George Guerra

Gold is so lovely!

Jim Riser spins the beautiful Micro Chop Cup from copper and it has become an incredible hit(2004 may be the last year it’s available). Dennis Loomis, his partner in this venture, provides the routine where all the magic occurs on the palm of your hand. Dennis is releasing a very limited edition heavy gold plated cup sold with a nice presentation case to house the balls and accessories. A signed certificate accompanies the case. Special gold crocheted balls were made for this piece and will not be available as a separate item. Trust me the pictures do not give justice to the set, especially the gold balls.

You also get printed material for several routines,including the use of the Micro Chop Cup as a coin cup. For the coin routine, you also get gold plated Sacagawea dollar coins, one gaffed by Jim Riser himself. Overall, a beautiful boxed set strictly limited to 10-20 only.

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No plastic on this one

Most of Eddy Taytelbaum’s line of handcrafted mini-magic is made in plastic, but the quality is unsurpassed, the work of a true craftsman. This is all wood construction and beautifully painted in semi-glossy black with a gold trimming..very elegant, first class prop. This one is very thin, has a open space in the middle, and the card to be changed slides in and out of the open box frame. Yes, a "flap" is used as in the more common card boxes, but deceptively hidden on this Taytelbaum piece. This is the second Taytelbaum item I have acquired and I am now starting to understand the reason behind the demand for his magic. This, as all Taytelbaum pieces I acquire, is stored with my Warner collection in a special place separate from my main magic collection as a honor to these two greats.

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Another great publication

I first became aware of this journal because it was often referenced with Ed Marlo’s material. As a dedicated Marlophile, I obviously didn’t hesitated when this series was released in this convenient hard cover format. I decided on the Deluxe Editions, thinking they could prove more collectible, but also because the slip covers and leather binding made these books lovely to look at. The first volume was published by Richard Kaufman with the subsequent volumes released by Hermetic Press. Great contents and interesting historical notes on the magical scene of the time abound. IBIDEM was originally published in the 50′, 60’s , and early 70’s, I believe.

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Outstanding journal series

Apocalypse has been referenced many times for its outstanding contents. Years ago, I realized that its contents held a treasure trove of great magic from the big names in the art, but realized that I had "missed the boat" in not having subscribed to it early when it came out..couldn’t afford it at the time with a student budget. Was I excited when the news came out of its publication in such 4 convenient hard cover textbooks. I went for the Deluxe Editions and they are the pride of my library. It will take years to go through the entire 20 years of this publication but what wonders lie in those pages to be discovered. Truly a fantastic undertaking by Harry Lorayne and well written/illustrated as is the norm with Harry’s books.

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The New Classic on Card Magic

These 4 volumes(now 5 and likely 6) need no reviews. Their status and reputation in the realm of Card Magic is well known. Anyone seriously contemplating card magic MUST have these books. For decades, the quintessential authority on card sleights have been the Hugard and Braue classic two texts, Royal Road to Card Magic and Expert Card Technique, but now the Giobbi has taken the crown with his series. I still recommend Royal Road for the beginner, though. Giobbi has done a fantastic job in describing the sleights and the illustrartions are great. Great teacher. Most Highly Recommended.

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I am one happy guy!!

I received this gem from Andy today and it’s a beautiful item. Under Andy’s loving care, the teak has developed a gorgeous patina…what richness the wood takes in appearance with time. I now look forward to all my Warner pieces to do the same in the years to come. Well, I am very happy as this piece now completes my teak Warner collection and what a finish with this special item.

The workmanship on this piece is impeccable… but that is why Alan’s magic is in such great demand by discriminating collectors. He is no doubt the Taytelbaum of teak mini-magic. Thanks Alan for bringing such Art to magic and thanks Andy for selling me such a precious piece from your collection.

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Another interesting item by Mikame

This is nice piece. The wood work on the cup is classic Mikame workmanship and very well done. However, my main disappointment are the chips–I would have preferred the chips to have been made in wood rather than the cheaper looking plastic…oh, well. The effect is well described by any dealer on the web.

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A well honored craftsman

For those who know Mel Babcock and his work, this is an excellent collection of stories, tidbits, descriptions, and pictures of his life and his workmanship. Mel builds some great items and his prices makes these pieces a real steal. His Nested Boxes and Instant Transposition, all handcrafted in exotic woods, are truly exceptional items and speak well of his skills.

The book is well written and adorned with black and white photos, but the color images of his magic towards the end of the book is a real treat. I liked the chapter detailing Mel’s steps in making a die box and the one describing the various exotic woods used in his apparatus. This is definitely a fact filled book on a wonderful man and his contribution to magic. Most highly recommended!! Only 500 copies were printed.

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Now I believe the hype on this craftsman

This is the first Taytelbaum item in my collection and it’s a great piece. Small black box houses three different colored dice. One die is simply tilted out, placed in the pocket, and the box clearly only shows two remaining dice. Box is closed and slightly shaken to demonstrate that there are still the dice loose inside. Magic words, box is opened and the die has returned to the box. The method is quite diabolical and automatic in execution. No palming and no fancy moves. I would never have guessed it…what a clever mind!

Constructed of some plastic material, standard material for Eddy, doesn’t detract from the quality of this item. I had previously commented that Eddy’s stuff was probably just "fancy Tenyo" stuff. Well, I must apologize and retract those words. This particular item is definitely on a different level of craftsmanship. I love it so much that it now resides with my beloved Warner collection. I first heard of Eddy Taytelbaum when I became interested in Alan Warner. Eddy was actually the inspiration for Alan to develop his line of Mini-Magic.

It’s just too bad that quality like this is rare.

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Great prop for forcing a color

Want to force a particular color and do it with CLASS? Look no further than this beautiful prop from Alan. I will give this one a 5 because the workmanship and operation is so good. I like the idea of using Card Case 20 with this prop for a really mind-blowing effect. Love it!

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