Louis Christainer - Magical Notions

Magical Notions--Cover

Contents MAGICAL NOTIONS BY LOUIS F. CHRISTIANER To MR. F. G. THAYER Inventor, manufacturer and publisher of things magical, this volume is appreciatively dedicated.

The Thimble and Ball The Robinson Coin Change The Wandering Coin and Ring The Card and Watch The "Canar" Change Production The Handkerchief and Orange A Novel Production The "L.C." Card Change A Watch Move The Flying Coin The Flying Glove

Magical Notions--The Thimble and Ball

Magical Notions Louis F. Christianer Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

The Thimble and Ball This is a variation of the well-known thimble and paper cone trick, the effect of which is as follows: A small cork ball is shown and placed on the table. This is covered with a small paper cone. A thimble is shown and placed in the left hand. A change is commanded to take place. Opening the hand the ball is seen and upon lifting up the cone the thimble is found thereunder. The objects are then made to return to their original positions. The objects necessary for the success of the trick are two thimbles, one of which nests within the other. Also two small cork balls about the size of a pea. A small paper cone, just large enough to cover the thimble, is also required. The rest is manipulation. The thimbles are nested. One of the balls is placed within and the whole thing is placed on the second finger. The cone is next shown and demonstrated that it will fit over the thimble. When it is taken off, the outer thimble is taken with it. The ball on the table is shown and the supposedly empty cone placed over same. The cone should be dropped over ball so the thimble will be released and thus cover same. The left hand is now shown and the thimble placed therein as shown in "A" of Fig. 1. The left hand is closed over the thimble and the finger of right hand withdrawn, leaving thimble in left hand. The ball will then roll out of thimble into left hand. The thimble is taken out at top of left hand which is turned over as in "B." Showing the thimble on first finger of the right hand, it is apparently shoved into closed left hand, but really thumb palmed after the fashion familiar to all conjurors. After commanding the objects to change places, the left hand is opened and shown to contain the ball, while the right hand lifts up the cone and shows s hows the thimble.

Magical Notions--The Thimble and Ball

Call attention to the left hand being empty by pointing at same with right hand. Then close left hand. Just at this moment the right hand passes over same and drops the palmed thimble into same. Now drop ball into top of hand and let it roll into thimble. Replace cone over thimble on table. Command the objects to return to their former positions. Push second finger into left hand and into thimble with ball inside as before opening the hand at the same time. Then lift up cone with left hand, taking thimble with it, exposing the ball. Place cone over thimble on finger, leaving the one inside there. Readers are referred to the writer's "Modern Magical Effects" for another method of placing the thimble from the right hand into the left. By palming out the inner thimble and the ball, the duplicate ball, cone and thimble may be examined. This little effect forms a dandy pocket trick and is readily worked with a little practice. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The Robinson Coin Change


The Robinson Coin Change This clever coin change was originated by Mr. S. H. Robinson. In effect, a coin (a half dollar), is wrapped in a small piece of paper, and given to someone to hold. When the paper is unfolded, a quarter is found in place of the half dollar, which is produced elsewhere. Reference to Fig. 2 will make matters clear. The fifty cent piece is held on the paper as shown in "A 2." Directly under the half dollar and on the other side of the paper, the quarter is concealed, being held by the first finger of the right hand. The paper is then taken by the left hand as in "B," the edge being turned over. The right hand slides the half dollar off at the edge, taking the quarter with it and holding quarter so it will be hidden by the half. The right hand then places the coin as shown in "B," the quarter being allowed to drop under the fold where the thumb of the left hand grips it. This is all done while facing the audience. The paper is then turned with the back to the audience, during which the right hand slightly withdraws the half dollar and places it outside the fold, instead of under. The other edge is then folded down as in "C." The small bundle is then held at the tips of the right fingers, during which the half dollar slides out of the paper and into the palm of the hand. The left hand takes the paper and gives it to someone to hold. The person is then requested to unfold the paper and of course finds the quarter. The fifty cent piece may be reproduced from the pocket or elbow of person holding paper. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The Wandering Coin and Ring


