
though mine arrived with a few open seams which needed to be resewn. |
| Magic
Sketch Pad Tannens
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: OK
Value: Fair |
Handling
is a little awkward. Extra sheets need edges prepared to make them look like they got
ripped out of sketch pad; why didn’t they make them this way to begin with? The ink on the extra sheets does not match color of the sketch pad
at all. |
| It’s Alive James
Rating: OK
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: OK |
Great
comic illusion gone commercial. Manufactured for someone with enormous hands and wrists. Flimsy.
No documentation included. |
 Copenetro Deluxe
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: Fair
Value: Fair |
Expensive,
nicely turned wood props, but firing gimmick is difficult to load and not surefire for
coin reproductions. Manufacturer supplies
half a tongue depressor to set spring devices. This makes an otherwise wonderfully crafted
illusion look shoddy.
Surely, he can supply something better than a broken ice
cream stick. |
Silk Wonderbox
Dalal
Rating: Good
WOW: Good
Method: Good
Value: Good |
Small
box capable of deceptively large loads. Manuscript provided tons of performance ideas.
Well made. Removable gimmick so box may be
fully examined (need large hands). |
Tote Bag Deluxe
Ickle
Pickle
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Essentially
change bag without the clumsy handle. Objects may be switched in seconds. Nicely constructed and well priced. |
| Omega
Card Fountain Dave Powell
Rating: Poor
WOW: Good
Method: Fair
Value: Ugh |
A
nicely crafted wooden box with poorly mounted electronics. The climax card is visible from the front of the box rendering the
surprise somewhat questionable.
Handling is poor. I needed to take it apart and remount
the electronics with velcro. |
| Water Funnel Loftus
Rating: Fair
WOW: Fair
Method: Fair
Value: Good |
The
old standard in plastic. It does not work very reliably (drips a lot), but what do you
wants for four bucks? |
 Run Rabbit Run
Mak
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Mak
does it again with this remanufactured classic kid’s trick. Doors do not stay closed.
Added some business card magnets to keep them shut. Otherwise, colorful and sturdy. My kid loves it. |
 Metamorpho Spots
Dalal
Magic Warehouse
Rating: Fair
WOW: Fair
Method: Fair
Value: Fair |
Good
effect ruined by shoddy workmanship. Sliding gimmick is made of thin plastic film just
waiting to tear. Silks came partially
hemmed. Rip-off. |
 Ultimate Airborne
Doug Malloy
Rating: Ugh
WOW: OK
Method: Ugh
Value: Ugh |
$62
for a wine bottle, a Norm Nielsen vanishing champagne bottle label, a fishing weight, and
a cheap plastic glass. The manufacturer
also provides a repair kit for your bottle for an extra $5 should it ever be damaged. Mine
came damaged.
Stay away from this one. |
 Vanishing Champagne Bottle
Nielsen
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Well
made latex bottle. Oddly enough, you need
to apply the label yourself, and you only get one chance as the adhesive takes hold fast.
Be careful. Not a toy. |
 Vanishing Bird Cage
Dalal
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: OK
Value: High |
Considering
the cost of alternative cages, this one is affordable. Will stand on its own.
Holdout is a little awkward, but in the hands of
Blackstone, Jr., it looks wild.
Needs lots of practice. May not be suitable for folks with
short arms like me.
Included feather bird sucks. Buy a rubber one. |
 Multiplying Bottles
Dalal
Magic Warehouse
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
A
classic effect at the right price. You receive 9 bottles, no glasses. You need to apply the tube’s decals yourself; I’d do
without them.
Nicely machined. |
| Hoffman Mini Birdcage Hat Production Dalal
Magic Warehouse
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: High |
Another
good value from India. Well made. Their
metal products seem to be of consistently good workmanship. |
| Standard Botania Dalal
Magic Warehouse
Rating: Poor
WOW: OK
Method: OK
Value: Ugh |
India
does not make good feather flower effects. Springs have lost their resiliency. Flowers
shed feathers quickly. Flat. |
Deceptive Square Circle
Mak
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: High
Value: Good |
A
little pricey, but large, colorful and makes for a wonderful display. Holds large load
(spring rabbit plus tons of silks, etc.). Load
tube is poorly flocked and sheds like crazy. Needs some spray lacquer to set it. |
| Triple Bloom Bouquet Dalal
Magic Warehouse
Rating: High
WOW: High
Method: OK
Value: OK |
Better
made than their Botania (see above), but still sheds. You get 18 blooms for three sets of appearances making this a good
value.
Sliding gimmick is a little rough. Needs to be worked in
properly. |
