The Mallet, Ball, and Vase by Richard Spencer

This effect has been around from at least 1886 when it appeared in The Amateur Magician by J. Dazley Theobald c. 1886 (pg. 23 The Magic Hammer of Mysterious Disappearance).  My suspicion is that it was certainly before that.  Thayer made some beautiful versions and you can see some brief demonstrations by Dr. Albo in The Ultimate Thayer.  In addition to Thayer many dealers have crafted their own versions including: A. Roterberg c. 1904,  Inez 1904, Heaney Magic Co. c. 1924,  and N.M.C. c. 1936.

However for all of these and other versions, it is hard to beat this gorgeous version created by Richard Spencer.  This beauty is made from Blue Marble and African Blackwood with #002 on the base.  It is very solidly made and works perfectly.

The routine I would use is described below.  I think you will absolutely love this 🙂

Effect: This item will appeal to anyone who is an educated lover of the art of magic. It doesn’t matter if you are an illusionist, a card mechanic, stage magician etc., this piece embodies (probably more than most others), a visual representation of magic. At the same time it immediately illustrates that the owner has an understanding, appreciation and respect of the history of magic.

The vase is presented with the lid off and the solid ball in the base. The ball is removed and vanished in the hands. The lid is placed on the base and the ball is commanded to return. When the lid is removed, the ball appears to have returned to the vase. The performer then attempts to have the ball disappear from the vase and penetrate through the table.  He attempts this several times without success. With the lid off, the performer, in frustration with the uncooperative ball, hits it with the mallet—at which point the ball finally disappears and is retrieved from beneath the table. The mallet, ball, and vase can be presented for inspection if desired.

This is but one of many ways this piece can be used. This Mallet Vase, crafted by Richard Spencer, is a superb recreation of a piece that, to our knowledge, has not been produced in over 100 years. The vase stands 4 inches tall and 1.75 inches in diameter. The mallet head is approximately 2.5 inches tall and 1.75 inches in diameter with a handle length of 4.75 inches. The solid ball is 1.25 inches in diameter and turned from African Blackwood.

The vase is fashioned from stabilized Maple Burl. No part of this box is molded or pre-fabricated. Each piece is hand crafted by the builder. The piece is identified by a label on the bottom containing the name of the craftsman, its unique number and the wood it’s crafted from. It comes with a Cherry display stand and glass dome. An 8.5 X 11 inch certificate of authenticity is also included. This piece is ideal for the performer or collector who insists on perfection.

Size: Vase dia – 1 ¾”; overall height – 4”; mallet length = 6 ½”.
Material: Each Vase Subject To Change Based On Exotic Wood Availability
Finish: This piece was finished with a 3 part buffing system ending with Carnauba wax.

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