The Wandering Coin and Ring One of the cleverest combinations that could be arranged for the parlor entertainer. A borrowed quarter is wrapped in a piece of paper. A lady's ring is placed in a small box, which is then wrapped in a handkerchief and given to the lady to hold. An egg is examined and placed in a cup. The performer then commands a change to take place. The coin vanishes from the paper and is found in the box in place of the ring. Upon breaking open the egg, the ring is found therein. Two small pill boxes, the size of a half dollar and a half inch in depth are required. One of the boxes, together with a rubber band, is placed in the right outside coat pocket. The other box is placed on the table. The egg cup has a removable lining, in the bottom of which is a small piece of wax. This lining is in the right coat pocket with the pill box. The egg cup rests on the table. A handkerchief is placed in the outside coat pocket. A small square of paper and a quarter are the remaining necessities. The quarter is palmed in the right hand. To introduce the trick, the performer asks for a quarter. This he receives with the right hand and turns to place it on the table, really palming it and dropping the duplicate. It is best to have the borrowed quarter marked in some way. Next he asks for the loan of a lady's wedding ring. While some lady is removing the ring from her finger, the performer places his hands in his coat pockets in a natural position, opens the pill box and places the palmed quarter therein, after which he replaces the cover. This is all done in a few seconds. The pill box on the table is then given to the lady with the request that she place the ring inside. This affords an opportunity to palm the box containing the quarter. To hide same, the handkerchief is removed from the outside pocket and held in the hand. The box containing the ring is taken in the left hand, which at once transfers it to the fingers of the right hand, the right hand spreading the handkerchief over the palm of the left hand. The box containing the ring is then supposedly wrapped in the handkerchief, but under cover of same the exchange is made and the box with coin is wrapped in handkerchief. The right hand, containing box with ring, then goes into

Magical Notions--The Wandering Coin and Ring

the right pocket for the rubber band, leaving box behind and placing band around the handkerchief and box, which is given to lady to hold. She shakes same to prove that ring is still there, the coin sounding just like the ring. The egg cup is then passed for examination, during which the ring is removed from the box in Pocket and stuck in wax in lining of cup, same being then palmed: Egg is next passed out and egg cup taken back, opportunity being afforded to palm lining into same. This is placed on the table. The quarter is then wrapped in the paper, using the coin fold familiar to all magicians. All that then remains is to tear up paper, palming the coin. Lady finds coin in box which she thought contained the ring. Ring is found in the egg. The beauty of this combination is that it is done with the help of the audience. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The Card and Watch


The Card and Watch A gentleman's gold watch is borrowed. At the same time a card is selected from the deck. The card is torn into small pieces and loaded into a gun. Attention is called to a small s mall black board in a gold frame resting on the performer's table. The performer then holds the borrowed watch in his hand, and the pistol containing the card is given to a member of the audience. The performer then requests the person to aim the pistol at the watch in his hand. When the pistol is fired the watch in the performer's hand changes into the selected card, while the borrowed watch suddenly appears in the center of the frame on the table.

Reference to Fig. 3 will help make the trick clear. A plain gold watch must be procured, one of the closed case variety, as shown in "A." The cover is so arranged that when released by pressing the stem, a spring pulls it out flat. A special card is then made to fold and go inside the watch. This card will fold up small, but as soon as the cover is released the card expands and covers the watch. Fig. "D" shows the card folded lengthwise. It is again folded in the center from edge to edge. A face card is best used. To help in the construction of this card it is best to procure a folding card from a dealer in magical apparatus and use it as an example.

Magical Notions--The Card and Watch

The frame as shown in "C" is merely a board with a trap, set in a neat gold frame, Fig. "E" shows the principles of the trap. It revolves on two pins in the center of top and bottom. "X" is a rubber band attached to the trap and to the side of frame. "Y" is a small catch to hold the trap in place. A piece of string is attached to the catch and when pulled releases the trap. The board and trap is covered with black velvet. To prepare for the trick, the watch is placed on the trap in the center by means of a small pin. The trap is then brought around the back and held at "y" by means of the catch. The rubber of course stretches over the back and when catch is pulled, trap flies around and watch appears in frame. To work the trick, a duplicate of the card is first forced. This is torn up and loaded into the pistol tube. A plain gold watch of closed case variety is borrowed, and when performer goes back to stage it is an easy matter to make the exchange. The wand is taken up from table, during which action the borrowed watch is dropped behind some object thereon. Assistant comes out and removes table to back center of stage during which he procures the watch and taking it behind the stage places it on hook on frame. The performer is holding the attention of the audience during this time by instructing the person to tear up card and he (performer) loads into pistol tube. Performer then holds prepared watch, presumably the borrowed one in his hand with thumb on stem, and requests person to fire at same. As soon as he fires, the stem of watch is pressed and cover springs down and card unfolds, thus transferring watch to card. At the same time, assistant pulls thread and watch appears in center of frame. The card is verified and placed on table so watch behind same will drop into well, while performer removes borrowed watch from the frame. The watch is then given to its owner with thanks. Performer can then pick up a duplicate card and casually give to person holding gun, when pistol is returned. The use of the frame is an adaptation of The Demon Frame, which is the origination of Mr. F. G. Thayer. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The "Canar" Change Production


