Author: reviews

For more details on Willi Wessel’s unique Alan Warner collection click here.

This effect is stronger than you might think. At first glance Checkmate looks like you are predicting a one out of three outcome, but in fact you not only predict which color chess piece they will choose, but also which plaque they will place it on.

The chess piece and plaque chosen can be different each time, although the effect cannot be repeated immediately to the same audience. It does use multiple outs but they are constructed very cleaning and logically into the wooden tablets and not are contrived as is quite often the case with multiple out effects. Each outcome is as solid as the others so it really doesn’t matter which color they choose or which plaque they place it on, the effect is equally as strong.

This is a very clean effect and method, that resets instantly and is very easy to learn. It has an elegant simplicity that Alan excels at and you will enjoy.

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For more details on Willi Wessel’s unique Alan Warner collection click here.

It is amazing how small yet entertaining this effect is. There are no moves and the spectator is convinced they have a free choice with each phase of the routine. And yet they always choose the crazy Karate Kard that reeks havoc on the rest of the cards 🙂

There are no tricky or hidden moves and if you follow the clear directions Alan lays out for you the effect pretty much works itself. This effect is precisely and beautifully made and something quite different.

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For more details on Willi Wessel’s unique Alan Warner collection click here.

This is one of Alan’s oldest effects from his painted Mini-Magic period before he moved exclusively to Teak apparatus. At first glance it would appear to be a Die-Box type effect with a Chinese Coin and in fact that is how the routine begins but it progresses into something more.

After the performer has shown the Chinese Coin apparently vanished – and it really does look like it has vanished even if they stare intently into the charming miniature wooden box, the performer apparently messes up because they hear the coin rolling around in the box again. Well luckily this is planned and when the coin is finally shown it is a totally different coin that is produced.

This new coin can be pretty much any coin that fits int the box. I chose a UK 2P in my photos as it contrasts nicely with the silver Chinese coin supplied. With some simple thought you could produce a coin that leads nicely into your next effect, taking all heat off of the box.

This is very finely made with some amazing tolerances given the size of the box. Easy to do with simple reset too. If you spend a little time with your other coin effects I’m sure you will be able to blend this into an even bigger routine.

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The Escaping Vampire (or Vampire Block or Vampire Die or Visible Vampire as this type of block penetration is often known as today) was created by Ben Wallace c. 1945. 

As is often the case Owen’s have created one of the finest versions of this illusion and it looks striking and works smoothly.

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Different from Douglas-Wayne Illusioneering, But More Practical! If you have ever seen the Douglas-Wayne Illusioneering version of this effect you will at first be a bit disappointed. The Douglas-Wayne Illusioneering version is a faithful reproduction of the drawings in Hoffmann’s Modern Magic. It is smaller, particularly the tower the coin rises up on, and it is slightly better made. However, it is quite a big pain to set-up and how the coin rises behind the window can be seen in certain lighting conditions.

With the Mikame version, reset is much, much easier using a clockwork mechanism and the coin rises in broad daylight with no clue as to how even with bright lights shining on the tower. It is also wide enough so that the coin rises without touching the sides so it really does look like it is rising unaided.

The kicker of course is that when it gets to the top you hear it hit the top and then find it in the little box that is locked and on top. The coin can be signed if desired.

To the audience this Mikame version probably looks better and since it is much easier to reset, I believe it is more likely to be actually performed, rather than sitting on the shelf looking cool.

The collector will certainly prefer the Douglas-Wayne Illusioneering version, however if you really want to perform this more than once a year I think you are better off with the Mikame version. Although the craftsmanship doesn’t quite measure up to Douglas-Wayne Illusioneering Quality it is still a very nice piece and something you will be proud to own and perform.

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