BY
HAROLD R. RICE
Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III
CHRPTER ELEVEN
Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521
CHRPTER TWELVE
Color Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .661
CHRPTER THIRTEEN
Color Changing Silks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699
CHRPTER FOURTEEN
Silk Dyeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 747
CHRPTER FIFTEEN
Reel Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 851
CHHPTER SIXTEEN
Reel - Less Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 887
CHRPTER SEVENTEEN
Twentieth Century SilKes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937
Penetrations
Introduction 1
Effect :
A fan ( wand or similar object) is tiled with a knot in the
center of two ropes. Two spectators hold the ends of the ropes
while several silks are tied on either side of the fan, Figure 1.
Finally, one of the ropes is tied around all of the
silks, Figure 2. Upon command the performer removes the fan
and knotted silks from the ropes which are still held by the
spectators.
Required :
Two 6 lengths of soft rope, four 18 silks, and a folding
fan. Nothing is prepared in advance.
Presentation :
1. Display the ropes, Figure 3
then invite two spectators
to assist.
2. Have one spectator hold
the fan, an end in each
hand.
3. Drape the centers X-X of
the ropes over the center
of the fan, Figure 4.
4. Take the two strands of A in your left hand and the two
strands of B in your right, Figure 5, then tie a single knot,
Figure 6.
5. Pull the ropes to tighten the knot around the fan, Figure 7.
6. Give ends J and K to one spectator and L and M to
another.
7. If the fan were removed at this point, one spectator would
be holding the ends of rope A and the other the ends of
rope B, but due to the manner in which the knot was tied
around the fan, the spectators are not aware of existing
conditions. The secret of the effect lies in this clever
subtlety.
8. Now tie the four silks around the two ropes with ordinary
single knots, Figure 1. Some prefer to tie the center of the
silks to the ropes, Figure 8.
9. Push, the silks in to the center of the ropes against the fan,
Figure 9.
10. Take one end (either J or K) from one spectator and an
end (either L or M) from the second spectator, then tie
them in a single knot, Figure 2. Now you have
automatically switched ends, giving each spectator an end
of each of the two ropes.
11. Take the silks in the left hand and the fan in the right,
Figure 10.
12. Advise the spectators that they are to pull sharply upon
the ropes at the count of three,"
13. Start counting, and at the same time gradually pull the
fan out of the knot. Just as three is called, the fan
must be pulled completely free of the ropes.
14. Count three, and as the spectators pull, jerk downwards
sharply on the silks.
15. You now held the fan and knotted silks which are free of
the cards held by the spectators, Figure 11.
Note
All sorts of articles can be tied in the center of the ropes.
Donate the Magician ties a Walsh Cane to Silk in the ropes, then
changes the cane to a silk at the finish of the effect.
Presentation :
1. Have one spectator hold a 24 silk, then drape centers X-X
of the ropes over the center of the folded silk, Figure 12.
2. Tie a single knot in the ropes as illustrated in Figure 5,6 and
7, being careful not to pinch part of the silk in the cords
forming the knot. The knot appears as in Figure 13.
3. Take the silks and ropes in the left hand, Figure 14.
4. Tie a single knot around the lower part of the knot in the
ropes with end N of the silk, Figure 15 and 16.
5. The knotted 24 silk is now in the center of the ropes Figure
17.
6. Continue as in the original version as explained in steps 8, 9
and 10.
7. For the release, take end N in the right hand and the
centers of the four 18 silks in the left, Figure 18.
8. Pull upwards on N at the count of 2, pulling the knot in the
silk free of the knot, in the ropes, Figure 19.
9. Continue to pull the 24 silk upwards until it is free of the
knot in the rope just as you count to 3.
10. Count 3, and as the spectators pull, pull downwards sharply on
the four 18 silks and upwards on the 24
silk, releasing all five silks from the ropes, Figure20.
Ropes, Fan and Silks * 4
Presentation :
3. Execute the first nine steps given in Effect No 2,
THE CORDS OF PHANTASIA.
4. Introduce the wooden hoop (or a plastic bracelet.)
5. Take one end of a rope from either assistant and slip it
through the hoop, then run the hoop along the rope to
the silks and fan tied at the center, Figure 21.
1. Now take one end from the other assistant and tie a single
knot, continuing step 10 through 14, effect No. 2.
2. When the silks and fan are released the hoop remains at
the center of the ropes, Figure 22.
Deluxe Ropes, Fan and Silks * 5
J E A N H U G A R D
Presentation :
1. After tying the ropes around the fan, Figures 4
through 7, thread the articles on the ropes as shown
in Figure 24.
2. Pass the ends of the ropes through the sleeves of a
jacket, Figure 25.
3. Take one rope from each assistant, tie the single knot,
Figure 26.
4. Have one assistant hold rings A and B and the other
C and D, Figure 27.
5. Standing behind the jacket, remove the fan but do not
display it.
6. Allow the two rings to fall free of the ropes.
7. Pull the silks and cards that were to the left of the fan
free of the ropes, then toss them into the air.
8. Repeat with remaining silks and cards.
9. Now expose the fan. The jacket remains threaded on top
ropes.
10. Take the jackets collar in one hand, then tell the
assistants to pull sharply on the ropes.
11. Step forward with the jacket as it comes free of the
ropes.
Note :
Hugard suggests stealing a fish bowl from under the coat
just before the jacket is released from the ropes. The bowl is
hidden from view by the jacket and is produced as the performer
steps to the front of the stage.
My Favorite * 6
H A R L A N T A R B E L L
Presentation :
1. hile two assistants hold the
ends of the ropes, tie the Al
Baker WRIST TIE around
the center of the two ropes
as shown in Figure 28
through 32. Briefly, the bite
of silk taken between the
second and third fingers of
the left hand, Figure 30,
forms a loop C around the
tip of the left second finger
as the right hand pulls
corner A down through the
large loop, Figure 31.
2. Carry A to the right,
tightening the knot, Figure
32.
