Review by Greg for Antique Pill Box by Dave Powell

Review by Greg for Antique Pill Box by Dave Powell
Review by Greg for Antique Pill Box by Dave Powell
4 out of 5

Powell Packs a Punch

I’ve never been let down by Mr. Powell’s effects and this lovely piece is no exception.

The effect is not new, but the method is. Or sort of. It actually combines several old ideas into a new design. But how come? And that is why I’m giving this review 4 stars instead of 5. Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT regretful for purchasing this. I love it. The quality is top notch, and the design is unique. This box can play in a variety of settings. I just question why Mr. Powell put so much effort into fixing something that may not have been broken.

Let me go into detail without letting on too much. This box looks like a Lippincott box, feels like a Lippincott box, delivers the same effect as a Lippincott box, but doesn’t function like one. This probably will fool your magician friends at your IBM meetings, but laymen, who probably could never figure out a traditional Lippincott Box, will never know the difference. It is devious, and the secret – to those who aren’t familiar with its workings – is undetectable. But is it necessary?

A gentleman by the name of Joe Porper also recreated the Lippincott box with his ingenious Strong Box. It was brilliant in design and construction, and in some ways – due to its added weight and design – functioned a bit quicker than a standard wood box. Dave Powell’s beautiful Antique Pill Box also brings some new ideas to the table. But did either of them NEED to be made? I guess you can argue that it’s human nature to improve upon our past accomplishments. The classic Linking Rings effect for example, has been redesigned to include a practically seamless, locking key ring. A lot of magician’s love this update. So, maybe I’m just being too analytical.

Let me close this already long review with this…if you are a collector, and love Dave Powell’s creations as much as I do…buy this. If you are a professional, or casual performer who appreciates quality, and can afford this piece…buy it. If you are an amateur, or beginning magician who can’t spend the money for a top shelf effect…don’t buy this, there are much less costly options.

Myself? I’m a hybrid. I am an amateur magician and an avid collector who has a habit of buying beautiful, hand-crafted magic, created by artisans who have pride in their work

I am not disappointed.

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Review by Rudy for Opium Coins by Sasco

Review by Rudy for Opium Coins by Sasco
Review by Rudy for Opium Coins by Sasco
5 out of 5

A GREAT close-up, visual illusion!

Yes! You may think this item’s effect description sounds a bit over-exaggerated…but you must see the performance of this trick in order to believe it! I know of two different ways the effect can be done, and both are VERY visual! It’s been seen on TV how a cigarette can penetrate through a quarter, but imagine seeing it melt through TWO half dollars, then in the blink of an eye, see those two half dollars change into two Chinese coins…of a different color! YES! It does happen this way, and you, too, can make people rub their eyes in disbelief. It is SO visual that you fool yourself in the mirror while practicing! So buy Opium Coins today! You will be performing this wherever you go!!

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Review by George Guerra for Chan Chu by Alan Warner

Review by George Guerra for Chan Chu by Alan Warner
Review by George Guerra for Chan Chu by Alan Warner
5 out of 5

Another winner from Alan

Anything new from Alan is always so welcome. Missed the days when I was building up my Warner collection and feeling like a kid in a toy’s store when his parcels arrived. This is Alan’s latest in his teak mini-magic line and it is definitely a treat.

The drawer type, rectangular box is gorgeously decorated on all viewable sides as can been seen, comes with solid brass feet and knob and works like a charm. I believe the method in revealing the coins at the end has not been incorporated in any previous Warner piece. It’s ingenious in operation with perfect workmanship to match.

There is a definite ease in performing this routine, so that lets you relax and tell the story of Chan Chu, the three legged money frog. Clearly, a beautiful Warner piece to add to my collection. Wondering what Alan will release next?

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Review by Steven Warburton for China Fortune (Wun Fang and His Chinese Coin) by Rip Van Winkle, Len Belcher

Review by Steven Warburton for China Fortune (Wun Fang and His Chinese Coin) by Rip Van Winkle, Len Belcher
Review by Steven Warburton for China Fortune (Wun Fang and His Chinese Coin) by Rip Van Winkle, Len Belcher
5 out of 5

Excellent collectible magic…

This is my first Rip Van Winkle magic prop and I’m very impressed. I love the attention to detail and handcrafted pieces; the quality is excellent.

The combination of having a fine crafted prop tied to a magical story line makes this a wonderfull addition to my collection. If you get an opportunity to see a Rip Van Winkle prop for sale I suggest you consider adding it to your collection, show, or shelf.

Steven Warburton
MagicTrickCollection.com

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Review by Shannon Cunningham for China Fortune (Wun Fang and His Chinese Coin) by Rip Van Winkle, Len Belcher

Review by Shannon Cunningham for China Fortune (Wun Fang and His Chinese Coin) by Rip Van Winkle, Len Belcher
Review by Shannon Cunningham for China Fortune (Wun Fang and His Chinese Coin) by Rip Van Winkle, Len Belcher
5 out of 5

Very nice

I am very fortunate to own several pieces from Rip Van Winkle. I love his natural wood pieces but also enjoy his painted ones. This vintage looking item is a version of Len Belcher’s that he called Wun Fang and his Golden Coin. The effect is simple but very magical. You have two stands, one of the stands has a coin on it. You place the two panels in front of the stands to hide them from the audience. You remove the coin from the stand on the left and place it on the stand to the right. You then lift the panel to show the coin has disappeared from the stand on the right. At that point the audience sees the coin hanging out of the panel your holding. You grab the coin and as you slide it out of the panel it transforms into a little China man. you then lift the other panel to show the coin has never left the original stand on the left.