The "Canar" Change Production This excellent production of a chosen card is the origination of Mr. H. A. Canar, a very clever manipulator of cards, and with his permission it is herewith described. A card is selected, noted and returned to the deck. The performer brings it to the top of the deck by means of the pass. It is then necessary to get the card to the bottom of the deck with its face toward the face of the bottom card. This is accomplished as follows: The deck is held in the left hand with the thumb at one side and the fingers at the other, the second and third being curled over the edge of the selected card. Then slightly draw the selected card over about a half inch, and with the right hand lift up the deck, the left fingers still pressing on the card. It will be found that the card will stand on edge on the fingers, and the right hand can easily place deck on top of same so card will be face up. Of course this move only takes a second and is entirely hidden by the right hand, which is holding the deck all the time. Then the deck is cut in about the center, the lower half resting on the palm of the left hand. The upper portion is held in the right hand, with the thumb at one end and the fingers at the other. Attention is then called to the bottom card of the UPPER half, which we will say is the six s ix of hearts. The left thumb then pushes the top card of the lower half over about an inch. This card is then turned over so it will rest face up on the lower half of the deck, by placing the upper half under its edge and turning it over. This card we will say is the ace of spades. The upper portion is then rested so it will cover only half of the lower half. The first finger of the left hand then pushes the bottom card of the lower half, or the card selected, over so the right hand can grip it under cover of lifting up the top portion. The selected card is then held at the bottom of the upper portion, but facing the six of hearts already shown. A small break is retained between this card and the bottom card of the upper half by the right thumb. The change is accomplished by simply touching the ace of spades with

Magical Notions--The "Canar" Change Production

the upper half, leaving at the same time, the selected card on top of same, thus causing the change. The upper half is at once turned over to show that the six of hearts is still there. This is really a brilliant change and should be studied with cards in hands. After a little practice the moves will be understood and easily worked. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The Handkerchief and Orange


The Handkerchief and Orange The tissue paper wrapper of an orange is removed, shown on both sides, then crushed into a ball, from the center of which a red silk handkerchief is produced. The orange is then exhibited and placed in a glass. The handkerchief is loaded into a pistol. The performer then shoots at the orange which is cut open and the handkerchief produced from the center of same. This clever little trick is woven around the original production of a handkerchief of Mr. H. A. Canar's. It is first essential to obtain a wrapper that has the brand stamped on same. Two wrappers are required. The brand is carefully cut from one of them. The handkerchief is carefully folded and placed over the stamp of the whole wrapper. A little glue is placed around the edges and the cutout brand is glued down. If a book is then placed on the prepared wrapper, the handkerchief will be pressed flat and at a short distance away, it cannot be detected. A knife with a hollow handle is the only other piece of apparatus required. This is readily procured from any dealer in magical apparatus. Into the hollow handle a duplicate of the red handkerchief is placed. It is best to have the orange with the prepared wrapper in a small basket with two or three oranges. To introduce the trick, the orange is taken and the wrapper removed, and the orange may be tossed into the audience for examination, while the wrapper is being shown. The orange is then received from the audience and placed in a glass. The wrapper is next crushed into a ball, the paper torn, and the handkerchief produced. produced. Toss the tissue paper to one side, and bring forward the pistol which is fitted with the wellknown "pistol tube." The handkerchief is pushed into the tube and the pistol fired at the orange. The orange is then taken in the left hand and cut, not quite in half, so the larger portion is in the hand. The knife is held between the thumb and the orange, with blade down. The small portion of the orange is placed on the table. The portion in the hand is turned slightly to the performer, while the right forefinger is pushed into the orange, the thumb and second finger at the same time, catching the small bead

