Review by Andy Martin for Maximum Security by Magic Max, Mick Hanzlik

Review by Andy Martin for Maximum Security by Magic Max, Mick Hanzlik
Review by Andy Martin for Maximum Security by Magic Max, Mick Hanzlik
5 out of 5

Before Mick Hanzlik released his Supalock c. 2004 he worked with Verne McCarthy at Magic Max to create the amazing “Maximum Security” padlock which works differently from any other lock I have seen. These were made in very limited quantities and only about 25 units were made.

You can use the lock for Seven Keys to Baldpate effects  and other effects where you want to control when the key opens and I’ve included a special box so you can fill it with cash or jewels.  Whoever picks the correct key wins the contents.  It certainly adds an extra bit of excitement into the proceedings.

Once you understand the method you’ll find this easy to open and you will be able to make any key open the box on demand, but you have to read the instructions a few time and understand what is happening inside the lock.  It is not difficult but I found the instructions confusing and not strictly accurate.  I can provide a video to explain the movement.

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Review by Andy Martin for The Tenyo Paddle Collection (TC-01) by Tenyo, Phil Goldstein

Review by Andy Martin for The Tenyo Paddle Collection (TC-01) by Tenyo, Phil Goldstein
Review by Andy Martin for The Tenyo Paddle Collection (TC-01) by Tenyo, Phil Goldstein
5 out of 5

This is Tenyo’s highly sought after Paddle collection. Also included are the 19 page of instructions written by Phil Goldstein and illustrated by Teruhide Sonoda.

I have read through the clearly written and well illustrated instructions multiple times and attempted to perform each of the 11 effects presented and here are a few brief comments. When you first look at the ten paddles you think what a cute set of bar paddles, but each of the paddles has a very specific purpose and it is quite incredible how amazing some of the routines are thanks to the placement of gems in certain locations. Although none of the paddles has any sliding parts or items added or removed, if you bother to read through the routines I’m quite sure you will find some effects that appeal to you and are easy to perform.

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Review by Andy Martin for Perfect Switch Case (Kartenspiel Austauschkassette) by Magiro

Review by Andy Martin for Perfect Switch Case (Kartenspiel Austauschkassette) by Magiro
Review by Andy Martin for Perfect Switch Case (Kartenspiel Austauschkassette) by Magiro
5 out of 5

Magiro created two versions of this unique switch case. His first version was released c. 1993 and this deluxe version was released c. 1998.  Both versions were called “Kartenspiel Austauschkassette” and marketed by Eckhard Boettcher in Germany (see the final two photos).  The switch mechanism is clever and unique to Magiro and quite different from other boxes created to switch decks of cards.

In 2023 Joe Long and Paul Lembo created a particularly fine version through their Limited Edition Magic line.  Magiro’s version is smaller and not as ornate and only works with bridge sized cards, but otherwise there are no significant functional differences between the two.

This would be a shoe in for any type of Eddie Joseph Premonition effect, however, Magiro includes a much simpler effect that is similar to Premonition, but with no calculations or memory work. It can also be used to switch any bridge sized playing cards, billets and other small objects.

The original Magiro versions are very rarely seen and this is in fact the only one I have ever seen.

(Notice: the way this device is constructed the switch is not silent.  I think adding some felt could help a lot, however, because I won’t be keeping this historical item I have not made any changes.  But if you were going to perform with this on a regular basis you would probably want to consider adding some felt to dullen the sound.)

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Review by Andy Martin for Micro Shark Chopper by Chance Wolf

Review by Andy Martin for Micro Shark Chopper by Chance Wolf
Review by Andy Martin for Micro Shark Chopper by Chance Wolf
5 out of 5

These micro items of Wolf’s Magic larger products are the cutest, most robust, brightest, fully functional, modern, micro magic I have ever had the pleasure to own. Every piece in the collection is a joy to behold and every detail has been thought out. I am not sure if I’ll ever perform them in a formal show, but that is not a great surprise because I have almost never performed any of my mini-magic effects from my good friend Alan Warner either.

The Genius of Chance is by making micro versions of his larger flagship products, they will certainly appeal not just to kids performers but to collectors of beautiful magic everywhere too. When you see the quality of the finish you absolutely have to have them. You can perform them too, which is almost too good to believe.

