Daniel D

Matthias “Magiro” Weißl invented this effect, likely in late 70s, and named it “Mikro Ringautomat.” Upon first importing it in 1984, Howard Schwarzman renamed the effect to “The Witch’s Tunnel” — presumably for the catchier title but perhaps also to hide his source. Magiro’s effect has been remade by both Magic Wagon as “Ring thru Sword Mystery,” and the legendary Richard Gerlitz as “Sea-Ling’s True Love.” Magiro made the gimmick itself, which has magnetic, wood, and steel components. However this gimmick is housed within plastic, which was manufactured by Werner “Werry” Geissler — yet another underrated German inventor.

The gimmick is simple but brilliant. It appears and vanishes in the blink of an eye. The working is entirely mechanical and foolproof. You must ditch something to end clean, but the misdirection is so strong that this should not be a problem. And then everything can be examined, the base, cover, pin, and ring. One of Magiro’s finest inventions, and well worth the hype.

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This was invented by Matthias “Magiro” Weißl, not Lubor Fiedler as some have suggested. Werner “Werry” Geissler built the original prototype. This later version was imported by Howard Schwarzman.

The spectator places the pentagon in the stand and merely thinks of their symbol. Then it is placed back into the case and given to the magician. The performer instantly knows the selection. Everything is examinable, it’s literally that clean and brilliant.

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What a great opener! In the hands of Pohle, a classic principle becomes even more deceptive. I love the gold/red/black design. Classy and easy to carry around

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4 blocks are placed into a small box in any order, and there is literally no way to peek inside. Then this locked small box is placed into a larger locked box, secured with rubber bands, and covered with a piece of newspaper. The magician is able to divine the number without ever unlocking either box (really). This is a strong effect with a very clever method that I would have never guessed was possible.

A quick secret move occurs while the magician wraps the large box in newspaper. I prefer mentalism effects where the magician can take a “hands off” approach. The visual tell necessitates good lighting. I think if different colors or materials were chosen, the numbers could be divined a second or two quicker. This seems like a minor detail, but a few seconds separates the amateurs from the professionals.

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Even after months of practice, there are still moments where you cannot differentiate the gaffed from regular. That good. Lassen is often imitated, never duplicated.

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Start clean, end clean. Creativity of the highest caliber.

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This is the same dice prediction effect that Limited Edition Magic used in their “Fiedler’s Foolers” set. I have seen it made with various materials. You need a calm environment to perform in it, but it’s absolutely baffling when performed correctly.

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You would not believe the work on these cards — way behind whatever you are thinking. It’s refreshing to see a monte effect that is strikingly different than what all the other magicians do.

A wonderful performance can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyodd1vBbu8&feature=youtu.be

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This is a Lubor Fiedler creation that was sold by Supreme and later imported by Howie Schwarzman. You put a stack of cards on top of a plastic disc which is resting on your thumb. As you slowly spin the disc, every card visually melts through to the other side and is still attached to your thumb. It’s not suitable for closeup; more suited to the parlor room. It’s very… very clever.

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If it wasn’t expensive, I would have already cracked this gimmick open to see the underlying mechanism. It’s a marvel. Gave me a truly professional finale to my coins across routine.

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