3. Remove the left second
finger from C as the knot
tightens.
4. Hold the silk as shown in
Figure 33.
5. Bring A towards B, then
down around the ropes, and
back to the right, Figure 34.
forming a lop around the
ropes, Figure 35.
6. Tie a double knot with ends
A and B, Figure 36.
7. Grasp the ropes with the
right hand as shown in
Figure 37. Then close the
hand into a fist.
8. Ask the assistants to
release their ends.
9. Take the ropes between
your hands as shown in
Figure 38,then tie a single
knot in the ropes, Figure
39.
10. Give XX to one assistant
and YY to the other.
11. Tie the remaining 18 silks
to the ropes with single
knots, Figure 40.
12. Grasp the four silks at N
with the left hand and the
knot in M with the right,
Figure 40.
13. Pull upwards on the center
silk, then downwards on
the remaining four.
14. All five silks, still knotted,
will come free, and the
two ropes will remain
outstretched and without
a knot between the two
assistants.
Penetrative Silks 7
H A R L A N T A R B E L L
Presentation :
2. Tie the centers of the two ropes around the center of the
wand as illustrated with the fan in Figure 3 through 7, then
have two spectators hold the ends of the ropes.
3. Using the AL BAKER WRIST TIE Figure 28 through 36, tie
one silk to the left of the wand, then one to the right.
4. At this point the apparatus is as shown in Figure 41.
1. Allow the spectator to tie the remaining two silks around the
ropes with genuine double knots at the positions shown in
Figure 42.
9. While two assistants hold the ends of the ropes, pull
upwards on silks A and B, causing them to penetrate
the ropes, Figure 43.
Effect :
In a slightly different version of THE CORDS OF
PHANTASIA six silks and a wand tied to two lengths of rope are
placed in a box. Upon command the box, silks, and wand penetrate
the ropes.
Required :
In addition to two 6
lengths of soft rope, SIX 18
silks and a wand, a box with a
lock as illustrated in Figure 45 in
needed.
Presentation :
3. Tie the two ropes around the center of the wand as
illustrated with a fan in Figure 3 through 7, then have
two spectators hold the ends of the ropes.
4. Tie the silks to the ropes with genuine knots, Fig. 46.
Effect :
Three wooden beads are strung on two cords, Fig. 51, then
one of the cords is tied about the beads, Figure 52. The
performer removes the beads while two spectators hold the ends
of the cords, Figure 53.
The Secret :
The cards are tied at their centers with a lop of weak
thread, Figure 54. The thumb and first finger hide the union when
the cards are displayed, Figure 55,and it appears that two cards
are held side by side. The first bead is strung over two ends and
passed to the center hiding the union, Figure 56. Then the
remaining beads are added, one on each side of the first, Figure
51. By bringing two ends to the center to tie a single knot, the
cords are reversed, Figure 52, and when the performer or
spectators pull on the cords (breaking the thread) the beads are
free and the cords are para llel, Figure53.
Effect :
Three silks tied to two long cords fly free from the cords,
still knotted, jumping high into the air, Figure 69.
Preparation :
Two 9 lengths of rope and 3-18 silks are needed. Prepare
the ropes with the thread, Figure 70, unless my improved method,
Effect No. 10, is preferred.
Preparation :
15. Take the center of the cords in
the left hand, Figure 71, and a
silk in the right.
16. Display the Silk, Figure 72.
17. Drop corner A and pass the
right hand down to the center of
the silk, point C, Figure 73. Now
release corner B from the left
hand.
18. Bring the silk up and around the
cords at X, Figure 74. Then tie
a single knot in the silk around
the cards with the left & right
hands.
5. Drape the silks and cord over the left wrist, Figure 75.
6. Display the second silk, Figure 72.
7. Taking point Y, Figure 75, in the right hand, tie the
second silk around the cords with a single knot at Y,
Figure 76.
Effect :
A glass cylinder is placed over two ropes with a silk tied at
their centers. The performer removes the cylinder and the silk
while two spectators hold the ends of the cords, Fig. 83.
Presentation :
1. Tie the silk to the cords as explained in steps 1 through 5
under the Presentation of RICES FLYING COLORS and as
illustrated in Figure 70 through 75.
2. Display the cylinder.
3. Drop two ends of the ropes through the cylinder, then pass
the cylinder on down the ropes until the silk at their center
is inside, Figure 84.
4. Invite 2 spectators to assist. One holds ends P and R,
the other, ends Q and S. Performer supports the
weight of the cylinder on his upturned palm, Figure 85.
5. Take one end from each spectator, then tie a single knot,
bringing the knot down against the cylinder, Figure 86.
6. Return ends to spectators. Now one holds P and Q, the
other R and S.
7. Place a palm over each end of the cylinder, Figure 87, then
at the count of three command the spectators to pull on
their cords.
8. As the spectators pull, lift up on the cylinder and it and the
silk will come free of the ropes, Figure 83.
Eseaping Silks * 13
A Penetration ** 14
E D M U N D Y O U N G E R
Presentation :
1. Prepared as in GLAS-GO to the poin
where two spectators hold the ends o
the ropes and the cylinder is over the
silk at their centers, Figure 85.
2. Now invite a lady from the audience to
assist.
3. Have the lady hold the cylinder.
4. Instead of tying two of the cords around the cylinder,
Figure 86, take them to the back of the lady assistant and
tie a single knot, Figure 90.
5. Now pass the ends to the assistants again, Figure 91.
6. Command the assistants to pull at the count of three
and the young lady to walk forward at the same time. The
result will be as shown in Figure 89.
Effect :
A glass cylinder with a hole in its wall is displayed. A silk is
tied to two ropes and the ropes and silk are placed inside of the
cylinder. Upon command the silk penetrates the cylinder, and
the cylinder the cords, Figure 99.
Preparation :
A cylinder, Figure 92, 2-9
lengths of rope and an 18 silk are
needed.
