Martin’s Magic Collection is a rare treat. Informative and well thought out. I learn something new about magic and props every time I visit. Also, Andy’s suggestions on present prices for collector items are a terrific resource tool; especially for those buying or selling. I understand Andy does this as a hobby yet when I had a serious question about magic from the ’60s, Andy took the time to respond with well-thought-out answers.
Review by Andy Martin for Rich Bloch's Impossible Dream by Collectors' Workshop
5 out of 5
This item was originally created by Rich Bloch and released in limited quantities by Rich himself c. 2009. It is now being made perfectly by George Robinson. This is the later version built by George and they are currently unavailable.
Apart from being a very clever idea and a beautifully made prop what I really like about this effect is that Rich has blended all the moves into a very smooth sequence. If you follow the directions it will allow you to perform a miracle without any real heat on you. The action is done at the least expected moments and you are left looking clean and magical.
Review by Andy Martin for Translucent Jokers (Ltd. Edition of 24 sets) by Airship Magic, Dominique Duvivier, Jeff Busby
4 out of 5
Dominique Duvivier created this effect c. 1997 and it was also known as Les Jokers Translucides. It was released by Jeff Busby shortly after as Translucent Jokers and Jeff wrote very detailed instructions for it. It is not a difficult routine to master but it will take some time and practice to do it well.
In 2020 Airship Magic released this version in a Limited Edition of 24 sets. It remains faithful to the original with a nice quality Himber wallet included. The only issue I had with the wallet was that things were a little snug, but I’m guessing that would improve quite quickly over time if you perform (or practice) the effect.
A very different and visual routine that slips into your pocket and is ready to go to amaze and amuse them all. Airship include the Jeff Busby instructions – a full 13 page spread.
Review by Andy Martin for Blood Wood Hydro Die (Only 12 made) by Airship Magic, Magiro
5 out of 5
Since 2016, Mad Jake Jr. and his brother Frederick have been growing their company Airship Magic into a successful magic manufacturing and distribution company. Jake focuses mainly on the metal and coin work and Frederick on the wood work and turning. They also collaborate with smaller, and often unknown, craftsmen to bring a unique line of magic that you rarely find elsewhere in the industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation is high and I’ve been very happy with the products I have purchased from them directly and through Stevens Magic. Just browsing through their website you will find all sorts of cool items that you won’t find elsewhere.
This item is my favorite version of Magiro’s beautiful classic Hydro Die and unlike many of the others that have been released over the years this version stays true to the small form factor that is so key to the success of this illusion. Although some builders, notably Magic Wagon and also Jake Jr. himself have created some very popular versions, to my mind they are too ornate and large which detracts from the actual simplicity and beauty of the illusion.
This one built by Frederick is perfect and works smoother than even the original. It uses a nice blood wood base and lid to keep collectors happy, but otherwise closely follows Magiro’s original. It works perfectly.
Review by Andy Martin for Mike Gallo's Ball and Vase Deluxe by Airship Magic, Mike Gallo
5 out of 5
Since 2016, Mad Jake Jr. and his brother Frederick have been growing their company Airship Magic into a successful magic manufacturing and distribution company. Jake focuses mainly on the metal and coin work and Frederick on the wood work and turning. They also collaborate with smaller, and often unknown, craftsmen to bring a unique line of magic that you rarely find elsewhere in the industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation is high and I’ve been very happy with the products I have purchased from them directly and through Stevens Magic. Just browsing through their website you will find all sorts of cool items that you won’t find elsewhere.
Mike Gallo published his Ball & Vase routine in the November 1983 issue of Richard Kaufman’s Almanac. The routine does not use any shells and was performed using the trusty Adams Ball and Vase sets. Mad Jake Sr. turned a beautiful Rosewood Ball & Vase for Mike Gallo c. 2006. This design by Mad Jake Sr.’s son, Frederick, follows his fathers design and is made in Exotic African Mahogany. And what a beauty it is. Comes with no routine just the vase and two red balls and one black ball.
Review by Andy Martin for Classic Brass Coin Divination Casket by Airship Magic
5 out of 5
Since 2016, Mad Jake Jr. and his brother Frederick have been growing their company Airship Magic into a successful magic manufacturing and distribution company. Jake focuses mainly on the metal and coin work and Frederick on the wood work and turning. They also collaborate with smaller, and often unknown, craftsmen to bring a unique line of magic that you rarely find elsewhere in the industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation is high and I’ve been very happy with the products I have purchased from them directly and through Stevens Magic. Just browsing through their website you will find all sorts of cool items that you won’t find elsewhere.
This is the first classic effect that Airship Magic released and to date they have sold almost 6000 units world wide. It is a remake of an effect released by Abbott’s c. 1947 called Sixth Sense and built for Abbott’s by A&B Magic (Alexander Great). This version by Airship Magic is better quality than the Abbott’s version and completely made here in the USA 🙂
This is really quite amazing how it works – it is like real magic. John M. Talbot has a wonderful routine called Press The Flesh that really takes the basic effect to the next level. This is one of those beauties you’ll keep around for years. (I have three sets lying around here somewhere!)
Review by Andy Martin for Stop Light Paddle (Paddle Waggle) by Eddy Taytelbaum
5 out of 5
This is Eddy’s beautifully smooth version of Ian Adair’s Paddle Waggle. It is my all time favorite paddle effect and is easily the smoothest version I have tried. The action is even smoother than than Willi Wessel’s beautiful version. As is so often with Eddy Taytelbaum’s items, when he builds his version, everyone else is left to play catch-up 🙂
Review by Andy Martin for The Magic Medallion by Tannen's, Carl Fulves
5 out of 5
When you look at the effort companies like MeTal Writing have gone to to come up with a perfect version of Koran’s Gold Medallion it makes you wonder why they did not look again at this beauty released by Tannen’s c. 1972. It is easy to do, easy to set, and the “engraved” medallion looks really good.
I just tried it three times using up most of the original gold leaf that was shipped with the product and it worked pretty much perfectly each time. You can see how good the number looks in the photo. I have just ordered some more Gold Leaf to play with it some more. But I would forget all the others and stick with this clean and smooth method from almost fifty years ago 🙂
The other neat thing about this item is the ease with which you can get the prepared medallion – the pad itself is cleverly gimmicked to load it right into your hand when you need it.
Includes:
The two medallions (only one is needed for the effect but an extra is supplied – one with a blackened reverse and one with a brass reverse).
The clever plastic notepad (holdout) device to hold the medallion.
Review by Andy Martin for Famous Quotations by Steve Dusheck
4 out of 5
This is Steve Dusheck’s entry in the Book Test market and it was inspired by effects created by Phil Goldstein and Larry Becker. Very well produced, It is a little bold, but some of the best magic is.
The book cannot be examined, but if you follow Steve’s simple suggestions and routine you have in your hands a clean and convincing book test that will fool even the most knowledgeable spectators and some magicians too 🙂
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