5 Stars

What a lovely version of Run Rabbit Run made by Supreme.  Based on my favorite version that I used when I was performing to children in my teenage years.

This is well made in metal and will last a lifetime.  I like this smaller size as you can easily handle it with one hand.  I also like how the patter switches things around and you start without showing the alien and then he pops his head out of the side door – that is a nice touch.

You’ll love this little guy for sure 🙂

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This is a version of the Harry Stanley item: Harvey and The Soldier, beautifully made under license by Regow’s or Regow’s House of Enchantment or Regow’s Magic Co. or Regow’s Magic Studio – they seem to have placed ads under many names 🙂

It is a well made from wood and plastic that you will be happy with.  The switch requires a little finesse as there are no magnets and a fairly cramped space but it is certainly workable. I particularly like the patter below by Harry Stanley as it gets a lot of the prop and I think it will go down well with the the younger kids.

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After playing with the original of this item, I found some light colored blocks and added some stickers and have solved the issues I had with the original version.  I hope you like it 🙂

The original issues are solved by:

• Replacing the heavy balls by some light foam colored squares.
• Changing the colors to red, yellow, and green to match traffic lights.
• Adding colored stickers to the outer tube so you can easily see where each color goes.

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This is basically the same chips as Black and White Surprise but the chips turn into mirrors instead of colors at the end. The basic same moves and gimmicks are effectively used but the mirrors are a bigger surprise and make for a great ending.

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The Clausen Chips were first released in 1987 with two effects supplied, although a third was very soon added. Then in 1988 the number was increased to six with the appearance of a 23 page booklet. Finally in 1995 a larger set of instructions was included with 33 pages and 14 effects featuring all of the routines that had been submitted and collected together.

There really is something for everyone in the final list of routines and I chose to perform two of the simpler but still effective routines on video: Silk ‘N’ Chips and Flash Double Chip Change.

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Eckhard Boettcher released two versions of Per Clausen’s Psycho-Chips one in 2003 and the second one in 2008 in Germany. The first version was in fact Sam Dalal’s Super Psychic Chips rebranded and this second release was Per Clausen’s version of Sam’s effect but crafted with much nicer brass chips that Per Clausen was famous for.

As mentioned Psycho-Chips II is basically the same as Sam Dalal’s Super Psychic Chips but crafted with much nicer brass chips.  It is also the same effect and method as Eddie Gibson’s Chinese Sting.  However, Psycho-Chips is not the same as Per Clausen’s earlier Prediction Chips which at first I was confused with.

In the two routines provided in the German instructions the first routine is same as Sam Dalal’s, but the second routine discusses how the chips can be used to force any of the four colors which is a nice use of the chips if you need a very clean force of four colors.

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The Blue Phantom was invented by Viennese magician Hans Trunk c. 1924 who called it “Das blaue Wunder” (The Blue Wonder). It was introduced to the USA c. 1930 by Thayer Quality Magic as “The Blue Phantom” and it became an instant hit, and has been doing well ever since. It is also known as: The Chinese Clock and The Traveling Checker.  In fact The Blue Phantom and The Wandering Mummy (both of which were built by Tony Lackner with great success) seem to continue to be built and rebuilt with no shortage of buyers or interest each time.

This version built by Tony Lackner and distributed by Harold Voit has been the gold-standard for the close-up version for many years. This is one of the very earliest versions purchased directly from Zauber Zentrale in Germany c. 1980 and it is perfect. You can also tell it is one of the earliest because later runs had a button you could depress on the back to supposedly help with the effect.  However, that button comes with a cost: now you cannot hand out the top tube to the spectator as discussed in the original instructions.  For me the button has little value and is certainly not necessary so I would prefer one without the button.

In  recent years I have preferred the versions of the Blue Phantom created by Andy Hurst, however many people still prefer this Tony Lacker classic and when I play with this beautiful specimen I can see why.  It really is a beauty.

This was the first version of the Blue Phantom that I ever owned and at 6″ tall I always thought it was a close-up effect.  I had no idea that the standard version was a stage sized effect often 16″ or more tall, so when I purchased a normal sized one years later I was surprised to see how big it was!

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Although this was released by Francois in 2010 this is the first time I have seen The Wishing Temple up close and it is a real beauty. What Francois has created here is not only the most beautiful version of that old chestnut The Kenard Mystery Box but he has added a very clever feature that not only makes the whole effect easier to perform but it is now even more amazing.

There are only 12 of these made and this is one of the later units because Francois changed the selection of chips from 3 x 3 colors (9 chips) to 2 x 4 colors (8 chips) and in the process made the selection and management of the chips trivial.

This is now as close to perfection as you can get and I know you will love this 🙂

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Another clever device beautifully crafted by Damir Djanis sold exclusively by Viking Mfg. Co.

If you want to perform these types of effects to anyone other than a bunch of giddy magic collectors raving about how beautiful and clever the box is, then the real challenge with pretty boxes is coming up with a routine that has some credibility so that you can provide a justification for the box.  There is no doubt the mechanics are clever and very well hidden inside the box, but what about the routine?

Below is the routine I created and I think you will like it as it provides a justification for the box and creates an entertaining and amazing interlude for even the most staunchest of non-believers 🙂

_EF The performer introduces his Wishing Box, explaining the box is made from the wood of an ancient oak tree and has certain magical powers to make your wishes come true. He hands the box to the spectator to open and asks them to tip out the contents onto the mat.  Inside are various charms such as a heart, an owl, a tree, a butterfly, and many others and he asks the spectator to look over the charms and pick a few and place them in the box and close the box up.  This is done while the performer is turned away so that he has no clue how many or what charms have been added.

Once the wishing box is closed the performer turns around again and asks the spectator to ensure there is no way he can see what is inside the box, this is important if we are to get an accurate picture of their wish and also if it has any hope of coming true.

The performer then takes the box in his hand  and looks in the eyes of the spectator and and tells a story depicting the various charms that the spectator has chosen.  Not only does he nail the choices but provides a positive message for the spectator with encouragement that their wish will come true 🙂

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Before Mick Hanzlik released his Supalock c. 2004 he worked with Verne McCarthy at Magic Max to create the amazing “Maximum Security” padlock which works differently from any other lock I have seen. These were made in very limited quantities and only about 25 units were made.

You can use the lock for Seven Keys to Baldpate effects  and other effects where you want to control when the key opens and I’ve included a special box so you can fill it with cash or jewels.  Whoever picks the correct key wins the contents.  It certainly adds an extra bit of excitement into the proceedings.

Once you understand the method you’ll find this easy to open and you will be able to make any key open the box on demand, but you have to read the instructions a few time and understand what is happening inside the lock.  It is not difficult but I found the instructions confusing and not strictly accurate.  I can provide a video to explain the movement.

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