Presentation :
1. Tie the ropes around the silk as explained in
MYSTINIS TRIPLE KNOT ESCAPE and as
illustrated in Figure 93 through 96.
2. Cover the center of the cords and the silk with the
cylinder, then bring one corner of the silk through
the hole in the cylinder, Figure 97. Assistants hold
the ends of the ropes.
3. Tie a single knot around the cylinder with the two
ends of the cords, then return the ends to the
assistants, Figure 98.
4. Take the exposed corner of the silk in the right hand and
the center of the cylinder in the left.
5. Command assistants to pull on the ropes at the count of
three.
6. Count one, two, then pull sharply on the silks as you
count three.
7. As the assistants pull the ropes, silk and cylinder are
free, Figure 99.
Penetration Xtra-ordinary * 16
T A N H O C K C H U AN
Effect :
A glass cylinder, a sheet of black paper with a hole in it, and
a silk are displayed. The silk is placed inside of the cylinder and
the paper wrapped around the outside. The performer causes the
silk to penetrate the cylinder and to exit
through the opening in the black paper, Figure 104.
Preparation :
The cylinder, black paper and a silk with thread and wax
attached are needed, Figure 100.
Presentation :
1. Place the silk inside of
the cylinder and press
the wax at the end of the
thread to the outside,
Figure 101.
2. Wrap the paper around the
cylinder with the wax under
the opening, Figure. 102.
Paper should not be too
light. Hold the paper in
place with a rubber band.
3. Holding the cylinder in the
left hand, Figure 103,
raised and lower the right
hand several times as
though attempting to pinch
a hole in the wall of the
cylinder through the
opening in the paper.
Actually more and more of
the thread is pulled
through the hole as a new
grip is taken close to the
paper each time the hand is
raised.
4. As the tip of the silk
appears, pull the silk
through the opening in a
clean sweep, Figure 104.
Rices Pent-A-Mind * 17
H A R O L D R R I C E
Effect :
Two silk sashes tied about a girls waist penetrate her
body, Figure 108 and 113.
Preparation :
Join the centers of two vari-colored silk streamers 6 x 9
with a thread, Figure 105.
Preparation :
Two 9 lengths of ribbon (or rape) b-18 silks; and a
borrowed linen handkerchief are needed. The ribbons are joined
at X with thread, Figure 105.
Presentation :
1. Tie a borrowed linen handkerchief around the
ribbons at X, hiding the union.
2. Place the girl behind the ribbons, and have two
gentlemen hold the ends, Figure 114.
3. Stand behind the girl, take one end from each
assistant out tie a single knot, Figure 115.
4. Tie a silk at A and B, Figure 116.
5. Now tie silks at C, D, E and F, Figure 117.
6. Command the girl to left up on the borrowed hand and to
walk forward at the count of three as the gentlemen pull
on the ribbons.
7. The result is shown in Figure 118.
Note :
Joseph suggests using
your own lady assistant. Instead
of a thread at X, the ribbons
are shown separately, then joined
with a pin, Figure 119, white the
assistants are brought to the
stage. The girl removes the pin
through the hank as she takes it
from the ribbons, step 6.
Penelease * 19
J. B E A T T I E
Effect :
A lady assistant securely fastened with ropes and silks to
a wooden stock, Figure 125, is freed at the performers command,
Figure 127.
Preparation :
Two 9 lengths of rape, a 36 silk,
2-18 silks and a wooden 3 fold screen
are needed. Join the center of the
ropes with a thread, Figure 70. The
apparatus is arranged as shown in Figure
120 at the beginning of the effect.
Presentation :
1. Invite two gentlemen and a lady
from the audience to assist.
2. Take the 36 silk in the R. hand
and the union of the ropes in
the left, walking to the front of
the stage.
3. Have two gentlemen hold the
ends of the ropes as you tie
the center of the 36 silk
over the union, Figure 121.
4. Ask the lady assistant to stand
behind the silk and the ropes.
5. Take the diagonal ends of the
silk and pass them around her
waist, knotting them at the
back, Figure 122.
6. Back the lady assistant into
the screen, thread the ends
of the ropes through the
holes, then the ends back to
the gentlemen, Figure 123.
7. Tie the center of the 18 silks
to the ropes to the right and
left of the lady, Figure 124,
then tie the ends of the silks
around her wrists, securing
her hands to the ropes, Figure
125.
8. Take one end of a rope from each gentlemen, pass
the ends through the openings in the screen, tie a
single knot at the ladys back, then rethread the
ends through the openings and return the ends to
the gentlemen, Figure 126.
9. As the gentlemen pull on the ropes at the count of
three, the lady assistant walks forward penetrating
the ropes and the screen, but with the silks still tied
around her waist and wrists, Figure 127.
Note :
The effect may be worked without the screen if desired.
A Different Grandmothers Necklace * 20
F. H. J E U D E V I N E
Effect :
Two rapes, penetrate the performers neck and two
selected bracelets, Figure 132.
Preparation :
Two 9 lengths of rope, 2-24
silks, and 4 celluloid bracelets of
different colors are needed. Join the
centers of the ropes with thread, Figure
70.
Presentation :
1. Place the ropes around your
neck, union at the back, Figure
109.
2. Have two spectators select two
of the four celluloid bracelets.
3. Thread the selected bracelets
on the ropes, Figure 128.
4. Tie a single knot with two of
the ropes, Figure 129, to hold
the bracelets in place.
5. Add the remaining bracelets to the ropes, Figure 130.
6. Tie a silk under each bracelet to hold it in place, Figure
131.
7. Give one spectator ends A-C, and the other, ends B-D,
Figure 131.
8. Command the spectators to pull at the count of three.
9. As the spectators pull, the ropes penetrate your neck, the
two selected bracelets fall to the floor, and the remaining
bracelets and silks remain on the cords, Figure 132.
Rices Dissolve * 21
H A R O L D R R I C E
Effect :
A silk tied around a rope with a
double knot penetrates the cord.