Magical Notions--The Handkerchief and Orange

attached to the silk in the knife, and pulling same out. From the audience the silk appears to come from the orange. The knife is purely a magical accessory and no originality is claimed for same. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--A Novel Production


A Novel Production A small Chinese basket, of the flat telescopic variety, is introduced and proven to be empty. One half of it is then filled with confetti after which it is covered with the other half of the basket. Three of four handkerchiefs are then placed in a glass, The silks are commanded to leave the glass and appear in the basket. Upon uncovering the glass, it is found empty, while the handkerchiefs are found in the basket in place of the confetti. The handkerchiefs are removed from the basket, after which an endless amount of paper ribbon is taken out, from the center of which is produced a number of pigeons. Reference to Fig. 4 will make matters clear. The style basket used is illustrated in "a." It may be purchased from any dealer of oriental goods, and costs about twenty-five cents. A tin fake as illustrated in "b" is constructed to fit in the inner compartment of the basket. The fake has a removable top which is easily removed. Some confetti is glued on this top. First fill the fake with duplicate handkerchiefs, paper ribbon and other articles it will be desired to produce. Then place the fake upright in a box containing the confetti. A glass known as the Demon Glass can be procured at any dealers. It has a celluloid insert and a cardboard cylinder cover. The table used must have a servante at back, or a black art well. To work the trick, first introduce the basket. Then fill the smaller compartment with confetti by dipping same in the box. During this the fake is slipped into the basket, and the confetti on top of same gives the impression that the basket is full.

Magical Notions--A Novel Production

Slip the cover over the basket and place it against some object on the table. Then show the glass: The celluloid being transparent, no one detects the presence of the same. Place the handkerchiefs in the glass, really in the insert. Then cover over with the cylinder. To cause silks to vanish, simply grip insert between finger and cylinder and withdraw from the glass while removing the cylinder. The insert with the silks is then dropped into the servante or black art well, so as tO show the cylinder empty. Open the basket by gripping the cover of same tightly so as to remove the top of the fake and thus cause the confetti to vanish. Produce the handkerchiefs and follow up with the ribbons. It would make a fine finish to have a bag loaded with doves or a duck at back of chair, or flowers, to load into paper ribbon to produce. This production will be found to be a novelty and a departure from the well-known box and bag effects. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The "L.C." Card Change


The "L. C." Card Change A card is selected from the deck, noted, returned to the deck, which is then shuffled. The performer then takes the top card of the deck and shows same to the person who chose the card, asking if it is the one noted. Upon told that it is not, the card is at once pushed through the deck from one side to the other and then shown. It has changed to the card selected. The selected card is brought to the top of the deck by any means the performer cares to use. The writer's method is to have the card "glimpsed,"' using the flesh grip and palming card to the top of the deck. This method is thoroughly explained in Down's "Art of Magic." The deck is then held face down in the left hand. The right hand picks up the two top cards, with the thumb at one end and the second finger at the other. The end held by the top has a slight break between the two cards. The cards may be slightly curved so as to conceal the fact that there are two instead of one. Showing the card, which of course is not the one selected, the performer turns the hand over so face of card will be to deck. He then passes the hand back over the deck, during which the bottom card or one already shown is dropped onto the top of the deck. The thumb of the left hand then makes a break in the deck, and without exposing the card, it is pushed through the deck from side to side, the right hand taking it as it emerges from the other side and turning it over. Thus the change has been accomplished just by pushing the card through the deck. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--A Watch Move


A Watch Move The performer removes his watch and fob from the vest pocket and shows same. The watch and fob are then placed in the left hand so the fob hangs out over the top of hand. The watch is then commanded to vanish from the hand, which is at once opened and shown empty. The watch is taken from the coat pocket. The illustration in Fig. 5 will make matters clear. The secret lies in the hook-swivel of the fob. This is shown in Fig. "c." It is the ordinary swivel, but spread open so as to allow the thumb to slip it off the ring off the watch easily. To begin the trick, the watch and fob are taken from the vest pocket and held on the right hand as shown in "a." The left hand is then shown empty, and a move made to put the watch into the left hand. While the left hand is being shown empty, the right thumb presses down on the hook-swivel and slips it off the ring of the watch, so when right hand pretends to place watch in left, the fob only goes, the watch being palmed in right hand. The left hand is at once closed and held as in "b." The right hand rubs the back of the left hand and commands the watch to vanish. Of course left hand is opened to show the watch gone. Watch is then reproduced from the coat pocket or elsewhere as the performer desires. A good variation would be to have one of the old style coin purses in the right trousers pocket, and which is held open by means of a small piece of cork, as described in Hoffman's "Later Magic." The watch is easily slipped into the purse when hand is placed in the trousers pocket. The purse is then taken from the pocket, presumably to show that the

