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.
The version featured here is by Harries and does not use the Okito method. They do however, have a clever feature that was also reused in later years by Thomas Pohle with his China Block Suprise. Instead of the rectangular insert being blank it is covered with the same dots as the die itself, so the first phase of the penetration looks 100% genuine as you can see the top of the die has penetrated. The tolerances are not as tight on this version as they are with Thomas’ version but the effect is still enhanced and very convincing. If you’re looking for a clever parlor effect to wow them, you’ll find it with this bad boy.
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