Required :
A 6 length of soft rope and on 18
silk.
Presentation :
1. Have a spectator hold the rope
as shown in Figure 133.
2. Hold a corner A of the
silk as in Figure 134.
3. Bring corner B around the
rope and place it under the
left thumb, Figure 135.
Note pink X.
4. Bring the left second finger
across X, Figure. 136.
5. Pass the right hand through
the loop to take end A,
Figure 137.
6. Pull end A through the
loop as shown with dotted
lines, Figure 138. Keep the
left second finger in the
loop which is formed when
A is pulled through the
large loop, Figure 139, and
keep it there until
the knot around the silk is
medium taut.
7. Withdraw the left second finger.
8. Now, tie a second knot on the
audiences side of the rope,
Figure 140.
9. Hold ends A and B and pull
gradually in opposite directions,
Figure 141.
10. The silk penetrates the rope (as
the first knot dissolves, unknown
to the audience,) Figure 141.
Silk Away * 22
A F T E R M I L B O U R N E C H R I S T O P H E R
Effect :
In Christophers version a rope penetrates a silk tied to it.
By combing SILK AWAY and DISSOLVO, a double mystery results.
Required :
A 6 length of rope and an 18 silk.
Presentation :
Present the first eight steps of DISSOLVO, Figure 133
through 140.
2. Take the rope from the assistan
and hold it is shown in Figure 142.
3. Form a loop in the rope, Figure
143.
4. Slide the right thumb under the
rope at point X, Figure 144, as
the left hand pulls to the left to
tighten the fake knot.
5. Withdraw the right thumb, leaving
a small loop in the rope Figure 145.
6. Have a spectator hold the ends of
the rope as you take those of the
silk.
7. At the count of three you and the
spectator pull; the silk penetrates
the rope, Figure 146.
Pent-A-Silk * 23
F L O Y D D. B R O W N
Effect :
Two knotted silks penetrate each other.
Required :
Red and green 18 silks.
Presentation :
1. Have a spectator hold the green silk in a horizontal position,
Figure 147.
2. Holding the red silk as shown in Figure 148, take end B in
the left hand, Figure 149.
3. Now tie the fake knot as shown in Figures 138 and 139.
4. Then tie a second knot, Figure 150.
5. Bring red knots to bottom of green, Figure 151.
6. Have the spectator tie two single knots in his green silk,
Figure 151.
7. Holding corners of the silks, Figure 152, the performer and
spectator pull in opposite directions and the silks penetrate,
Figure 153.
Snap-Away-Knot * 24
H A R L A N T A R B E L L
Effect :
A silk penetrates one rope as it jumps to another.
Required :
2-6 lengths of rope and an 18 silk.
Presentation :
1. Holding the rope as shown in
Figure 154, form a lop in the rope,
Figure 155 and 156.
2. With the right hand, bring loop
X, Figure 156, down into position
shown in Figure 157.
3. Place the center of the silk in the
loop, then take the diagonal
corners of the silk, dropping ends
of rope, Figure 158.
4. Have a spectator tie a single knot
wit the silk, being careful not to
allow it to form tightly around the
rope, Figure 159.
5. Allow the spectator to tie a
second single knot, forming a
double knot in the silk, Figure
160.
6. Holding the cords at A & B,
Figure 160, ask the spectator to
release the corners of the silks.
7. As he does so, pull sharply in opposite directions,
straightening the rope, Figure 161.
8. Allow the spectator to hold the rope in the position shown
in Figure 161.
9. Place the center of the second rope through loop C,
Figure 161, then tie a single knot in the second rope Figure
162.
10. With both ropes taut, pull on the rope at points D and
the silk will penetrate the first rope and will be found
securely tied to your rope, Figure 163.
Snap Away Variation * 25
M R S. J O H N S Y N D E R J R.
Effect :
A red silk tied to a blue one penetrates it as it joins a
second red silk.
Required :
Two 24 red and a 24 blue silk.
Presentation :
The presentation is the same, with silks substituted for
the two ropes.
1. Form a loop in the blue silk, Figure 154 thru 157.
2. Tie a red silk to the blue, Figures 158 thru 161.
3. Fasten the second red silk to the first, Figure 162.
4. Pull on the second red silk, bringing the first red
silk from the blue, Figure 163.
Effect :
Two silks, knotted together, penetrate each other.
Required :
A 24 red and a 24 blue silk.
Presentation :
1. Hold the silks as illustrated in
Figure 164. Note corner B is
lower than A, and D lower
than C.
2. Tie a loose square knot, Figures
165 and 166.
3. Have a spectator tie a double
knot with corners C and D
of the red silk, Fig. 167. (The
knot should not be too tight
against the blue silk.)
4. Take corners A and B of the
blue silk as illustrated, Fig.
168,then pull sharply to
straighten out the blue silk,
Figure 169 and 170.
5. Have the spectator tie a double
knot with corners A and B of
the blue silk but not too close to
the knot in the red silk, Figure
171.
6. Give a spectator corners A and B of the blue silk as
you insert your right first finger in loop X of the red,
Figure 172.
7. Pull sharply and the silks will separate, Figure 173.
Effect :
Although the centers of two silks are twisted together,
the silks penetrate each other ! ( Tarbells * and Tabors **
versions differ slightly, so I am including both.
Required :
A 24 red and a 24 blue silk.
TARBELL VERSION
Presentation :
1. Hold the silks as shown in
Figure 174. Note that the
point where they cross is off
center, Figure 175.
2. Bring corner D of the blue
silk around the center of the
red, Figure 176,then bring
corner B of the red silk around the blue silk, Figure, 177.
Note that the left thumb holds the crossed portions
securely, Figure 178.
3. Now bring end C up and over the union at the centers,
Figure 179.
4. Figure 180 shows the silks minus the left hand holding
them.
5. Bring ends A and B together, Figure 181, Figure 182
shows the silks minus the hands.
