Atomic Glass Penetration by Magic Wagon

One of my favorite glass penetrations is the Glass (Quadruple) Penetration that was invented by Peter Warlock c. 1937. It is sometimes known as the English Glass Penetration and there have been a number of versions created, even as recently as 2008 when Magic Wagon had  their own attempt with their Mod Quad Penetration.

Twelve years later they are back again with a new version which is much closer to the original, but in close-up size.  This prop scales down very well and because of the size the mechanism is much easier to use.  If you watch the video you will witness the perfect routine created by Simon Corneille.  Simon’s routine is a master class in how to get everything out of this beautiful prop.  He adds a few components and chooses the perfect music and his execution is flawless.

If you don’t believe you are watching real magic then you never will.  Simon’s video is one of the best I have ever seen for any Magic Wagon item.  The amazing prop and Simon’s routine are both really excellent 🙂

Effect: A beautiful wooden frame with four window panes of glass is displayed. Each glass pane is now tapped in turn with a brass rod to show that it’s solid. Now, two panels with star traps are placed on the frame, one in front of two of the panes and one behind. The brass rod with a length of ribbon attached is then pushed through the star traps, apparently penetrating the glass! The rod and the panels are then removed, showing that the glass is unharmed and still perfectly solid. The panels are now placed over the other two glass panes and the effect is immediately repeated again! Next, two panels are placed in front and two on the back of the frame, covering all four of the glass panes and the brass rod is then pushed through each one, leaving the ribbon running completely through the star traps! The frame can then be shown on both sides and there is no explanation as to how the brass rod could have gone through all four of the glass panes! It looks truly impossible.

Now, comes the killer ending. The brass rod and the panels are again removed, and the glass is completely lifted out of the frame! It is seen, to the audience’s surprise that it’s not four separate panes, but one solid sheet of glass which is immediately handed out for examination.

This effect is based on an original idea called Warlock’s Glass Penetration; this is one of those effects that is really inexplicable. The brilliant design and engineering by Peter Warlock creates an unbelievably convincing illusion that makes it seem visually impossible to work the way one might think it would. It is an amazing illusion.

The frame stands approximately 18 cms high and 16.5 cms wide and is completely hand-crafted of genuine teak with a lightly distressed oil finish.

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