Close-up Visible Block Penetration by German Craftsman, Unknown

The first version of this remarkable illusion was invented by Okito c. 1904 (Dr Albo Vol 1, pg 103).  Among others, variations have also been built by Thayer, National Magic Company, Henry Bohlen and Town House Magic (Deluxe Visible Block Penetration c. 1946), Richard Gerlitz, Mel Babcock, Magic Wagon, Mikame Craft, and Nielsen Magic.  It is performed by Dr. Albo in the Ultimate Okito.

However, not all Visible Block Penetrations use the same Okito method.  The key tell tale sign in performance is “slow-motion”: can the penetration be done slowly and visibly?  If it can then it is most likely based on the same method.  If it is visible but almost instant it is probably not using the same method.

This beautiful close-up version follows the Okito method was created by an unknown German Craftsman c. 1980 and acquired by the great German Craftsman himself Willi Wessel. When I purchased this from Willi earlier this year unfortunately Willi did not know who the creator was.  It is made very well and the small size makes it particularly useful since many of these slow motion visible block penetrations are designed for stage and parlor.

The one difference with this version is that that it uses a solid block throughout instead of a shell.  This means without some extra moves it is not possible to show the tube completely empty at the beginning.  However, you can at the end as explained by Willi in the quick video explanation he created especially for the lucky winner 🙂

Effect: A square tube is shown and a solid 1 3/8″ block is shown. Next, two metal blades are placed through the center of the tube. One is from front to back and the other from side to side. The block is now dropped down into the tube and onto the blades. The tube has two large holes in front. One is just above the blades and the other is just below. The block can be seen resting on the blades through the upper hole.

Now you ask them to stare at the block resting on the blades … the block is seen to slowly and visibly penetrate the blades. This can be done slowly and you may stop half way. The block can be seen partially above the blades and partially below. When the block penetrates completely, it will drop out the bottom of the tube.

You can now tip the tube toward the audience so they see the blades still in place in the center.

If desired these are removed and they see an empty tube.

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