6. Pull the silks apart, Figure 183.
TABOR VERSION
Tabor carries the effect one
step further. After step 5 Tabor has a
spectator tie a knot with ends A and
B of the red silk. The knot goes
fairly tight against the union at the
centers. Then a knot is tied with ends
C and D of the blue silk. Taking A
in one hand and C in the other, the
performer pulls, separating the silks,
Figure 184.
Release From Reason * 28
A F T E R W A L T E R G I B S O N A N D L. V. LYONS
Effect :
A silk tied with a genuine knot around a rope penetrates the
cord, Figure 192.
Required :
An 18 silk and a length of soft rope.
Presentation :
1. With two spectators holding the ends of the rope, place
the silk in position, Figure 185.
2. Bring end B around A, Figure 186, and through the
loop, forming a knot, Figure 187.
3. Show the knot to be genuine.
4. Taking the knot in the right hand and with considerable slack
in the rope, force point X, Figure 187, at the rope
through the knot with the finger or thumb of the left hand,
Figure 188.
5. Pull end A through loop X, Figures 188 and 189.
6. Tighten the knot by pulling end B of the silk, Figure 190.
7. At the same time pull on the rope at point Y, taking the
loop X inside the knot.
8. With the spectators still holding the ends of the rope
firmly, lift the silk sharply, pulling it free of the rope,
Figure 192.
(Note : Gibson and Lyons suggest steps 4 and 5 be done unknown
to the audience, but I find it as effective to do the moves openly.)
Penetration Quickie * 29
Required :
An 18 silk and a short length of rope.
Presentation :
1. Insert the rope through the loop in the silk, Figure 193.
2. Bring your hands together quickly, allowing your right
thumb to loop the rope at the left, Figure 194.
3. Continuing, separate the hands suddenly, releasing the end
of the rope held in the right hand.
4. At the same time, run the right thumb along the rope to
the right, drawing the end of the rope through the silk
and into position shown in Figure 195.
Silk Thru Silk * 30
H O W A R D W AR R I N G E R
Effect :
A red silk penetrated a blue silk
placed over the left fist.
Required :
An 18 red and an 18 blue silk.
Presentation :
1. Place corner A of the red silk
between your teeth, Figure 196.
Note the position of corner X.
2. Bring the closed left fist in front
of corner X, Figure 197.
3. As you drape a blue silk over the
left fist, clip corner X between
the 3rd and 4th. Fingers of the
left hand, Fig. 198.
4. Form a well in the center of
the blue silk with a finger of
the right hand, Figure199.
5. Take corner A and place it deep in the well, Figure 200.
6. Now bring corner B up and into the well, Figure 201.
Note the position of the left thumb.
7. Bring the left thumb against the second finger, then tilt
the hand to the audience to show the red silk encircled by
the blue one, Figure 202.
8. Reach under the blue silk, obtain corner X, and pull it
down slowly, the red silk apparently penetrating the blue
one, Figure 203.
9. To finish, turn the top of the well to the audience as you
withdraw the blue silk from the left fist.
Silk Penetration * 31
M O H A M M E D B E Y
Effect :
A red silk penetrates a blue one.
Required :
An 18 red and an 18 blue silk.
Presentation :
1. Spread a blue silk over the left fist.
2. With a twisting motion form a
depression in the center of the
blue silk with the First Finger,
Figure 204.
3. Non draw the right second
finger quickly across the left
thumb to the left to replace the
first finger, Figure 205.
4. Look down through the
depression made in the center of
the silk, and you will see you have
formed an open channel through
which the red silk will now pass,
Figure 206.
5. Push the red silk into the top of the channel, then reach
under the blue silk and slowly pull the red silk down
through., Figure 207.
Note : (Tarbell credits the principle of this penetration to Seymour
Davis Volume 5, Tarbell Course of Magic.)
Thimble Thru Silk * 32
C H E S T E R D O B S K I
Effect :
A thimble penetrates a silk.
Required :
A thimble and an 18 silk.
Presentation :
1. Drape a silk over the closed left fist.
2. Display the thimble on the first finger of the right hand.
3. Deposit thimble in center of silk, Figure 208,then
withdraw the finger.
4. Show the finger free of thimble.
5. Prepare to insert the finger in the thimble again. As you
do, tilt the left hand as illustrate, bringing the left finger
under the silk, Figure 209,the into the thimble, Figure
210.
6. Allow the folds of the silk to fall around the right closed
fist, assisting with the left hand, Figure 211.
7. Call attention to the thimble on the finger under the silk.
8. With a waving twirling motion, shake the silk covering the
thimble aside.
9. Properly executed, the last move will cause the thimble to
appear, apparently having penetrated the silk, Figure 212.
Effect :
A ball apparently penetrates a silk.
Required :
An 18 blue silk and a golf or billiard ball with a clinging
half shell.
Presentation :
1. Hold a corner of the silk in the left hand as the ball with
the shell is taken with the right.
2. Toss the ball with shell into the air and catch it in the
right hand.
3. Place the ball in the left hand, shell against palm, Figure
213.
4. Take the silk as illustrated, Figure 214.
5. Still holding corner B, take ball in right hand, leaving
shell in left.
6. Drape the center of the silk over the shell and left palm,
Figure 215.
7. Place ball against silk and press it into shell, Figure 216.
8. Show ball suspended in silk, Figure 217.
9. Raise the lower edge to reverse silk, showing the other
side, Figure 218, exposing shell. Ball appears to have
penetrated silk.
10. Reverse silk again, ball to audience, left hand at top, right
hand behind silk and cupped around ball, Figure 219.
11. Give silk slight pull with left hand while holding shell
This will loosen ball.
12. Move right hand gripping shell down toward lower edge of
silk, ball riding on top of the silk.
13. As the ball reaches the edge of the silk it will fall into the
shell, Figure 220.
14. Press the ball firmly into the shell, then toss the ball with
shell into the air and display the silk.
Glass Penetration * 34
T H A Y E R
Effect :
A silk penetrates a piece of plate glass held in a frame.
