This is a real beauty from P&L. It is not too bulky like others I have seen, and really looks like a vintage funnel and works perfectly with water flowing on demand. These were originally issued c. 1937 in nickel silver (sometimes called Cupro Silver – click here for a discussion) and only later c. 1958 released in copper.
If you add a gimmicked ice pick you can “puncture” the boys arm before you start the pumping action!
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Copper Sandwich was actually invented by Al Koran c. 1948 and was originally performed with a matchbox and the gimmicked coins of the time (see New Pentagram April 1973, pg. 13). Eddie Gibson refined it, using more advanced coins, and created the brass box for an even cleaner and more amazing penetration.
This is the original version of Copper Sandwich with UK coins and compares with this later version using US coins.
It is a great effect which is easy to do and leaves no clues as to how the penetration occurs.
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A clever and beautiful transposition from Owen’s. Originally sold by Thayer’s as A Mirror Casket, Die and Flag c. 1918. It is easy to do and although this is not for close-up as a parlor or stage effect it will wow them all!
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They don’t make them like this anymore! Abbott’s started making high end shooting wands or Bang Wands c. 1938. I believe this one comes from c. 1987 because it has gold tips and the earlier wands had chrome plated tips. But it could be earlier. It is easily the heaviest and most substantial Bang Wand I have ever handled. For a brief moment I thought it was an Owen’s wand as it looks very similar to the Owen’s wands (see final photo), but it is not stamped Owen’s, the tips are slightly shorter, I could not find a Wand like this from Owen’s and finally it clearly matches the Abbott’s description.
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This chest is inspired by one of my favorite prediction chests, The Dr. Q. Prediction Chest. It has two main differences:
Having said that because there is no locking mechanism it makes it a little easier to use. It is a fine box for sure and John M. Talbot’s routine about the Titanic is perfect for this little box. If you like neat little boxes with secret gimmicks you will for sure find a use for this bad boy.
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What a beautiful, clever and mystifying effect this is!
When you first see this performed it is hard to fully comprehend how quickly your hand will burn when you put it over a candle. Even from a few inches it feels like it is burning within a couple of seconds. If you try it you will see immediately that almost the second you put your hand over the flame you have to remove it.
However, with this well engineered and clever gimmick you can literally keep your hand there for minutes without any discomfort. How it works it kind of amazing and it really doesn’t matter how high the candle is – I tried it with 4″, 6″ and 9″ candles and they are big candles. So it will cover a whole slew of candles, and none of them are gimmicked. You can pretty much use any candle though it does work better with wider pillar candles. I use 3″ wide ones with the various heights as shown.
The gimmick is expertly engineered and the remote control is a small key fob size and works perfectly. You don’t actually need the remote control, but it does add that extra kicker effect where you can have a spectator be able to withstand the heat or not without even getting close to the candle.
This is some powerful magic and a really interesting effect that is unique. It can be done in a variety of situations with no set-up and simply looks amazing and just how real magic should look!
This is the Rex Ignis Advanced Version with the remote option. The Advanced Version allows you to use a matchbox, card box, or the classic invisible set-up, so it is more flexible for the performer.
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The Coin Wand was first exposed in Hoffman’s Modern Magic as The Half-Crown (or Florin) Wand (pg. 203), it was first used in performance c. 1872. Stanyon’s advertised their version c. 1902, Roterberg advertised there version c. 1904, and Thayer (which would be the closet decedent to this Owen’s one) were advertising there’s at least as early 1921 but probably earlier. They also had a Slender Coin Wand, but this did not use the same mechanical approach.
This wand from Owen’s is the cleanest and most beautiful coin wand I have seen. It works perfectly and is smooth as silk. It even has a cap to cover the end when not being used as a coin wand. You can also view the coin from both sides. It is very solid and measures 14″ with 2 1/8″ tips. It weighs 5.6oz, it matches the standard wand here.
Really exceptional.
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This is the current version (since 2013) of Nick Wenger’s amazing Shake ‘n’ Snake. It is basically the same but the basket is now a hand woven basket from Gypsy Baskets instead of a hard shell (firbeglass?) basket and the snake is now more realistic than before and in fact very similar to one supplied with Viper Pro. I love Terry Lunceford’s Viper Pro, but Shake ‘n’ Snake is so much better in entertainment, look, and, of course, manufacture. The electronics for Nick’s snake continue to be very solid and expertly made, and the unit is very reliable and works like a charm.
Although Collectors’ Workshops’ Khyber Kobra is mechanically superior, from a concentrated excitement and laughter impact I think I’d stick with this effect.
The addition of the shake feature is a brilliant idea and really increases the suspense. Imagine Jaws without the music, the film would be nowhere near as scary. The Shake feature is kind of like that. Not only do they suspect something is about to happen they get a preview too and each time it shakes it builds up the tension and surprise factor. When the snake finally leaps the surprise is that much more intense.
The electronics in the Viper Pro II and III are good, and I’ve never had a problem with them (the first Viper Pro was another story), but they are clearly inferior when compared to Mr. Wenger’s work. Don’t get me wrong I would still perform the Viper Pro II if I didn’t have Shake ‘n’ Snake, it is still a great, reliable trick. But Shake ‘n’ Snake is the best without a question, and I cannot imagine ever using my Viper Pro II again.
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I have never seen a set of dice like this before and although I thought we were done when Marc Antoine brought his version out in 2018, I was wrong. This is not only the best set of mental dice ever created, it is probably the best item Murphy’s has ever produced. Absolutely Fantastic! 🙂
And it all began with this beauty back in 1976, and since Murphy’s owns the rights to all of Anverdi’s creations I assume we can expect more amazing things from them to come in 2020.
The ad copy of this incredible set of dice is all true …
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I knew when I purchased my first Ball Vase from Richard Spencer’s that it would not be long before I purchased one of these. I was surprised I held out for a whole year 🙂
Richard has made this beautiful set from the exotic hardwood Monkey Pod. Having the ability to transpose colors between vases definitely adds an extra dimension when it comes to creating an interesting and entertaining routine. These work perfectly and even without any sleights you can create some great magic.
The gimmicks are very solid and blend seamlessly into the vase. There is nothing to see even close-up and it is very easy to forget if you are looking at the real ball or the gimmick.
The effort involved to create these and the subsequent price, means they are clearly aimed at the high-end collector and you will not be disappointed with the quality. Also you will be pleasantly surprised that with very little effort you have an effect that will look classy and be amazing too!
These are really beautiful, great job Richard!
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