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 🙂
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