Required :
A frame which holds a sheet of glass, two ghost tubes, and
a metal clip, Figure 221 ; also, two 18 red silk.
Preparation :
Load one of the silks into the shaded area shown in Figure
221.
Presentation :
1. Show both ghost tubes empty empty, Chpater 7, Volume 1.
2. Place the clip in place over the glass.
3. Insert a ghost tube on each side of the glass, Figure 222.
4. Push part of the remaining red silk into the compartment
of tube A with a wand.
5. Now pull part of the duplicate silk from tube B,
Figure223.
6. Continue until all of one silk is inside of A, and the other
silk is out of B.
7. Disassemble the apparatus and show glass to be solid.
Educated Silks 35
Effect :
A silk is selected from several knotted on a ribbon. The
chosen silk falls from the ribbon upon command. The silks vanish
from a cylinder, then appear on an assistants back. Now all of
the silks drop free of the ribbon.
Required :
Eight 18 silks, 2 each of 4
different colors; two 36 lengths of
ribbon ; a special phantom tube.
The tube is in 2 pieces, Figure
224. One end of a length of elastic
is fastened to the inner tube. To the
other end fasten 4 small pieces of
silk of colors duplicating those to be
used later, and a length of ribbon,
Figure 225.
Preparation :
1. Tie 3 of the silks to the ribbon.
2. Form a loose knot in a corner of the 4th. Silk, Figure 226.
3. Slip a bight of ribbon into the knot, Figure 227.
4. The silks are now as shown in Figure 228.
5. Tie a loose knot in a corner of each of the four duplicate
silks.
6. Fasten the silks to the duplicate ribbon with bights,
Figure 227.
7. Fasten the ribbon and silks to the assistants back.
8. Tuck the silk fake down into the cylinder, Figure 229.
Presentation :
1. Display silks, Figure 228.
2. The manufacturer claims that due to the four colors used
the spectator will almost always select green. If you
prefer to be certain, use a force such as the COLLINS
FORCING FRAME, page
468, Chapter 10, Volume 1.
3. Draw the ribbon taut, and the green silk will fall to the
floor.
4. Untie the knot, then tie the green silk in place on the
ribbon.
5. Place the silks and ribbon inside the fake end of the
tube.
6. Pull end A of the ribbon and silk fake an inch or two out
of the tube, Figure 230, then release the ribbon.
Elastic will pull silk fake back into the tube.
7. Show the tube empty.
8. Find the silks on the back of the assistant.
9. Command all the silks to drop from the ribbon.
10. The silks drop as the ribbon is made taut and the bights
are pulled out of the knots in the silks.
Obedient Silks * 36
S T E W A R T J U D A H
Effect :
Any silk freely selected from four tied to a 54 length of
tape falls upon command to the floor, Figure 238.
Required :
Four 18 silks and a 54 length of black twill tape.
The Secret :
The secret of this unique effect rests in the novel method
of tying the silks to the tape.
Preparation :
1. Lay the tape outstretched on the table.
2. Starting about 8 form the left end of the tape, form a
loose loop around the corner of a silk, Figure 231.
3. Form a second loop within the first, Figure 232.
4. Now draw the first loop up very tight around the silk by
pulling on X, Figure 233.
5. Place a bight of the silk in the second loop, Figure 234.
Now draw the loop up very tight ground the bight by
pulling on Y, Figure 234.
6. Silk now appears as shown in Figure 235.
7. Repeat the first six steps, tying a second silk about 6 to
the right of the first.
8. Repeat with the remaining two silks.
Presentation :
1. Display the four silks tied to the tape, Figure 236.
2. Permit any spectator to freely name any silk.
3. Take the tip of the selected silk in the left hand and the
silk at its middle in the right, Figure 237.
4. Ask spectator to blow up the knot. As he does, pull
slightly on the silk in opposite directions. This pulls the
tiny bight out of the tape but the knot remains.
5. Hold the tape again as shown in Figure 236.
6. Ask the spectator to command his selected silk to fall to
the floor.
7. As he does, pull slowly but sharply on the ends of the
tape, and the selected silk will fall to the floor as the
knot unties, Figure 238.
(See UNCANNY HANKIES Page 660)
A Magic Stuff Penetration * 37
R O B E R T H A R B I N
Effect :
A box with out top or bottom is threaded on a tape. Three
knotted silks lowered into the box emerge tied to the tape.
The Secret :
The box is a jap box with two
flaps X and Y. A compartment
Z in one end and flap X contain
faked silks, Figure 239.
Preparation :
1. The tape is of double
thickness and about 4 yards
long.
2. Sewed inside the tape are
three metal wedges of
graduated sizes, Figure
240, which are about two
feet apart. There are three
corresponding disks.
Wedge No. 1 passes easily
thru disks 2 and 3 but not
disk No. 1. Wedge No. 2
will pass thru disk 3 but not
2 or 1. Wedge No. 3 will
not pass thru any of the
disks, Figure 241.
3. Six 18 silks, 2 sets of
three different colors are
needed. Tie one set with
single knots, and
into each knot sew one of the disks, concealing the discs in
the knots but leaving the holes free, Figure 242.
4. Place the gimmicked silks in the compartments, Figure 239,
the silk with the largest disk, first, etc. The bulk of the
silks goes into Flap X. Disks must line up with the holes in
the compartment Z.
Presentation :
1. With flaps X and Y closed, show box empty.
2. Thread about a yard of the tape thru the holes in the box.
Have a spectator hold ends of tape firmly.
3. Lower a silk into the box, knot and diagonal end showing,
Figure 243.
4. Lower flap Y and drop knot inside, Figure 244.
5. Move box on tape, first wedge pulling part of first silk from
compartment Z into view, Figure 245.
6. As faked silk emerges, work the exposed diagonal corner of
silk up and into Y with fingers, Figure 246. This must be
timed to correspond with the appearance of the balance of
the first silk wedged on the tape.
