Author: reviews

A Classic and the Best is an Owen

I have always had a fancy for this effect. The earliest models included Loyd’s Jewel Chest of Ching See and, more recently, Richard Gerlitz updated it with his version, The Temple of Dragon and Jewel Chest of Sea-Ling. This is the Owen model and a treat to own.

Simplistic skeleton frame used for the cabinet, but beautiful solid walnut construction and bright, brass touches on the sides stands out. The block is an elegant yellow and black Oriental design..nothing fancy but perfectly complementing the cabinet housing it.

The effect is a solid block is shown and locked into the open cabinet with a solid, examinable rod. A top hat or any container is placed on top. In an instant the block is seen to visually fly up and penetrate into the container on top where the block is now removed and freely shown. For those in the know, the one problem with the Loyd’s model was that the "release mechanism" was openly placed in front for all to see. Owen moved it naturally to the bottom of the cabinet within easy reach when you lay the apparatus on your hand for the performance. It’s fast, though a bit "noisy"…one of my only qualms.

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Atypical MW item, but one great illusion

Saw this item for sale on ebay by John Mendoza and decided to bring out the one sitting in my collection for 19 years. Forgot what a great illusion this is. I guess it’s easy to miss this one for it’s simple, straightforward design and construction in contrast to the rest of the Milson-Worth line. However, it is a well built fooler and one you will want to perform, while the rest of your MW collection sits pretty on the shelf.

The pictures tells it all. With a simple idea, the whole apparatus can be examined in the beginning and at the end of the routine to further add confusion to this mystery. As far as I can tell, it was never pictured in any MW catalogue, but casually mentioned in the price lists that accompany the catalogues.

The brass light stand is of heavy construction, 24 3/4 inch tall with the globe bulb, and the base has a 5 1/2 inch diameter. Overall, a beautiful effect and recommended if you can find one for sale.

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Tough to top this Die Box

I must first admit that I am not a die box aficionado, but the beauty in the work of this die box was irresistible. Only one other die box adorns my collection for the same reason and that is the new version of the Milson-Worth Deluxe Oriental Die Box.

The construction is solid and meticulously built to please the most neat picky of any collector out there. The choice of wood is Padauk and the grain, color of this gorgeous African wood shows throughout. The people at Owen, on my visit to that mecca of magic, told me only about a dozen were made; the rest being Walnut.

However, the most attractive appeal to me was that this was a part of a select group of items specially commissioned to celebrate their 100th anniversary in business. That was clearly and artistically branded onto the back panel of the box as shown. I just love it!

Of course, the box functions perfectly and the slide is a smooth, solid thump to convince the spectators that the die is indeed moving side to side. The paint job on the shell and die are perfect, reminiscent of the quality on Milson-Worth apparatus, but then, this is an Owen item and to be expected.

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