George Guerra

An Amazing Magical Apparatus!

Much has been said about apparatus looking too "magical". Well, here is a hefty, practical and innocently looking magician’s table that cleverly hides a wondrous mechanical and electronic setup that permits the performer to perform an incredible miracle. Laying on the table before the performance is a windowed envelope with the back of a card clearly visible inside. At any time the performer has a spectator name any card. The envelope is raised off the table, one end cut, card inside slid out, and it MATCHES the spectator’s thought of card. Collectors’ Workshop released some fantastic apparatus in their day and much attributed to the genius of Nick Ruggiero. I still admire the workings of Silver Odyssey and Bulletproof. Well, Nick started a new line of "museum quality magic apparatus" under the new banner of Signature Pieces and Perfect Card is his best seller. Now that I own one, I am not surprised.

The working is practically fool-proof. One owner told me that after a 1000+ performances, the apparatus has not once failed to have the revealed card match the one named by the spectator. For those admirers of sophisticated magical gadgetry, they will definitely not be disappointed. Though this is the most expensive magical addition to my collection, Perfect Card is clearly undervalued. This is even more true when one sees the prices being paid for magic on recent online auctions. One look at the whole prop and the workings and one quickly realizes what a bargain this really is in today’s market. One is almost tempted to show off the workings as it would likely cause more raised eyebrows than the effect itself.

The whole table is very sturdy and quite HEAVY…this is not one flimsy table. There is clearly a lot of metal in the brass and chromed components that make up the base. The table stands 38 1/2 inches high. The top measures 15 1/8 inches in diameter and only 1 1/4 inch thick. It is metallic in construction, probably black painted brass and decorated with a bright brass band around the perimeter. The top is felt lined and removeable. The apparatus breaks down nicely into a quality ATA case, made by Encore of North Hollywood, CA, that measures 7 1/4" by 18 1/4" by 18 1/4".

Overall, truly a rare masterpiece of magic…thanks, Nick!

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Unusual props for a popular effect

This is quite a collectible, but only because it’s an Anverdi. I have always been interested in the matrix assembly effect and these Oriental "stones" are an offbeat set of props to perform this trick. One problem I have with these small stones lies in their handling throughout the effect. A semi-close fist is recommended in the instructions for that special move and that looks suspicious to me. I would prefer a more flat hand approach but it’s difficult with these small cylinders. It could be just me but clearly plenty of practice and skill is needed; certainly not an apparatus for beginners. I do like the clever "locking" feature in the main gimmick so the "stones" can be passed out for examination at the end.

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I really think this is one cute prop!

Received my Champagne Chop today and I really love this little thing. After purchasing chop cups from Jim Riser and Howard Hale, I thought I had enough chop cups, but Chance’s imagination came out with a splendid twist to the old gimmick. The props are top quality as have been everyone of Chance’s "micro-magic" line to date. The bucket has a certain weight to it that quickly tells you without further inspection that this is no flimsy bucket. It’s beatifully chromed, heavy, and nicely decorated. The Wolf Magic logo is engraved on the bottom of the bucket’s plastic liner.

It comes with three clean corks branded with grape/leaves decoration, one is normal, second is gimmicked, and the third passes as a "cork screw". I would have liked miniature champagne corks with their characteristic shape to match the theme, but I will admit that, for ease of operation, these straight ones are preferrable. There are two miniature REAL bottles of wine, one Champagne and the other an Italian Rose included. It all comes stored in a beautiful two tone (dark blue exterior with a silvery inside) drawstring bag and an accompanying DVD.

After some fun examining this new addition, the set is now displayed prominently with the rest of my magic collection and I am sure it will get plenty of stares and questions about it. Keep them coming, Chance!

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Ultimate…INDEED!

Well, first I must mention that I have never been a fan of the finger chopper effects. I did buy a Mafia Manicure because of the acclaims I have read over this item, but frankly, I have not been impressed and, though I still have it, it’s not part of my collection. So, when Chance came up with this effect, I bought it based solely on my overwhelming enthusiasm with this Paddlecraft sets.

Received it today and the first impression was what a beautiful piece of handcrafted magic. Very solid construction throughout. The exotic wood touches to the handle and base give the apparatus a warm feel.
After reading the instructions, which by the way has a very entertaining routine, I decided to try it in front of the mirror. WOW!…what a great illusion. The shape and height of the red velvet bag allowed me to do the effect at about a comfortable chest level as I looked down without any flashing.

There are no guides for the blade as you insert it into the apparatus but saw no problems with the performance. The curvature of the handle and the matching curve at the top of the apparatus insures that the blade ends firmly positioned on striking it down. Actually I found it easier to handle the blade in and out without the strict limitations of movement that a built-in guide would do.

Overall, I love this piece. It’s the kind of magic I love to collect and I have some very nice pieces in my collection as many will attest. I am impressed, Chance, and I look forward to ALL your mini-magic releases. They will all find a special place in my collection. One important point: I can’t believe this type of quality magic is so inexpensive. You simply can not avoid this gorgeous item, whether you are a collector or a performer.