7. Repeat with the remaining two silks.
Confucius Saber * 38
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Effect :
Mysterious Confucius ( a wand) has a Saber (paper knife) in
his throat and a cobra (streamer) wound about his neck. As the
saber is removed, the snake penetrates Confuciuss neck.
Required :
A paper knife, 9 x 48 streamer, and a wand with a slot in
it, Figure 247.
Presentation :
1. Place knife in slot, then drop center of silk over knife,
Figure 248.
2. Pass end A around wand, Figure 249.
3. Pass end B around wand, Figure 250.
4. Cross the ends under the knife, end B crossing under end
A, Figure 251.
5. Now cross the ends above the knife, end B crossing on top
of A, Figure 252.
6. Finally wind the silk around the wand once more, again
crossing B on top of A, Figure 253.
7. Have the ends held by two spectators.
8. Command spectators to pull at the count of three.
9. On two pull the knife from the slot, then count three.
10. The silk penetrates the wand.
Cutting A Woman In Half * 39
J E A N H U G A R D
Required :
A 6 x 12 silk streamer and a large knife or sword.
Secret :
A lady assistant holds the sword against her waist. With the
sword acting as the paper knife, proceed to do No. 38, CONFUCIUS
SABER. Figure 254 shows the effect just before the release. As
the spectators pull on the streamer the assistant removes the knife
about 2 from her waist. The replaces the knife as soon as the silk
streamer penetrates (?) her body.
Handkerchief Frame * 40
H A R L A N T A R B E L L
Effect :
A silk penetrates a borrowed linen
hank tacked to a frame, Figure 262.
Secret :
The secret is in the
construction of the frame, Figure
255, as shown in Figure 256. Part A
of one side slides up and down.
Presentation :
1. Borrow a ladys linen
handkerchief.
2. Fasten it to the frame with
thumb tacks, Figure 257.
3. Note that one edge of the
hank is tacked to the movable
side A. If A were released,
hank and slide A would drop
down the frame, Figure 258.
4. With linen hank tacked in place, put frame in a paper bag 14
x 15, Figure 259.
5. As the last of the frame goes in push side A down a few
inches with the right thumb, Figure 260.
6. Reverse the envelope, allowing A to fall to the bottom of the
frame.
7. Holding the apparatus as shown in Figure 261, push a pencil
thru the hank (?) and envelope.
8. Now pull a silk thru the hole made by the pencil, Figure 262.
9. Reverse the envelope, allowing A to fall back into its original
position, right hand assisting, Figure 263.
10. With A locked in place, remove the frame and show linen
hank unharmed, Figure 264.
11. For a silk thru silk effect, use a silk hank instead of a
borrowed linen.
Cig-penetration * 41
T E N K A I
Effect :
A lit cigarette penetrates a silk
and is found in the performers pocket.
Preparation :
1. Place a lit cigarette in a tank in
your left trouser pocket.
2. Finger palm a large thumb tip in
your left hand, Figure 265.
Presentation :
1. Drape a silk over the first
finger of the left hand, Figure
266.
2. Place a borrowed lit cigarette
between your lips.
3. In the mean time, work the
thumb tip up to the fingertips, Figure 267.
4. Bring the right hand to the left, nip the silk between the
right first and second fingers and carry the thumb tip away
behind the silk, Figure 268.
5. Take the cigarette into the left hand while the right works
the thumb tip on the right thumb, Figure 269.
6. Replace the cigarette between the lips.
7. Display the silk, thumbs to back, Figure 270.
8. Release the corner held in the left hand.
9. Form left hand into a fist and rape silk over it, Figure. 271.
10. Ask a spectator to form a well in the center of the silk.
11. Illustrate by doing so yourself. As you do, place the right
thumb under the left, Figure 272. ( Silk is eliminated to
simplify the illustration).
12. Palm off the thumb tip through the silk as the right hand is
taken away, Figure 273.
13. Now silk and thumb tip are in the position shown in, Figure
274.
14. After spectator makes well in silk, insert your first finger
into it as though making it deeper. At the same time place
your right thumb in the thumb tip again.
15. Place the right thumb in the well and leave the tip inside.
16. Remove the right thumb and stroke the folds of the silk
downwards once.
17. Drop lit cigarette into thumb tip.
18. Push right thumb into tip to crush cigarette and remove
thumb and tip with cigarette in it.
19. Take the corner of silk nearest you with right hand as
shown in Figure 275. Note that tip is hidden from view.
20. Slowly pull silk thru left hand, then open left palm.
21. Stroke upwards on silk with left hand, Figure 276.
22. When you reach upper corner stop, taking position shown in
Figure 277.
23. Now extend Fingers, Figure 278.
24. Bring hands in front of you to position Figure 279.
25. Carry the silk up with the right hand, leaving the tip in the
left hand, Figure 280.
26. Assuming Figure 281, place palmed tip against trousers,
Figure 282, roll hand forward extending fingers, Figure 283.
27. Tap pocket with fingers while palm holds tip against trousers.
28. Now reverse the moves Figure 283, then 282, and finally
back to 281, rolling tip down into fingers.
29. Reach in left trouser pocket and remove lit cigarette from
tank, leaving tip in pocket.
30. Show cigarette, then smoke it.
Pop Up Cigarette * 42
M A R T I N G A R D N E R
Effect :
A cigarette covered with a silk suddenly
pops up thru the center of the silk.
Presentation :
1. Hold the cigarette as shown in
Figure 284.
2. Apparently cover the cigarette
with a silk, Figure 289.
3. Instead, swing the cigarette away,
Figure 285, as the silk comes into
place, Figure 286, the second
finger taking the cigarettes place.
4. Drop the hank over the hand as
shown in Figure 287.
5. The audience view is shown in
Figure 289.
6. Tuck the rear of the silk well down into the crotch of the
thumb.
7. Command the cigarette to pop up, Figure 290.
8. To cause the penetration, merely bring the cigarette up to
the position shown in Figure 288.
