Andy Martin

Although this was released by Francois in 2010 this is the first time I have seen The Wishing Temple up close and it is a real beauty. What Francois has created here is not only the most beautiful version of that old chestnut The Kenard Mystery Box but he has added a very clever feature that not only makes the whole effect easier to perform but it is now even more amazing.

There are only 12 of these made and this is one of the later units because Francois changed the selection of chips from 3 x 3 colors (9 chips) to 2 x 4 colors (8 chips) and in the process made the selection and management of the chips trivial.

This is now as close to perfection as you can get and I know you will love this 🙂

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Another clever device beautifully crafted by Damir Djanis sold exclusively by Viking Mfg. Co.

If you want to perform these types of effects to anyone other than a bunch of giddy magic collectors raving about how beautiful and clever the box is, then the real challenge with pretty boxes is coming up with a routine that has some credibility so that you can provide a justification for the box.  There is no doubt the mechanics are clever and very well hidden inside the box, but what about the routine?

Below is the routine I created and I think you will like it as it provides a justification for the box and creates an entertaining and amazing interlude for even the most staunchest of non-believers 🙂

_EF The performer introduces his Wishing Box, explaining the box is made from the wood of an ancient oak tree and has certain magical powers to make your wishes come true. He hands the box to the spectator to open and asks them to tip out the contents onto the mat.  Inside are various charms such as a heart, an owl, a tree, a butterfly, and many others and he asks the spectator to look over the charms and pick a few and place them in the box and close the box up.  This is done while the performer is turned away so that he has no clue how many or what charms have been added.

Once the wishing box is closed the performer turns around again and asks the spectator to ensure there is no way he can see what is inside the box, this is important if we are to get an accurate picture of their wish and also if it has any hope of coming true.

The performer then takes the box in his hand  and looks in the eyes of the spectator and and tells a story depicting the various charms that the spectator has chosen.  Not only does he nail the choices but provides a positive message for the spectator with encouragement that their wish will come true 🙂

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The first version of this remarkable illusion was invented by Okito c. 1904 (Dr Albo Vol 1, pg 103).  Among others, variations have also been built by Thayer, National Magic Company, Henry Bohlen and Town House Magic (Deluxe Visible Block Penetration c. 1946), Richard Gerlitz, Mel Babcock, Magic Wagon, Mikame Craft, and Nielsen Magic.  It is performed by Dr. Albo in the Ultimate Okito.

However, not all Visible Block Penetrations use the same Okito method.  The key tell tale sign in performance is “slow-motion”: can the penetration be done slowly and visibly?  If it can then it is most likely based on the same method.  If it is visible but almost instant it is probably not using the same method.

The version featured here was designed and built by Bud West and sold by Abbott’s and does not use the Okito method. However the performance of the effect is different from other similar effects such as the Harries Super De Luxe Penetration and if you are familiar with those versions it is important to study the effect and read the instructions because at first it seems a little awkward. But once you understand the different approach it becomes easy to perform and is a very convincing illusion.

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