Review by Andy Martin for Cubes! by Oscar Rui, Caramba Magic
5 out of 5
This is a very high-quality and practical version of this effect and works extremely smoothly. It is probably the best parlor/stage sized version I have seen and I think you will have a lot of fun with this one. The addition of the chalk to write the number on the tube is a unique with this version and it is a great idea.
Review by Andy Martin for Chinese Color Rings by Thomas Pohle
5 out of 5
This is a colorful and clever version of Eddy Taytelbaum’s The Ring Box of Buddha c. 1955, which itself was based upon Kenard’s Mystery Box (Ring on Wand) c. 1941.
This very brightly colored and striking looking box has a number of clever features that not only streamline the basic effect but they take it further than any similar effect has gone before. Thomas really poured some creative thinking into this bad boy 🙂
There are only four rings used, and nothing is added or taken away.
There is absolutely zero force in the selection of the ring. The spectator can choose a different ring each time and the performance will look exactly the same (except that a different ring will end up on the wand!).
The spectator can choose the color of the ring with the magician’s back turned and they never need to divulge the color until the very end.
There appears to be no funny moves and everything flows from the choices Thomas has made in the construction of the effect.
If you are a Thomas fan or are looking for something new and different you will be delighted with this little beauty.
Review by Andy Martin for The Haenchen Production Box by Haenchen
5 out of 5
This is a sophisticated and impressive production box that is similar to a Square Circle but has a better sequence of displays to convince the audience it is empty. Solidly made and a real treat for collectors since items from Fred Haenchen are harder to come by these days and they are in high demand due to their unique ideas and quality craftsmanship.
This production box was created in four different sizes. This version being the smallest. The next size up was also a table-top version but it had it’s own stand as seen in the final photo. Then there was Haenchen’s Mammoth Production Box that was free standing on its own stand, and the final size was Haenchen’s Illusion Production Box which was big enough to produce a girl. You can read more about this box in Volume 6 of Dr. Albo.
Review by Andy Martin for Madarin's Temple by Camelot Creations, Fred Story
5 out of 5
This is a beautiful Children’s effect made by the talented professional magician and master craftsman, Fred Story, from Texas and his Camelot Creations. Fred and his wife Ann performed for over twenty years throughout the USA with one of the last great touring illusion shows. Amongst collectors Fred is best know for Camelot Creations which were active in the early 1980’s. Fred also built props for companies like Stevens Magic Emporium and ran The Magic Shop in Lubbock, Texas.
Review by Andy Martin for Nest of Seven Boxes by Arsene Lupin
5 out of 5
Arsène Lupin (Slawomir Piestrzeniewicz) is a qualified medical doctor from Poland who became a full-time professional magician in 1980. He placed second for Manipulation in FISM 1982 and 1991, and third for Invention in 2003. He creates some really wonderful and unique magic that is well priced.
This nest of boxes is not quite as stunning as Mel Babcock’s beauties, but it is much lighter, cheaper, smaller and more practical to use. The method is the simple and reliable coin in ball of wool approach and the look on their faces when you pull their ring or signed coin from the seventh box is priceless – just check out the video … I can say for sure I’ve never been kissed by a man or a woman after performing a trick so maybe this effect is what I’ve been missing all these years 🙂
Review by Andy Martin for Trans-Mental (TransMental) by Viking Mfg.
5 out of 5
This is a really beautiful and amazing mentalist effect from Viking that works every time with almost no effort. It checks all the boxes and you’ll love the impact on the audience, not to mention how smooth the method is. It is hard to believe the price is still only $50 🙂
Review by Andy Martin for Enchanted Cylinders by Viking Mfg.
5 out of 5
Jan’s Mfg. created the effect Enchanted Cylinders (Divination Rods) c. 1976. They have been off the market for many years, but Viking have decided to bring them back in typical Viking quality.
It is another easy to do but very effective routine that can be used with any object that fits in the tube and the spectator will be none the wiser. You can even use a borrowed item or have it signed. Or you can use both pencils supplied and have them change places while in the spectators hands.
Review by Andy Martin for QuartOkito Coin Vanish by Viking Mfg.
5 out of 5
Here is another overlooked classic effect created by George Robinson at Viking Mfg. It might seem similar to other Okito Box type effects, but it is quite unique in effect and method. In essence the QuartOkito Coin Box is a Boston Box designed to hole a single quarter. But there is really nothing like it and it is simpler to use that most boxes and due to the visual vanish in mid air is under less scrutiny than usual because the spectator sees the coin disappear!
If you play with this for a ten minutes you will very quickly see how effective and easy to perform this is. What is particularly effective is that the coin that the spectator thinks they signed can be seen right up to the second it vanishes instantly in front of their noses. Why this is important is that there is no heat on the switch into the box or tube that the coin reappears in, and the spectator swears that the coin was still in the box after you hand them the Lippincott box (which is supplied separately).
Review by Andy Martin for Spirit Nut Set by Viking Mfg., Brema
5 out of 5
Originated by Master Machinist Carl Brema c. 1927, this has become a staple in the close-up arsenal of many professional performers. Yet another classic close-up effect from Carl Brema and produced perfectly by Viking Mfg. You can’t go wrong with these beautiful brass items from George Robinson and his team.
Review by Andy Martin for Star's Wandering Lipsticks (Tele-Tubes) by Viking Mfg., Brema
5 out of 5
Wandering Lipsticks (Stan Payne). The Wandering Lipsticks are an updated version of a Brema effect called The Demon’s Bars c. 1925. These amazing tubes do not require a forth tube up your sleeve, but instead are 100% self contained. What is even more amazing is they are so finely balanced if you unscrew the lids you can easily show how just one tube has a brass weight inside and it falls out onto the table and the others are clearly empty. You can only demonstrate such control when the tubes are manufactured correctly.
This comes with two wonderful routines – including one from Stephen Minch. Great quality and great magic!
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.