1 review for Antique Pill Box by Dave Powell
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Antique Pill Box by Dave Powell
(c. 2009) (Submit Review) (Submit Update)This clever and well-crafted wood prop is handcrafted by Dave Powell. Powell notes that he originally produced quite a few of these, but rarely makes the trick anymore as it is simply too complicated to produce. This does not work like a Lippincott Box, although the effect in a routine is exactly the same. There are no sliding or pivoting trap doors, no magnets, and no threads. It works like no other box in the world and it’s completely examinable. Once the box has been locked it can only be opened by removing the lock and using a special tool.
Although the main effect is that a borrowed object vanishes and appears inside the locked box, you might combine this routine with a Seven Keys plot and add the secondary effect of mysteriously opening the padlock.
Effect: This does not work like a standard Lippincott Box. No sliding or pivoting trap doors. It has no magnets. It works like no other box in the world and it’s completely examinable! Once Locked the box cannot be opened without removing the lock or using the special tool to activate the secret !
The performer places a glass on the table and borrows a finger ring. The ring is placed in a handkerchief and given to a spectator to hold over the glass. He can actually feel the ring through the handkerchief . The performer removes a small locked wooden box and sets it in full view. The spectator is asked to drop the ring into the glass. The spectator lets go of the ring as it clinks into the glass. The handkerchief is whisked away, the ring has vanished! The spectator unlocks the box himself, and discovers his ring inside!
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Approx. Price: $149.50 (2009) ***
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Greg –
Powell Packs a Punch
I’ve never been let down by Mr. Powell’s effects and this lovely piece is no exception.
The effect is not new, but the method is. Or sort of. It actually combines several old ideas into a new design. But how come? And that is why I’m giving this review 4 stars instead of 5. Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT regretful for purchasing this. I love it. The quality is top notch, and the design is unique. This box can play in a variety of settings. I just question why Mr. Powell put so much effort into fixing something that may not have been broken.
Let me go into detail without letting on too much. This box looks like a Lippincott box, feels like a Lippincott box, delivers the same effect as a Lippincott box, but doesn’t function like one. This probably will fool your magician friends at your IBM meetings, but laymen, who probably could never figure out a traditional Lippincott Box, will never know the difference. It is devious, and the secret – to those who aren’t familiar with its workings – is undetectable. But is it necessary?
A gentleman by the name of Joe Porper also recreated the Lippincott box with his ingenious Strong Box. It was brilliant in design and construction, and in some ways – due to its added weight and design – functioned a bit quicker than a standard wood box. Dave Powell’s beautiful Antique Pill Box also brings some new ideas to the table. But did either of them NEED to be made? I guess you can argue that it’s human nature to improve upon our past accomplishments. The classic Linking Rings effect for example, has been redesigned to include a practically seamless, locking key ring. A lot of magician’s love this update. So, maybe I’m just being too analytical.
Let me close this already long review with this…if you are a collector, and love Dave Powell’s creations as much as I do…buy this. If you are a professional, or casual performer who appreciates quality, and can afford this piece…buy it. If you are an amateur, or beginning magician who can’t spend the money for a top shelf effect…don’t buy this, there are much less costly options.
Myself? I’m a hybrid. I am an amateur magician and an avid collector who has a habit of buying beautiful, hand-crafted magic, created by artisans who have pride in their work
I am not disappointed.