The Wine Box (Improved Model) by Haenchen

This wonderful and quite rare effect was created by Fred Haenchen.  The first release (c. 1932) used a pedestal and a tube and this improved version (c. 1945) used a clever wine cabinet and the name changed in the adverts to the Sliding Wine Box (though the instructions continued to call it “The Wine Box” and added “Improved Model”).

From an effect perspective it has similarities to the Classic Die Box, however the method is quite different and unique.

It is easy enough to perform, unfortunately my fingers are apparently quite fat and I found doing the most important move almost impossible to do seamlessly.  This means it is unlikely I’ll be able to do a Speed Demo, which is very disappointing as I love it when I feature these cool items that you will never see elsewhere.  I will try, but think it unlikely at this point 🙁

I think for someone with normal sized fingers it will be quite easy to do and you’ll have a wonderful effect that you are unlikely to see elsewhere.

Effect: A new version of the double compartment, four-door “sucker” die box, incorporating new ideas that make it even more puzzling. A small Cabinet represents a “Wine Cellar,” and you remove an empty glass from it, and fill it with wine from a bottle nearby. The box is opened, all four doors, and finally the glass of wine is placed in one side of the box and doors closed.

The glass of wine vanishes, first one side then the other side of the box being shown empty- but the audience is suspicious of the tilting of the box and the accompanying “sliding noise,” demanding that you open all four doors at the same time. This you do, after the usual by-play, and there is no trace of the glass of wine!

What became of the glass of wine? Back in the Wine Cellar, of course-and you open the Cabinet and remove the glass as final proof of your magical powers.

A handsome outfit, finished in Chinese red and brass hardware. This great comedy effect includes the Box, Cabinet, Bottle, Glass, directions and patter, and is quite EASY TO DO.

Basic Patter: “I want you to notice my little wine cabinet here. The bottle stands on top, out where everyone may see it and envy me. Of course none of my friends would drink out of a bottle, and since no glass is in sight, my wine is safe. But when I am alone, here is the glass.”

“This little box has the back and both ends solid, but the front and top consist of four doors which may be opened and closed just like any other doors.”

“Now suppose someone should walk in as I am about to drink the wine. Having only one glass, how could I share it? I quickly place it in one side of the box and, close the doors.”

“Of course I could place the bottle with the rest of the wine in the other side, but I couldn’t close the lid, so, I might as well put it back where it belongs.”

“Now we put the glass with its evolutionary contents in this side of the box”.  “Perhaps I should explain why I call it evolutionary contents. They say it took thousands of years for man to evolve from a monkey, but with the aid of a little strong drink, it takes only a few minutes for a man to evolve right back again. Spirits, begone! You see they have gone. They are not on this side either. Not here at all”.

This leads the audience to believe it is the glass sliding from one side to the other. When you reach a climax, suddenly open all four doors, place hand inside, etc. Then replace the box on the table.

“To get back to our story about my visitor – of course he had to leave sometime. And when he did … Take out the glass and drink the contents with a flourish.” 🙂

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