Reviews

This is a parlor sized version of the larger stage version created by the talented craftsman Rocky Clements c. 2009.  It is a very clever effect if a little messy to set-up.

While this prop is entirely different in size, appearance, design, and much of the method, it should be noted that the original method was invented by David Howarth c. 1967 called the Ultimate Prediction Slate and manufactured and marketed by Ken Brooke as the Nemo (Prediction) Slate. 

Rocky worked on the design and ironed out some issues with the original construction and design and ended up wit the Final Answer.

Click here for more information.

This is a wonderful double effect from Vienna Magic and the inventive mind of Wolfgang Grosskopf.   It has been tricky to pinpoint an exact date when Wolfgang invented the idea. I was able to track down references to Kartenwürfel as early as 1957, and Wolfgang was most active from 1970-2000.  My best guess is Wolfgang had the idea c. 1980, and it was later built by Vienna Magic and released by Eckhard Boettcher c. 2002. This version is with Jumbo cards and an elegant wooden packing case to store them. (If you have more accurate dates please contact me.)

The effect requires two cards to be forced and a simple move which is certainly not big enough to call a sleight, plus you have the full cover of the hanky to do it under. After a few tries you’ll have the workings of this down pat, and then of course you’ll just need to focus on your overall presentation.

One of the things I like about this version is one end of the packing case has black felt which is perfect to place the case on its side and slide out the dice, due to the size of the jumbo dice it is easier to slide them all out together and by turning the box on the black felt, this is made much easier.  It seems like a small point but taking out the dice any other way is not as smooth, and this method also ensures you take the dice out in the correct direction.

This is a great version and a fun and unusual effect that you will get a lot of fun out of.

Click here for more information.

Colin Rose released a series of old fashioned magic apparatus under his Victorian Collection banner with the intricacies and artistic appeal of a long forgotten era where attention to details by the craftsmen of the time made these items museum quality pieces to be cherished over generations. This is a lost art as it requires skill and patience.  These were created in association with Colin’s friend Paul Coker and this fine example was crafted by Paul Coker as can be seen by the stamp on the bottom of the vase. 

Paul Coker worked alongside Colin to create some of the ornate issues in the Victorian Collection which was in celebration of The Magic Circle Centenary (2005), this also included some of the more elaborate issues from The Trafalgar Collection which was issued the same year. Paul’s work is also featured in The Harlequin Collection and a few one off issues that went into Private Collections.  Paul and Colin’s association lasted for about seven years when Paul retired and focused on his ornamental turnings and restoration work for which he was world renown before his involvement with Colin.

With both Colin and Paul now retired finding this sort of impeccable wood turning is almost impossible for any price.  The vase works perfectly and Colin and Paul thought of everything – there is even room enough to secrete a coin in the base when the vase stands flat on the table which adds more opportunities for magic and mystery.  When you hold a magnificent item like this in your hands you begin to understand why so many collectors and magicians are drawn to wood turnings – talk about magic in the palm of your hands.  Just breathtaking and even Floyd Thayer would be proud of this piece 🙂

Click here for more information.

I love Juan Pablo’s Torn Card Evolution!  I have used it for a few years now.

You can see it in action here:

• Plexi-Card by El Duco’s Magic
• Card Go by Jack Hughes
• Presto Card Frame by Thayer Quality Magic
• Any other time you need a torn card to appear in an impossible place 🙂

It is just perfect and highly recommended!

Click here for more information.

The new version of the old classic Presto card frame (Thayer Quality Magic c. 1905) has been drastically beautified with a solid aged walnut frame, each piece has been painstakingly selected to amplify the luxurious elegance of the finished frame and base.

This looks like a Sand Frame but works differently and what I like about it is that you can hand the frame to the spectator to remove the card, once it magically appears, without any fear of them discovering anything because everything is clean.

Click here for more information.

The Presto Card Frame was an early elegant beauty developed by Floyd Thayer c. 1905 (according to Dr. Albo on Disc 5 in The Ultimate Thayer).  There were three sizes created: Stage or Jumbo, Close-up on a stand and hand-held.  This is the middle Close-up on a stand version.  Over the years the styles have changed and have become even more ornate.  This appears to be one of the earlier versions.

Now if you are looking for a clever mechanical method you will probably be disappointed, however if you are looking for a practical frame to reproduce a card that can be fully examined, is easy to do, easy to set-up with nothing really to go wrong then this is the one you want.

Sometimes as magicians we forget about the effect and get more excited about the method.  This frame is much better than a sand frame or most other types of frames to produce a card I can think of. You can even hand the frame to the spectator to open and remove the card pinned behind the glass.  Try doing that with other types of frame!

Click here for more information.

When I was looking for a high quality Devil’s hank for an old Thayer item I immediately thought of the beautiful silk work of Lynetta Welch at Fabric Manipulation.

And this Devil’s Pocket Square fits the bill perfectly. The exact right size, can handle a good size load, and with an easy to find bead so you know where to place the object for vanishing without looking. Sometimes it is the simple things that make all the difference to a performance and this beautiful silk square really dresses up the routine.

Click here for more information.

This is Thomas’ version of the Mini Card Spider effect, made famous by another amazing German craftsman – Tony Lackner and his Crescensia The Card Spider.  But, as is often the case, Thomas has broken new ground and taken the effect to a whole new level.  Instead of having the chosen card appearing inside the Spider’s web, he first causes the card to appear face down and after making a suitable comment the card eventually turns face up and of course it is the spectator’s selected card.

A lot more work has gone into Oxana than previous mini versions and you will find this a joy to use – it is easy to do and although the props cannot be given out for examination there is nothing obvious to see even close-up.

This is the perfect way to launch the Bling Series – great job Thomas 🙂

Click here for more information.

Don’t let the Bling fool you – this Color Die is a very finely crafted item, with amazing tolerances – the fact that Thomas gets three full changes out of this is quite amazing – where does he hide it all?  This ones takes a little practice to make the transitions smooth – (I’m talking minutes not hours) – but it won’t be long before you are fooling yourself.  Another really impressive effect for Thomas’ fortieth celebration.  There is no doubt Thomas still has plenty of kick left in him 🙂

Click here for more information.

Thomas has really outdone himself on this release – the items inside this box are really amazing. Hard to believe that after forty years Thomas is still creating new and interesting items – but believe it he is 🙂

Click here for more information.