Reviews

This effect dates back to 1827. After being unseen for some decades The Great Carmo reintroduced it in the UK c. 1932 and it is still often referred to as the Carmo Beads in the UK.  The rights to Carmo’s was purchased by Davenport’s from The Great Carmo c. 1938 and they marketed it at The Great Carmo Bead Mystery.  This did not stop U.F. Grant releasing it as The Arabian Bead Mystery c. 1939 and it became a pet effect of Jay Marshall. John Fedko re-titled it as The Beads of Prussia and that is the current term in the USA.

Sam has created a very nice quality one with sold plastic beads and tube.  The gimmick also works very well.

Click here for more information.

The legendary British Inventor, Craftsman, and Dealer Jack Hughes invented many staples in magic that we take for granted today (including: TV Card Frame (1936), Coins in Glass (before Copenetro) (1939), Clatter Box (1951) and many more.

He also invented this beauty, Attaboy, c. 1937. This version was manufactured by Sam Dalal in India and is probably not authorized and although it looks good from a distance it does not work anywhere near as well as the Abbott’s version.

Click here for more information.

The original Buried Treasure effect was invented by Ed Massey c. 1957.  This improved version was built by Arturo (Glenn Babbs) c. 1964 and sold by Abbott’s and  U.F. Grant. This particular item was sold by Abbott’s.

The improved Arturo version is easier to set and the effect is more impressive because the signed coin vanishes and appears inside a third box that is sealed inside a second box which is surrounded by beans, as opposed to just one box as in the original effect.  There have been a number of versions built by various builders including very pretty ones by Mel Babcock and Louis Gaynor. However, one of the features of these original Arturo made boxes is that the large outer red box dismantles further which makes it easier to set-up.

In the Abbott’s advert it talks about tying the outer and inner box with a ribbon – this is certainly possible, but because of the astonishment created by pulling the tiny box out of all of the beans I don’t think it adds anything to the effect and just slows down the pace.  But of course you could use ribbons if you wanted to (and I even include some for you).

This is a truly amazing effect which will amaze your audience and is easy to do 🙂

Click here for more information.

This is Michael Baker’s version of Mazda Magic’s Watch Out invented by Glen Gloye c. 1947.  Michael released his first version c. 2015 called Time & Again Watch Cabinet and this version with the added matching drawer box (at my request) c. 2023.  And what a beautiful job he has done 🙂  Now you can perform this effect without the use of a Devil’s hanky or any sleight of hand.

This beauty is quite a lot bigger than the original version manufactured by Mazda Magic which makes it perfect for the parlor or small stage.  The only downside is that it is a little tricky to show the cabinet fully empty with both doors up at the beginning as I was able to do with the smaller version.  Even so it is still a perfect illusion and this one of a kind matching combo is a collector’s dream 🙂

Click here for more information.

This is a stunning version of beautiful effect invented by the Austrian magician and illusionist Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser and was first performed by him c. 1857. It is often known as The Rose Mirror.

The mirror is of the highest quality made of wood and glass and arrives in a presentation case that is also used in the effect.  This is closer in method to the original mirror used by Hofzinser as there are no clockwork motors used.  It is easy to set and use and there is nothing to go wrong.

Not sure how many will perform it as the serious piece of theater that Hofzinser performed it when he dedicated it to “The Intelligence of Ladies,” but it is a beautiful piece and will look amazing in your collection.

Click here for more information.

Anverdi released his version of Color Match c. 1983 and apart from the name and basic effect there really is no comparison to this new version.  Even the price is almost $200 less that it was 40 years ago 🙂

This is another incredible piece of magic technology from Murphy’s Magic under the Anverdi brand.  Murphy’s really have thought of everything to make this effect as perfect as possible.

However, to me these effects are just too easy and too perfect.  Although there are no signs of electronics I’m not sure I would ever perform this effect.  But that is just me, I know many magicians love this stuff and for those people this item will be well received with zero disappointment.

Click here for more information.

I was very tempted to take this all out and to create my own video in The Porcupine 🙂  But I am running short of time and I knew I’d never be able to get close to Tommy Wonder’s performance so I decided to leave this new in the box. 

This is an incredibly well made version from JM Craft that if you are serious about performing the Classic Vanishing Bird Cage effect, you could not find a better set out there.

Click here for more information.

Based on the write-up below it appears Mark Stevens really likes this product 🙂

I do too which is why I decided to put it behind the bar at The Porcupine. Although I almost never perform magic to an audience after a few drinks – this is precisely the sort of effect I could see me pulling out after a few beers.  It is very easy to do – once you’ve read the instructions you’ll never forget and you will have an instant hit on your hands.

Great stuff Bill and thanks for featuring it on your site Mark 🙂

Click here for more information.