Though this is one of Mr. Vanwinkle’s simpler pieces, it is all hand painted including the little China man. The gimmick stands and gimmick wood coin make it very easy to perform. If you have the chance to buy one of his pieces do so as he only makes a couple of each one. Highly recommended….


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Review by Andy Martin for Royal Redo by Bill Wisch

Review by Andy Martin for Royal Redo by Bill Wisch
Review by Andy Martin for Royal Redo by Bill Wisch
5 out of 5

This really surprised me and I love it!

Ok so we all think that the tired old Princess Card Trick is not for us and so have passed this one by … big mistake! This new version by Bill Wisch and those crazy cats at Elmwood Magic is amazing. It turns the Princess Card Trick into a full blown, multi-phase routine that is clean, clever, and entertaining.

Every year I look for new items that I can use at my Company Christmas party for walk around and this will be featured for sure. It looks like real mentalism, plain and simple! It requires no sleights, is easy to do, resets instantly, and can be repeated. For those of you inclined to practice a little more, and you should be, it also has some extra ideas that will really blow them away.

This is the big sleeper of 2009 and I love it!

Highly Recommend for Performers everywhere!

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Review by Andy Martin for Red Jigged Bone + Turquoise Knives by Joe Mogar

Review by Andy Martin for Red Jigged Bone + Turquoise Knives by Joe Mogar
Review by Andy Martin for Red Jigged Bone + Turquoise Knives by Joe Mogar
5 out of 5

Wow A Stunning Set of Knives!

So I’ve been a big fan of Joe Mogar’s knives for many years now, but I just received this set of Red Jigged Bone and Turquoise and I must say they are absolutely breathtaking! Beautifully made as are all of Joe’s knives, with a perfect weight and feel. But these are so special you can’t help but feel a warm glow!

If you have not spent some time with Joe’s knives it is about time you did – I have never seen such amazing pieces of art that are such a pleasure to hold and perform with.

Highly Recommended for Performers and Collectors!

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Review by Andy Martin for Giant Stag/White Knives by Joe Mogar

Review by Andy Martin for Giant Stag/White Knives by Joe Mogar
Review by Andy Martin for Giant Stag/White Knives by Joe Mogar
5 out of 5

Bigger is sometimes Better!

I’ve been a big fan of Joe Mogar’s knives for many years. They are beautifully made and always feel perfectly balanced. However, I have found that when I’m performing knife routines to eight or more people in a close-up situation that the standard knives are not so easily seen and sometimes the changes are missed.

I have tried Joe Jumbo’s before but they are a bit on the large size for me and so I was very pleased to find these "Giant" knives – of course they are not "Giant" but they are a great size for small and perfect for larger close-up shows. Or if you simply have bigger hands.

Most of the standard moves work perfectly, but now everyone can see them. The photo shows the difference in size between the standard ones and the giant ones.

If you’re into beautiful knives, and why wouldn’t you be, these are perfect to add your performance and collection.

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Review by Andy Martin for Topsy Turvy Bottles by Stevens Magic

Review by Andy Martin for Topsy Turvy Bottles by Stevens Magic
Review by Andy Martin for Topsy Turvy Bottles by Stevens Magic
5 out of 5

Quality, Color and Entertainment all in one!

I’ve always like the Topsy Turvey Bottle idea, but have never found a set I like. These bottles from Joe Stevens are amazing! They are brightly colored and made of heavy metal, with sealed bottoms. What is also cool is that even though the bottles are different colors and can be examined the spectator can choose either one for themselves. The gimmick works with both colors.

The covers are made of thick card board, and it would have been nice to have them in plastic or metal, but otherwise this is a perfect set.

Highly Recommended for Comedy Magicians everywhere!

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Review by Andy Martin for Jack and Jill by The Trickery, Viking Mfg.

Review by Andy Martin for Jack and Jill by The Trickery, Viking Mfg.
Review by Andy Martin for Jack and Jill by The Trickery, Viking Mfg.
5 out of 5

A Beautiful Version of This Classic

Howie has redone this effect quite a few times over the years and most recently he has had them made by George Robinson down at Viking. These are as good as the ones made by the famous Jerry – they are very thin and beautifully finished. The cards are expertly made and the effect is just so clean now. You place the jack in one holder and the queen in the other and instantly they swap places. Even though they can see the cards at all times.

If you are a medium to high high-end collector that appreciates the fine Magic of craftsmen like Alan Warner and Mel Babcock, you will surely appreciate the workmanship in this new release.

Get these before they run out. They are exquisite!

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