George Guerra

A Classic and the Best is an Owen

I have always had a fancy for this effect. The earliest models included Loyd’s Jewel Chest of Ching See and, more recently, Richard Gerlitz updated it with his version, The Temple of Dragon and Jewel Chest of Sea-Ling. This is the Owen model and a treat to own.

Simplistic skeleton frame used for the cabinet, but beautiful solid walnut construction and bright, brass touches on the sides stands out. The block is an elegant yellow and black Oriental design..nothing fancy but perfectly complementing the cabinet housing it.

The effect is a solid block is shown and locked into the open cabinet with a solid, examinable rod. A top hat or any container is placed on top. In an instant the block is seen to visually fly up and penetrate into the container on top where the block is now removed and freely shown. For those in the know, the one problem with the Loyd’s model was that the "release mechanism" was openly placed in front for all to see. Owen moved it naturally to the bottom of the cabinet within easy reach when you lay the apparatus on your hand for the performance. It’s fast, though a bit "noisy"…one of my only qualms.

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Atypical MW item, but one great illusion

Saw this item for sale on ebay by John Mendoza and decided to bring out the one sitting in my collection for 19 years. Forgot what a great illusion this is. I guess it’s easy to miss this one for it’s simple, straightforward design and construction in contrast to the rest of the Milson-Worth line. However, it is a well built fooler and one you will want to perform, while the rest of your MW collection sits pretty on the shelf.

The pictures tells it all. With a simple idea, the whole apparatus can be examined in the beginning and at the end of the routine to further add confusion to this mystery. As far as I can tell, it was never pictured in any MW catalogue, but casually mentioned in the price lists that accompany the catalogues.

The brass light stand is of heavy construction, 24 3/4 inch tall with the globe bulb, and the base has a 5 1/2 inch diameter. Overall, a beautiful effect and recommended if you can find one for sale.

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Tough to top this Die Box

I must first admit that I am not a die box aficionado, but the beauty in the work of this die box was irresistible. Only one other die box adorns my collection for the same reason and that is the new version of the Milson-Worth Deluxe Oriental Die Box.

The construction is solid and meticulously built to please the most neat picky of any collector out there. The choice of wood is Padauk and the grain, color of this gorgeous African wood shows throughout. The people at Owen, on my visit to that mecca of magic, told me only about a dozen were made; the rest being Walnut.

However, the most attractive appeal to me was that this was a part of a select group of items specially commissioned to celebrate their 100th anniversary in business. That was clearly and artistically branded onto the back panel of the box as shown. I just love it!

Of course, the box functions perfectly and the slide is a smooth, solid thump to convince the spectators that the die is indeed moving side to side. The paint job on the shell and die are perfect, reminiscent of the quality on Milson-Worth apparatus, but then, this is an Owen item and to be expected.

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One Fortunate Collector!

I had raved over a Chinese Compass from Colin Rose because of the historical oak and copper it was crafted. I also raved over a Victorian style boxed set of magic that this incredible craftsman made for my collection. Well, I was blown away when I became aware of a special and unique project that Colin worked over the recent holiday. This was to be a “micro” boxed set of several pocket tricks made from the oak and copper sheeting of the H.M.S. Victory and the final touch to their Trafalgar Collection.

The set has topped everything I have ever received from Five of Hearts. The box housing these special pieces is made from 300 year old Seasoned Yew and it’s a beauty to behold. Colin’s workmanship is unsurpassed and definitely one of the best skilled with wood. I really appreciate his vision to protect the history of the wood by preserving some of its original character. The Dutch Sandwich bears quite elegantly the original exterior, while the Block Tube showcases the original Worm Traces. Thus, history and art are integrated in a way only Colin could have imagined with results that need to be seen up in person to fully appreciate it.

The tricks in this set are classics, still enjoyable, and an elegant choice for the wood. I particularly like that he included two paddle effects, as I have a longstanding liking to magic paddles.

As a final statement of my excitemement over this boxed set, I felt compelled to put up a special webpage with the details to, hopefully, convey what I am enjoying.

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A Cup Worthy of a Museum

I own and treasure a segmented chop cup that incorporates Padauk, Zebrawood, Wenge, and Red Oak. It was handcrafted by Howard Hale and I had never seen one that equaled it or surpassed it on the market, till I acquired this cup from Mark Teufel. It’s a big one, capable of hiding a tennis ball, but look at all that beautiful exotic wood! While my Hale cup was just rings of wood, this one has a gorgeous geometric pattern to it. Not sure how Mark accomplished this.

This Teufel cup incorporates 5 different exotic woods, stands about 4 inches and the mouth opening is 2 3/4 inches. It’s a sturdy cup with the walls much thicker than my Hale cup. To top it, the price is quite a bargain for the quality that you are getting. For all you chop cup collectors, this is definitely a must.