Magical Notions--A Watch Move

performer has money enough to buy another watch, the purse, when opened, discloses the watch. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The Flying Coin


The Flying Coin An English penny and an American fifty cent piece are shown. The penny is placed in the left hand, which is then closed. The half dollar is held in the right hand. The right hand gives a toss toward the left hand. A clink is heard and left hand is opened, showing the fifty cent piece with the penny. The right hand is opened and found empty. Two fifty cent pieces and one penny are needed. The penny and one half dollar are exhibited in the palm of the left hand. The second fifty cent piece is palmed in the right hand. The right hand then reaches for the fifty cent piece in the left hand, during which the palmed half dollar is dropped into the left sleeve. The penny is shown in the left hand, where it is gripped in the palm, so that when the hand is dropped to the side, the half dollar in the sleeve will drop to the curled fingers without striking the penny. The half dollar is shown in the right hand, which then gives a sort of toss towards the left hand. The coin is palmed, and at the same time the penny is released from the palm and drops onto the half dollar therein, thus making the clink. The right hand pulls up the left sleeve, and at same time drops palmed coin into outside coat pocket. The left hand is opened and the penny and half dollar shown. The right hand can of course be shown empty also. This is a clever little move and much appreciated at close range. Next | | Previous Next Previous | | Contents

Magical Notions--The Flying Glove

Magical Notions Louis F. Christianer Previous | | Contents Previous

The Flying Glove While there is nothing startling, as far as originality is concerned, in this trick, it is one that always creates a great deal of amusement, and with which the author has always had considerable success. To begin the trick, a lady's glove is borrowed. When about to use it in the trick, the performer discovers a small handkerchief inside of same. This causes him to look further and in one of the fingers a bit of lace is found, and in another, a small length of ribbon. In his endeavors to see if there is anything else in the fingers, the glove is accidentally torn, much to the performer's regret. Remarking that the lady will no doubt have greater use for the article than he, the performer wraps the glove, ribbon and lace in a piece of paper and hands to owner of the glove. When she unwraps same, a bouquet of violets is found, the glove and ribbons having vanished. Attention is then called to a small frame resting on the performer's table. Taking his pistol he fires at the frame and the glove appears in center of same, completely restored. It is removed and given to the lady with thanks. Very little explanation will be required by readers of this effect. The borrowed glove is, of course, exchanged for one prepared with handkerchief, ribbon and lace. A suede glove is the best to use, or a white one. Performer must, of course, ask for a white glove, but this is easily obtained. Fold the prepared glove up small and place under vest. A small .bouquet of violets is placed under a sheet of paper which is placed on the table, resting near rear edge of same, near servante or black art well. The principle of the frame will be readily recognized. It is merely a black frame about six inches wide and eight inches in length. It rests on a base which stands about four inches up from table top. There is a spring blind over front of same, held at the bottom by a catch to which is attached a length of thread. This frame is very much like that used to cause a broken plate to appear when pieces are supposed to be shot at same. See Hoffman's "Modern Magic."

Magical Notions--The Flying Glove

The performer asks for loan of white glove and goes into audience after same, carrying his wand with him. While standing in audience he folds it up, stating he will cause it to vanish. He then goes back to stage, during which journey he has ample opportunity to get glove from vest, and hide borrowed one in hand with wand. This is placed on table, and while performer is talking, assistant takes wand, glove, and other articles from same, and places glove in frame which he later brings out and rests on table to back of stage. Performer then pretends to find articles in glove, from which much comedy can be obtained. Then he rolls up glove, ribbon and the like and pretends to wrap in paper. Glove is really dropped in scrvante and bouquet wrapped up and given to lady. After lady finds bouquet performer offers his excuse and fires at frame. Assistant pulls the thread and glove appears. As before stated only the arrangement is considered original, but suffice it to say, that this is an effect capable of much variation and one that is always a success. End of Magical Notions

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Louis Christainer - Magical Notions

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