Wolf’s Magic is not only the #1 Leader in Innovative Children’s Magic, they are also the #1 Leader in Innovative Micro Magic too. They just keep getting better.

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Review by Jon Wilson for Mini Phantom by Magic Wagon

Review by Jon Wilson for Mini Phantom by Magic Wagon
Review by Jon Wilson for Mini Phantom by Magic Wagon
5 out of 5

There are some copycats in the world unfortunately to this Magic Wagon piece and to Simon’s performance. I feel bad because I have actually owned them. Let me say this right now, my copycats bought overseas by 3D printing plastic are no comparison in the world to this piece. I am lucky enough to own one and alI can tell you, is the Magic Wagon piece actually worth it and yes, it is. It is a has a more solid, heavier feel to it.

It is very hard to explain a feeling with magic, but this piece of magic has a solid definition to it. To me, after having the others, there is no comparison. It is a great piece of magic art created by Magic Wagon. They come along rarely, but get one if one comes up for sale for your collection of Magic Wagon items, get it. You won’t regret it!

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Todd Harris

Posted January 6, 2024:

As I have researched the history of props, makers, values and much more, there are a handful of websites that I have found most useful but none done as well as Andy Martin’s magnificent creation. What a brilliant modern day multi-media resource for our magic community. Todd Harris – The Magic Attic

Todd Harris
Northport, NY

Review by Rick for Strange Cabinet of Deodar (Rare Version) by Ed Massey

Review by Rick for Strange Cabinet of Deodar (Rare Version) by Ed Massey
Review by Rick for Strange Cabinet of Deodar (Rare Version) by Ed Massey
5 out of 5

This is a wonderful effect! As we all know, Massey was a genius. I have owned both the original and also this rare version of the Cabinet of Deodar, and both are baffling. However this version is truly beautiful and works so smoothly. Though the original may be more collectable to some, this version is by far the most visually desirable.

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Review by Andy Martin for Bottania, Rabbit, and Silk Square Circle Production (Deluxe Model) by Don Redmon Company

Review by Andy Martin for Bottania, Rabbit, and Silk Square Circle Production (Deluxe Model) by Don Redmon Company
Review by Andy Martin for Bottania, Rabbit, and Silk Square Circle Production (Deluxe Model) by Don Redmon Company
5 out of 5

What a beautiful production item from Don Redmon. Earlier versions of this item omitted the Bottania and produced a goldfish bowl for the climax instead. But if you want the full experience the Bottania is the way to go for sure. It makes for a very impressive display when you produce all the silks and other items, then the rabbit and finally produce the Bottania which really fills the table 🙂

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Review by Andy Martin for The Chinese Money Box by Alan Warner

Review by Andy Martin for The Chinese Money Box by Alan Warner
Review by Andy Martin for The Chinese Money Box by Alan Warner
5 out of 5

Here is a rare beauty from Alan’s early days when he’d create some wonderful and unique items for children’s performers.

As often is the case with Alan’s work, The Chinese Money Box is not what you are expecting. Normally in this type of die-box type effect the large Chinese coin vanishes after some byplay and is found somewhere else on the Magician’s person. In fact, this is an option but what really makes this item unique are these two features:

  • When the coin has vanished the kids can still hear it rolling back and forth as the performer tips the box from side to side. But during this byplay the magician can expose half the coin in the back of the box, which will get the kids screaming even more.
  • This is then followed by the startling climax that the coin they think is rolling back and forth is in fact a large gold coin instead of the original silver one.

I am almost always pleasantly surprised when I pick-up one of Alan’s items – he goes the extra mile to squeeze out all the magic he can from his wonderful items.  I think you will be pleased too 🙂

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Review by Andy Martin for Jimmy King's Block Vanish by Jimmy King, Mak Magic, U.F. Grant

Review by Andy Martin for Jimmy King's Block Vanish by Jimmy King, Mak Magic, U.F. Grant
Review by Andy Martin for Jimmy King's Block Vanish by Jimmy King, Mak Magic, U.F. Grant
5 out of 5

This is a very clever vanish of a block invented by Jimmy King and first sold by U.F. Grant and then later by Mak Magic. Although it looks similar to the See-Thru Block Vanish it works completely differently and it is a very convincing vanish that I think you will enjoy ?

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