Month: June 2003

The Closest Thing to REAL Magic!

No effect has created more discussion and drama than U3F. Check the magic forums and you will find that this is true. I am not a coin man and probably never will be, but this single effect stands out as a unique piece of magic. I love it so much that I have two Morgan sets, one for current use and one still with its original seal as a "back-up". I also have a third custom set that I am particularly proud of, using a different coin (see image). Todd Lassen is a master machinist making the best gaff coins, period. I have bought from Todd several Morgan based gaffs, but there is no doubt in my mind that his work on U3F is, in my opinion, his best. The coins are now being done by CNC technology, so I am happy I was able to get my sets when Todd was the craftsman. The workmanship on these coins is simply amazing.

The gaff is so well made and defies detection that the images you are viewing is the complete set, nothing has been removed to "hide" the gimmick. The coin on the right in the two images is the intact gaff coin! The effect is so clean, which led me to the title of this review. The coins can be passed out for examination before and after the routine. Only three coins are clearly visible throughout the routine and the hands shown clearly empty at several points in the routine.

You have to see the expression on people’s faces when I do the routine to realize the tremendous impact of this effect. As a matter of fact, I just love practicing this routine in front of the mirror and seeing the magic in the reflection. I would rank this among my favorite items in my collection. Absolutely beautiful magic…as to the controversy on this effect, I believe once you have seen the coins and learned the routine, you will be a convert as I have been. Thanks, Todd for your impeccable work and Bob, for a great routine.

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Awesome prop with that classic look

This is the largest item in my collection, standing about 39 inches in height. It’s also likely the largest piece from Milson-Worth. Lyn Johnson re-created this item from one he may have seen in the Albo books, though he definitely brought it to modern standards. The effect starts out with a freely selected card that is signed for later identification; piece may even be torn off, if needed. The card returned to the deck and shuffled. The deck is then placed into the slot atop on the cabinet and the magician stands back. With the wave of his wand the cards start flying high up into the air. When everything has settled, one card only is seen held in the beak of the brass eagle. It proves to be the selected card.

The cabinet is beautiful black walnut, with a fancy wood American eagle design inlayed on the front. The top portion of the cabinet is burled maple. The pillar and the eagle are solid brass. The mechanics inside the box is a marvel of solenoids, timers, motorized reels, etc. Remember that Lynn has an engineering background. This is one breath-taking piece. I remember when I ordered this item 13 years ago, Lynn took over 9 months to complete it. I had bought it sight unseen, so I was quite awestruck when I drove to his workshop to pick it up.

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Classy Color Changing Dominoes

This very stylish item looks great in my Warner collection, but what props from Alan doesn’t. The teak version uses a straightforward case, though admittedly the wood looks rich and beautiful, but this painted case with its glossy pure white background topped by a long slender black diamond steals some of the attention to the props. Dominoes keep changing to match the colored ribbon as the domino is inserted in the case with the ribbon. Construction of the dominoes to accomplish the effect is top quality and has a "locking" feature to make handling the dominoes a ease. Brilliant item from the one and only Alan Warner.

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Move over Mr. Ollivander, Mr. Wayne is here

According to Thomas Wayne’s description, this is the actual wand design he built for Bill Malone; Eric DeCamps, a good friend of Malone’s, later ordered an identical wand. Well, I loved it the moment I first saw it and Thomas was nice to make me one, too. The wand is composed of rich, exotic Cocobolo for the shaft with Gabon Ebony ferrules and Gold pin-rings as pictured; the inlays of "theater masks" are real Ivory. The leather case that cradles each section individually is lined with European billiard cloth. The joints at the center are amazingly invisible. Remember this is the man that is famous for his fabulous cue sticks.

Magic wands have always been a symbol of this magic craft we all admire and a beautiful wand like this one shows to your audience that you mean business on its appearance. Misdirection can definitely be aided by the presence of a wand in a routine. What’s a great Cups and Balls routine without a wand. If anything, a wand of this quality is one fine work of art. Thanks, Thomas for such impeccable craftsmanship.

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This is why Milson-Worth is so HOT!

This beauty is another version of the famed Milson-Worth Deluxe Oriental Die Box. The one most often seen around in collections is the black/red lacquered "dragon" design. It’s nice, but this one gets the stares. I really love this new design from that fertile mind of Lyn Johnson. Then, there is the usual high quality workmanship one expects from Milson-Worth and I don’t have to go into details as his past works speak for themselves. The "slide" sound effect is very convincing. The oriental decor on this box is gorgeous, though the flash in the pictures fades them a little. All together this adds to one true masterpiece of a die box and the WOWs just echo.

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Straight forward prop with a punch

This is a single domino from Alan’s earlier years that allows you to do the "sucker move" with the colors on the dots. White becomes blue and back to white again, all behind your back. Well, that’s simple enough till someone asks you to turn over the domino and a rainbow of colors greets them. Nice idea and a cute pocket trick. I like it. Art Emerson years ago apparantly came up with a routine incorporating this item with Do-Mini-O and actually sold the two as a set but, unfortunately, I am not aware of his ideas.

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Great Owen piece and affordable.

Well, folks, I am glad to say that here is a very nice item from Owen’s Magic that will not empty your wallet. The workmanship is impeccable. This particular piece was made with exotic Bubinga, but I was shown others using different types of woods and even combinations. It’s an "innocent" looking box holding a few office trinkets. A bill is produced and tacked to the lid. The loose end of the bill is held up and the lid hangs down swinging on the other end. A reaping noise ensues when the lid is pulled straight down, but to everyone astonishment, the bill is intact except for the holes made by the tacks. Beautiful effect, the noise is so convincing that the bill is surely torn, and again, a bargain for Owen’s standards. Had this been made in teak, it would fit comfortably with Alan Warner’s line of magic.

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One gorgeous Warner version of a classic

This is an early painted item from Alan; his version of a classic. I have always loved this effect that I had Howard Hale of WoodMagic build me a custom version of his Clear Deception using exotic woods. Alan never released a teak version but it would be difficult to beat this brilliantly painted piece and it sure stands out nicely with my other cherished Warner pieces.

Leave it to Alan to add a twist to this routine. Two, not one, slotted cards are shown, one black and one white. One is chosen and both cards placed in a red holder with a large hole so that the two cards can become trapped to each other by lacing them with a red shoe string. Concentrate and the chosen card rises up loose from it’s string entrapment. Great magic and oustanding props.

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Love this version!

Kubika was recently re-released in teak as part of the Warner’s Millennium Collection that was limited to 12 sets only. This "original" painted item is a joy and a great companion to the teak version. Glossy whites and blacks add such a classy look. Bright orange ribbon imbeds the black block inside the tube but, say the magic word, and it penetrates with ease. What a craftsman…the modern Taytelbaum.

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What a fast switch!

This is a piece from his painted "era" similar to Curio in methodology. White square with hole and solid black square shown. One is placed in lovely black/red hinged box and the other placed in pockets. With a blink of an eye, they change places. Beautiful and pocket size miracle from a discontinued era in Alan’s long career.

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