Hathaway Handkerchief Cabinet by Abbott’s

What a very clean and impressive effect by Hathaway.  The Abbott’s version is quite different and a lot larger than the Haenchen version here.

I do really like this effect but it has one major problem – every time you perform this you need to destroy the handkerchief. This is not a problem if you can get them cheaply but when I worked with this I needed a 17″ handkerchief to cover the space, and those are harder to find.  In addition the handkerchiefs that work best are silk not cotton – cotton can get too bulky.

Also, of course, if you use silk handkerchiefs good luck borrowing one from a spectator.  I think these days you can rarely assume someone has a white handkerchief readily available anyway.  So I would not even attempt to borrow the hanky.  So now you just need to find cheap silks for repeat performances, which I think is possible.  For my tests I was paying $15 per silk so I could not do many live tests.

But I think if you use the correct handkerchief’s this is quite an amazing illusion.  But it takes work, sourcing, and practice to get it right.

Effect: The World’s Greatest Handkerchief Mystery!!!

The performer borrows a gentleman’s white handkerchief. It may be marked for further identification, however, this is not necessary as the handkerchief never leaves the sight of the audience.

The diagonal ends of the handkerchief are run thru the slot ends of a cabinet as seen in the illustration. It is freely pulled back and forth. Now, in plain sight of the audience, the magician cuts the handkerchief in halves . . . or he may cut out the entire center section  . . .  the front door is now closed  . . .  remember the ends are still in full view!

A spectator is asked to tug on one end of the handkerchief, the other end immediately moves! – The door is dropped open and the handkerchief is completely RESTORED! TH E SPECTATOR MAY REMOVE IT FROM THE CABINET HIM SELF!

Sounds impossible and that’s exactly what it is, never-the-less, that’s the effect of this baffling mystery.

• A Borrowed Handkerchief Is Used!
• No Sleight-of-Hand Required!
• Handkerchief Never Leaves The Sight Of Spectators!
• A Necktie, Ribbon Or Silk Stocking May Also Be Used!

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