Year: 2005

Simply Incredible Early Warner Magic

I have been a collector of Alan’s mini-magic since my first piece in December 2001. I never looked into his early children effects simply because they were big props and I have never been interested in children’s magic. This apparatus came up for sale and I hesitated buying it, so it sold quickly to another buyer. Fortunately the new owner later offered it to me and, after some long thinking, I finally gave in to buy it. I am glad I did.

First, it’s large compared to Alan’s current line and the method later incorporated into Kryptic Keys. The card houlette is 4-5 times bigger than the teak one used in Kryptic Keys. Overall, the apparatus provided is simply beautiful. The cards are plastic but the painted designs are actually wood cuts perfectly glued onto the white plastic cards. It looks gorgeous. The paint job is first class, reminiscent of the Milson-Worth apparatus..and that’s a bold statement.

The effect is most entertaining with a strong patter, clever method, and again, fantastic props. The story centers on Shamus, the rabbit of an Irish magician, who loves doing his own magic. First, the full silhouette of the rabbit is seen and hidden behind the house, laid on a black easel which provides support. Attention is then turned to his colored hats in the houlette. The red hat card is chosen by the day of the week and the stack of colored hats held by a child. Shamus scampers off to his hats and makes his magical appearance on the selected hat. But has Shamus really left the house? His silhouette is then discovered to now be a cut out of a rabbit. What a Shamus!

Alan is truly a master craftsman with brilliant ideas behind all his magic. I am most fortunate to add this beautiful apparatus to my collection.

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Cutest Hippity Hoppers Ever!

Collectors’ Workshop released their version of the classic Hippity Hop effect early in their existence. I have not seen one that tops it, yet. They are a beauty. The rabbits are about 4 3/4 inches high and were designed by Les Smith of Owen’s Magic. Actually, if your see their version, you will see a resemblance. The covers and bases are solid walnut. The gimmicks are well built and fit perfectly. Overall, the nicest "mini" sized rabbits I have seen to date and a treasure to my CW collection.

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"Nested Boxes" for a Tea Party

This is was acquired back in the few years after CW opened their doors. It was and still remains a beautiful effect where a spectator’s ring disappears and ends up inside a tea bag, obtained from within a beautifully handcrafted tea chest. The choice of wood is a gorgeously grained Bubinga. The method is straight forward due to the construction of the chest. It ‘s an eye catcher when displayed on your shelf. CW released many winners and this is one of them. Besides, the price was a great bargain compared to their other effects.

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