Prediction Chest/Nest of Boxes (Original) (Star Prediction Chest) by R.A.R. Magic

I must say how impressed I am with this prediction box from Roy Roth’s R.A.R. Magic. Roy built these boxes, but I believe it is a Larry Becker idea, and we all know how clever Larry is!

What a  wonderful clever device this is and even better than Roy’s Nest of Boxes which is another beauty. Both inner and outer boxes can be locked. The outer box measures: 10″ x 6″ x 3.5″ deep.

I’ve had a few of these over the years but I believe this is one of the first versions made – it is a little more vintage and has a more authentic look.  The instructions say “Nest of Boxes” but the adverts say “Prediction Chest” – it can be used for both.

What most performers, including myself, miss about this box is that the original routine has the magician opening both boxes and clearly showing everything is empty.  Then they padlock and tie it up so that not only are the spectators certain nothing is in there, but also that nothing can get inside without opening the padlocks.  If you perform it this way, it makes for a much more baffling effect.  Normally, most performers start with it locked and ready to load and miss out the whole beginning convincer.  But if you do show everything clean at the beginning then there is less heat on you when you come to load it later on.

(Please notice: the method I use to vanish the necklace in the video is using a P&L Handkerchief “Casette” which seems perfect for this effect, but it is not part of the original effect – you have to use your favorite method.)

Effect: The spectator is shown the boxes empty.  He is asked to lock the inner box and then place it into the larger box. He then locks that too. The performer ties the box up and places it in full view, to one side. Then the small article is borrowed and ‘vanished’.

Spectator is requested to unlock the outer box. Then the performer takes the box from the spectator and turns the box toward himself. He unties the cards and opens the lid,  and removes the inner box immediately for the spectator to unlock and remove his article.

Everything looks above board. The box can be in full view all the time and clearly shown empty at the beginning.  Then padlocked and tied and yet whenever you want it becomes an easy matter to slip a small item like a prediction, ring, or ladies watch into the inner box from the outside.

There is nothing added or taken away and no magnets, threads, or electronics.

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