Author: reviews

This clever deck was built by Devil of France (Monaco) and distributed in the USA exclusively by George Robinson of Viking Mfg.  George had only fifty units made and they all sold out very quickly and he only advertised it twice.  This is the first time I have seen or heard of this item which shows how rare it is.

As issued it comes with two detailed pages of instructions, the gimmicked deck in a standard bicycle deck, and the thick paper clock-face. But to do justice to it you probably want to dress it up with some better themed cards (I use the these Magic ones, but it takes just a minute to switch to your favorite deck). Ideally you should use two decks which you switch smoothly using something like this device or this one.   I also throw in an authentic looking Haunted Key which I use at the beginning to check for the existence of any magic spirits.

This deck works very reliably with easily obtainable batteries (2 x A23 (12v) and 1x 1.5v N size) and a small key fob remote (see final photo).  It is quiet but because it works on vibrations you can hear the vibrations in a totally quiet room.  With a normal amount of ambient noise there is little issue.  However, you do need to perform this on a close-up pad or table with padding because otherwise the vibrations will be exaggerated by the table just like a loud speaker.

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Master Payne is releasing a pet pocket trick from his Steampunk Show. Key of the Chrononaut is an updated and steam fitted adaptation of the Rings of Hindustan trick. A classic effect featured in  Dunniger’s Complete Encyclopedia of Magic (also known as: the Chinese Ring Illusion, The Two Ring Trick, Magical Mystery Rings, the Chinese Rings of Mystery), sold by Edwells c. 1933 and E-Z Magic c. 1966.  A particularly nice version was sold by Alan Wong too.

Brian Cook has constructed this prop out of the finest of materials and to his exacting specifications. The gears have been made from the finest walnut and fitted with brass like interior rings. They truly are a work of art. Plus Brian has added his own twist on this routine which allows both gear rings to be examined at the beginning and conclusion of the trick, allowing you to fool those in the know.

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This is the original version of Dial-X invented by U.F. Grant and Schuyler Reynolds and what a clever and useful device it is.  Small enough to fit in the pocket, amazing enough to carry with you.  It is a quite stunning to think that 70 years on it still works perfectly and has not lost any of it’s charm.

The idea for Dial-X was so unique that Grant & Reynolds filed and received a USA Patent for the idea: #US2639923A, so when you see the Patent Pending sign on this effect they were not kidding, it was titled Mechanical Puzzle and granted on May 26, 1953.

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Danny Korem created a very elegant (and expensive) Zig Zag Card c. 1978.  Then Mike Shelley and Morty Rudnick of Magical Mysteries released this version c. 1988 streamlining the method and it has been copied ever since.  

It is simpler than Danny’s version, and is pretty much perfect.  Very easy to do, with basic props made from thin artboard that don’t scream gimmicked, and there are no angle issues either.  You you can sign the center of the card and watch the middle with the signature be slid all the way over right before your eyes!

I have a few other versions of this effect, but there is no question that this version created by Mike Shelley and Morty Rudnick of Magical Mysteries is the best I have seen. (Mike also created jumbo versions of this including one with Mickey Mouse, and he had Viking Mfg. create a collectors version made out of wood.  In my opinion the simplicity of the original was also one of the reasons it was so effective.)

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This is Vincenzo Di Fatta version of Mike Shelley’s and Morty Rudnick’s Zig Zag Card Outdone. Even though it came out 21 years later it is not more deceptive.  The plastic manufacture makes it more durable and solid, but it is about twice as thick as the original and it is easier to flash things if you don’t keep the unit straight on.  It is still a great illusion, but I just think the original is better.

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The amazing Dutch FISM 1958 Grand Prix winner Tonny Van Dommelen created one of the most overlooked close-up miracles ever when in 1965 he started selling his wonderful close-up routine: Dizzy Dominoes.

There have been many versions sold by dealers since then, but one of the most attractive and visually best was this original set from Holland.  In fact, the Dutch micro-magic master Eddy Taytelbaum also created a set and his looked very similar to these ones from Tonny Van Dommelen (see final photo).

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What a rare beauty this item is from the great German Craftsman Tony Lackner. If you are a fan of his Hand of Cleopatra or his Wandering Mummies you will love this item. This is the Deluxe version c. 1994 Zodiak Exklusiv and it is a better quality version of the earlier release called Zodiak Erganzung c. 1988.

It uses the same types of materials and is beautifully made. The disc will mysteriously reveal their freely chosen symbol every time.

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Stan Watson was a talented and generous professional performer and I was lucky enough to be at the Sussex Magic Circle when he was a member. You could always see the difference between his performances and the other guys. His scissors are absolute gold and if you are doing the Linking Rings, then you need this hacksaw.  My all time favorite comedy magician Bob Read used to use them to great effect (of course Bob could make anything look Hilarious) 🙂

At only 10” long and 2-½” high, the gaffed saw is the perfect size, large enough to be seen, but small enough to be convenient. Heavily chrome plated and the blade finished to look real, but be harmless.

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