3 reviews for Copenetro (Early Original) by Bob Kline
If you want to submit a product review click here.
If you want to submit a product review click here.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
George Guerra –
You can’t top this one
2 days ago I received from Kenna Thompson an original Kline model made in the 1950’s and after some minor buffing and two applications of hand rubbed Carnauba wax, I became so excited with this piece. I owned years ago a “later” model but it doesn’t come close to the quality of the original. The base is clearly, and deceptively, smaller in size especially the larger perimeter at the bottom. The top “flare” section of the base is beautifully turned with a nicer design than the later models. The “lip” at the top of the base where the inverted glass rest is larger causing a deeper recess to keep the glass more securely in place. BTW, the original glass is smaller and nicer designed than currently used; mine had a sort of lacy flowery etching around the the top half of the glass that lended a more gracefull look to the apparatus. The mechanics are also clearly better and sturdier from what I can remember from the model I had owned. The rich cherry wood used in these original pieces is gorgeous. The coin stand is much better than the current version; it’s appears rather “compact” and more difficult to believe it can hide 4 half dollars.
I have always loved this effect and always pursued any versions of it. I promptly bought CW’s Silver Odyssey when it came out. Bottom line: if you ever get a chance to buy a true original Kline, the earlier the model the better, do so and you will not regret it.
Andy Martin –
The original is so good!
I used to have another version of Copenetro and liked it. However, this one – an original Bob Kline one – is so much better. The base is thinner and it seems impossible for anything, certainly not 4 coins to be hidden in there, so it makes for a more amazing illusion.
This has always been one of my favorite effects, and now with this outfit its a real fooler too!
Gary Michaels –
First of all — it’s called "Copenetro"
I owned an original of this Kline effect in 1974 and was stupid enough to sell it a few weeks later when I needed the money for God knows what. I was 19 so what’d I know?
Last year I married a woman whose family has close ties to Bob (and he’s seriously ill these days), so I was able to re-purchase another original.
I’d bought two different versions on EBay — one that the cantankerous Hank Lee is putting out (terribly inferior to Bob’s work — it has a square base) and one that closely resembles the original: John Mendoza quickly informed me that it was an Indian replica… again, before I re-attained the "real" one.
To be truthful, the mechanism of Kline’s original isn’t 100% effective (in fairness, these are between 25 and 50 years old and probably should be sitting on collectors’ shelves, as mine is). Using the tongue depressor to "rig" the trick can take 20 minutes or more and even then isn’t foolproof. Coins occasionally get stuck on the way "out."
A friend of mine, Chuck Rygle of PA, is (very slowly) manufacturing a perfect replica, but as he has no rights to sell it (that belongs in Lee’s scary domain, as his are trash), Chuck’s in a quandary.
But his has a push-button to load the coins which is exquisite. Too bad he can’t sell it as a reproduction under the Kline name.
Were Bob not in such failing health, I’ve little doubt that he’d recognize the very clear improvement and would easily grant Chuck approval… and you could buy this item and really appreciate its beauty.
~g