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A True Beauty Indeed!

I have been collecting Richard’s magic since the Silk Vanish Crystals were released on ebay in June of 2001. I have always admired his stuff, though admittedly have missed several of his latest releases. Decided to try this one after Richard showed a particular enthusiasm for it. It came in the mail today and there is no doubt in my mind it’s his best release to date. I was so happy to add this little treasure to my magic collection.

The meticulous craftsmanship is only matched by the precision, smoothly operating mechanism that does the magic for you. I couldn’t believe that Richard could surpass himself, but he surely did on this one. I am particularly passionate of this piece as the size fits nicely with my Mini-Magic interest. It is expensive, but once you see the apparatus, the cost will be greatly justified. Besides his magic has become quite collectible and an investment. His last release, the Butterfly Boxes, sold on the Martinka auction for 340% of its initial cost. I just don’t know what else I can add, but thanks, Richard, for your contribution to magic.

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Beautifully turned magical heirloom

Colin Rose has released a series of "old fashioned" magic apparatus under his Victorian Collection banner with the intricacies and artistic appeal of a long forgotten era where attention to details by the craftsmen of the time made these items museum quality pieces to be cherished over generations. This is a lost art as it requires skill and patience.

The Coin Vase is probably his best effort for the price. It’s based on the ball vase method, but done with a coin. No instructions are included as the apparatus is open to the performer’s imagination.

It’s really a beautiful hand turned vase made from African Blackwood with white bone accents and protected in an English Oak chest that is a beauty in itself to match the apparatus inside. The only woodwork of this quality that I have seen is the very, and I mean very, expensive special handturned items from Owen Magic.

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Most beautiful version of this effect

Howard Hale of Woodmagic made beautiful magic items from wood. His premier chop cup made with padauk, wenge, zebrawood and red oak is truly a beauty. His Clear Deception is no exception. This is a well known and popular effect. The method is a classic and works very well for the illusion of the plate penetrating the threaded string. I had Howard make me a custom version of this prop, made with rosewood for the base and black ebony for the uprights; the cross bar is red oak. Unfortunately, I hear Woodmagic is no longer around and these pieces are now true collectibles.

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Simply Gorgeous Paddle Set!!

I just received my two Wolf Paddles sets in the mail and they are proudly tucked away in my magic collection, next to a Gerlitz piece. First, for those who know of my magic collection, you know I am rather used to seeing great magic pieces, but Chance’s Paddle set simply blew me away.

It’s the most beautiful set of paddles I have ever seen. The case housing the six paddles is gorgeous. The walnut graining is striking and the laser engraving of the Wolf Paddle Craft logo artistically done. I like the way Chance arranged the paddles on the case to keep the case down to a "mini" size. As you open the case you see three paddles on the inside of the lid and three on the bottom case. First to be opened was No.1 (thanks, Chance, for the assignment) with an all Cocobolo wood set. The craftmanship is simply superb, so much better than I had expected based on the sneak photo on Chance’s site. Then came No.2, the mixed wood set. Again, the choice of woods and the craftsmanship absolutely amazing; loved the Australian Lace paddles, in particular.

Overall, I am one happy guy today. If Chance had asked for twice his asking price I would have hesitated (for a short while), but after seeing first hand the actual product, I would have instantly agreed to whatever price he asked. Hell, I would have handed him a blank signed check 😉

Later, I viewed the accompanying DVD (nothing better than Chance personally showing you the moves than trying to decipher written instructions) and the production is first class. I was so entertained just watching Chance demo the paddles at the beginning before going into the explanations. Very nice moves and innovations with such a classic prop, not to mention, again, Chance’s skills with woodworking. The big surprise came when the credits finished the video..I was quite flattered..thanks, Chance. I am glad you did release the sets and that I bought one of each. What’s next in the Wolf mini-magic line?

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I love my mommy, I mean mummy!

This masterpiece has long been discontinued and difficult to find on the market; I guess owners are relunctant to part with their mummy and I can understand that. Well I finally got one. Sure, I paid extra for it through ebay but once I had it my hands, I have no regrets. It’s classic Warner craftmanship and my collection sure looks nice with this baby, especially among the other Egyptian pieces. Teak sure makes the item look great and, in Alan’s hand, there is no better master of the woodcraft. Most Highly Recommended!

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Can The Surprises Ever End?

And I thought Alan could not surprise me after some great pieces in my collection, but he sure can and likely will in the future. This is simply an amazing piece of Egyptian themed mini-magic – my favorite style because of the beautiful designs and that inherent mystical quality of this subject. Pictures unfortunately never give these Warner pieces any justice.

I have already exhausted all my praises for this wonderful craftsman and I realize my reviews are getting rather too repetitive. It’s just that there is no fault that can be found with any Warner piece. So why do I continue writing them – well, simply because they are sincere "thank you!" notes for each and every piece that comes to my collection.

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