P&L Ultra Perfect Card Box by Petrie-Lewis

P&L created two versions of this aptly named Perfect Card Box: the Standard Model c. 1921 and the Thin Model c. 1932. It is based on the New Brass Card Box design from August Roterberg’s amazingly detailed and advanced book New Era Card Tricks c. 1897. They are both still pretty “thin” because the Standard is only 9/16″ thick and to be honest I prefer the Standard. To me this is easily the prettiest, most practical, most convincing, and one of the hardest to figure out of all card boxes I have seen.  I prefer it to both Brema/Viking ones I have here and here, and even slightly more than the Joe Porper one.  When I received it, even though I have worked with over 60 different card boxes and I had the instructions in front of me, it still took me about thirty minutes to figure out how to open the flap.  Once you have the knack it is easy, but that first ah-ha moment took me a while – which is the true test of the Perfect Card Box 🙂

Pictured is the Standard Model and it will vanish/change at least thirteen Poker sized cards. That is an amazing load and all in 9/16″ of Solid Cupro Silver*.  I am really amazed by this stunning card box!  Although I’ve read that P&L only hallmarked the Thin Model with their famous P&L Logo that is not true because this is the Standard Model and the P&L Logo is clear as day.  

From their original ad:

Effect: Wrought from SOLID CUPRO SILVER, this Box contains both in artistic finish and mechanical perfection all the qualities that could be possibly demanded of the most fastidious and highly finished performer. The subtle mechanical principle which enables the performer to produce, vanish or change the Cards while Box is in the hands of the spectator, is the very essence of indetectability, and may also be used with great effect in mind reading and Spirit message tests.

The SOLID SILVER feature of this Box is in itself a positive guarantee and renders the Hinges and delicate parts immune from corrosion or rust. No Nickel plate to wear or peal off. It can safely be left in the hands of the audience without fear of detection. Lasting beauty and Service are what make this a P&L product of the highest order.

* With help from Frank Lehmann and George Robinson at Viking I was able to deduce that in the early 1900’s Cupro Silver was the name of German or Nickle Silver which was an alloy that originated in China in the 17th Century as the Chinese wanted to produce a metal to take the place of the more expensive Silver.  It took over 100 years before its usage became widespread outside of China, but when it did it was very popular.  From 1900 to the  late 40’s many items such as Cigarette cases, lighters, jewelry, and perfect card boxes were made, especially in Germany (hence the name German Silver) from Cupro or German Silver.  It shines up beautifully  – even though there is no actual Silver in the alloy (made from copper, nickel and zinc), the heavy addition of nickel produced a Silver look and prevented it from oxidizing.

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