NOTE: the woods used in this cup are Bocote, Ebony, Padauk, Satin Wood, and Figured Maple.

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Zig Zag Maximus

I had heard of Mark Teufel in the past, but never owned any of his magic, then I recently read a very positive comment on this item by John Mendoza. For some reason, that piqued my interest in obtaining one.

Eventually, I learned the whereabouts on Mark and it turned out he is a 50 minute drive from my home. When my order was finished, I drove over to pick this up and he turned out to be a very pleasant and friendly man, clearly enthusiastic with his magic. Though I suspected how this apparatus worked, his demonstration left me in doubt, as the magic was amazing to watch.

Not only is this a great trick, the apparatus is a BEAUTY! Heavy, solid brass construction throughout, all masked by a gorgeous, exotic Snakewood exterior (at extra cost and if Mark has it in stock, which is very infrequent, I am told). I knew this would be special, so I had bought on ebay a pair a AU 1945 Walkers to replace his standard clad Kennedys. The result is an apparatus that is a pride to display and perform. Oh yes, as expected, the mechanics is smooth and flawless in operation.

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Powerful Mental Effect

It’s been 2 years since the last Gerlitz was released, Orb of Truth, and that was quite a mechanical marvel. Now he has released three effects under a Pocket Mentalism Series banner. This one is clearly my favorite. The effect is powerful! The prop looks ordinary enough to divert suspicion but, more importantly, it all works effortlessly so you can concentrate on presentation.

For those who love magical mechanical devices, this will not disappoint. I am glad Richard showed an image of the underlying brass mechanism on his site to fully appreciate what one is getting, as he sends the apparatus already prepared, as pictured, for immediate performance. This is definitely one that will entice you to carry and perform as it wouldn’t be one to display in your magic collection. As I said earlier, the effect packs the power to impress any spectator!

Richard continues the tradition he set when he started his line of magic: great effects, great apparatus, and all in very limited edtions that he strictly adheres to. SO, don’t wait and be disappointed when that "Sold Out" comes up on his site.

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The Magic of Egypt!

It was Alan’s Egyptian style magic that first captivated my attention when I learned of his mini- magic back in 2001. It may be the mystique of this ancient land and its mythology, artwork, and magic that is alluring and, now, all well captured in beautifully grained handcrafted teakwood as only Alan has ever been able to accomplish. This new release is no exception and a welcomed addition to this themed portion of Alan’s magic.

Selected colored tablet matches the colored sun god tablet not once, but twice, all in a fair manner. It’s the beauty of the props that sells and the wonderful routine that entertains…all easy to perform so you can concentrate on the presentation. I love it!

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Ultimate puzzler

It never fails to feel like a kid on Christmas Day opening his favorite gift when a parcel arrives in the mail from Alan Warner. Even after so many deliveries in the past years, that enchantment has never dwindled. I also know that many collectors have their favorite Warner items, selling off those that didn’t please them, yet I have kept every single Warner piece I have bought. I can’t say the same with the many great names in magic I have been a loyal customer over the years. I guess this is a testament to the great magic from this one man.

This is indeed another beautiful puzzle effect, distinct from The Oracle or Red Chinese Puzzle, both marvelous effects, too. There is the gorgeous design, the bright colours, and the meticulous teak craftsmanship. The classic puzzle mystery is enhanced by a transposition effect involving the missing piece, and all comes nicely packaged in that classic mini-magic size. Love the lid decor which also serves as an aid in the performance…Alan thinks of everything.

Most Highly Recommended!

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More than you think…

So, you are probably thinking, just another chop cup set…WRONG! This is innovative, extremely clever, and entertaining magic at an impressive mini-magic level…my favorite kind of magic. See the video of Doug’s performance and you get only a glimpse of what Jim Riser put together in his workshop. There was a great deal of thought and ingenuity put into the beautiful props that are not so apparent from just seeing the performance. I am telling you that the price justifies what you are getting. You get three double layered gimmicked aluminum spun "shot glasses, two rubber olives, four corks (three gimmicked), special leather performance mat, instuctional DVD, and draw string red bags for storage. This is definitely not your usual chop cup set. And to top it all, Doug sure came up with a very elegant and funny magical routine worthy of the wonderful props.

I sure wish I could say more, but suffice to say that the one stickler on watching Doug’s video was the cork vanishes. Was I in for a great surprise on learning the method when I received my Uncorked set…most diabolical and one I had never seen nor heard of in all my years in magic. I don’t have one Riser item that has not greatly impressed me and held a special place in my collection.

What also brought a smile was Doug’s mention of a “series of magic” coming from him. The first one, Stones of Tutankhamen, was also impressive, both the props, again made by Jim Riser, and the accompanying routine. I will definitely be looking out for the third release from this team.

A highest recommendation on this one!

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