Presentation :
1. Assume position in Figure 291 with silk and cigarette.
2. Bring the left hand up to toss the silk over the cigarette,
Figure 292.
3. Thumb palm the cigarette, Figure 293.
4. Now drop the silk over the right hand as the left is
turned over, Figure 294.
5. Close left fingers around the right thumb supposedly the
cigarette, Figure 295.
6. Bring the right hand behind the left and deposit the
cigarette in the crotch of the left thumb, Fig. 296.
7. Take the silk at X, Figure 297, with the right hand,
then twist the silk.
8. At the same time slowly push the cigarette up into view
with the left thumb, Figure 298.
9. Now open the silk to show it is unharmed.
Penetra Silk * 44
H A R L A N T A R B E L L
Effect :
A silk passes thru a tumbler into
a glass casket.
Secret :
The tumbler and casket are prepared.
Required :
A crystal casket, Figure 299 ( Volume
1, Chapter 7, Page 233) ; a tumbler with
a celluloid insert, Figure 300, and a cover,
Figure 303, 2-18 red silks.
Preparation :
Place one silk in the hidden
compartment, the other in the casket,
Figure 301.
Presentation :
1. Show casket and tumbler.
2. Remove the silk from the casket.
3. Place glass on casket, then silk in
glass, Figure 302.
4. Cover the glass with cylinder,
Figure 303.
5. Release catch freeing silk in
hidden compartment.
6. Remove cover and carry insert and
silk away with it, leaving
empty tumbler on casket, Figure 304.
Silk Filter * 45
P E T E R W A R L O C K
Effect :
A silk passes thru one glass into another, Figure 311.
Required :
Two small whiskey glasses, a rubber band, a small plate, a
12 or 18 silk, and 2 very thin linen handkerchiefs.
Secret :
A metal or plastic lid with a lip that fits loosely over the
mouth of one of the glasses is needed. Either sew or glue the lid
to the center of one of the hanks, then sew the hanks together,
Figure 305.
Presentation :
1. Show the two glasses.
2. Place the silk one glass, a small portion of the center of
the silk protruding, Figure 306.
3. Place the linen hank and lid over the mouth of the glass,
then put the rubber band in place, Figure 307. Note that
the band encircles the lip of the lid and not the glass.
4. Lower the covered glass over the reversed second and
empty glass, Figure 308.
5. Now prepare to set the arrangement on the plate. In doing
so reverse the two glasses with the right hand while holding
the hank and lid with the left, Figure 309.
6. Remove the rubber band and band and hank to show silk is
now in the bottom glass, Figure 310. Note the right thumb
firmly presses the center of the silk to the plate.
7. As the glasses are lifted away, the thumb holds the
expanding silk to the plate, Figure 311.
Silk Thru Glass 46
B R U N E L W H I T E
Effect :
Although a tumbler holds water,
a silk penetrates its bottom.
Required :
A bottomless glass, a glass
disk, and a metal cylinder, Figure 312;
on 18 silk with a weight sewed tone
corner, and a pitcher of water.
Preparation :
Put the disk in place at the
bottom of the tumbler.
Presentation :
1. Fill glass with water, then pour
it back into the pitcher.
2. Cover the tumbler with the
cylinder, then push the disk up
inside with a free finger,
Figure 313.
3. Pass the silk thru the glass and
cylinder, weighted tip first,
allowing it to fall to the table,
Figure 314.
4. Allow disk to drop back in
place, then fill glass with water
again.
5. Remove the cover and show
glass full of water.
Penetrating Silk * 47
R O B E R T B O W E R M A N
Effect :
A freely selected silk leaves one glass and penetrates
another.
Required :
A mirror glass (Vol. 1, Chapter 8, Page 325), an unprepared
duplicate glass, two tubes to cover the glasses, and a metal tray,
Six 18 silks (Two each of red, white, and blue ) are also needed.
Preparation :
Roll a red, a white, and a blue silk, and place them on pins
just under the edge of the coat, Vol. 1, Chapter 6, Page 164.
Presentation :
1. Have a silk freely selected. Let us say it is red.
2. Show the mirror glass as ordinary, then cover it with a
tube.
3. Place the selected red silk in the back compartment of
the mirror glass and the remaining silks in front.
4. Now place the tray on top of the cylinder, Fig. 315.
5. While showing the remaining tube empty with the left
hand, steal a silk ( the selected red) from under the
coat with the right.
6. Transfer the tube to the right hand which holds the
palmed silk just inside, Figure 316, while the left picks up
and shows the remaining glass.
7. Set the glass on top of the tray, then cover the glass
with the tube, dropping the palmed silk into the glass as
you do so, Figure 317.
8. Remove the cylinder from the top glass and show the
red silk, Figure 318.
9. Remove the tray and tube from the bottom glass and
show the red silk missing.
The Triple Penetration 48
W I L L G O L D S T O N
Effect :
A silk penetrates a linen hank, a tumbler, and a newspaper,
Figure 326.
Required :
A cardboard fake with celluloid lip attached, a metal tube,
Figure 319; a tumbler, a linen hank, a sheet of newspaper, and 2-
18 silks.
Preparation :
Place a folded silk between the pages of the newspaper,
Figure 320.
Presentation :
1. With fake in right palm, Figure 321, show the tube with
the left.
2. Transfer the tube to the right hand, fake going inside,
Figure 322.
3. Tuck silk into top of tube actually into fake.
4. Take the tube away, leaving the fake in the right hand. (
Reverse of Figure 322.)
5. Obtain the linen hank from the trouser pocket, leaving
the fake therein.
6. Place the tube on the center of the hank, Figure 323.
7. Bring the hank up around the tube, holding the corners in
place with a rubber band, Figure 324.
8. Place the tube and hank in a glass which rests on the
newspaper, Figure 325.
9. Bring the newspaper up around the glass and twist the
corners to close the top.
10. Break thru the paper below the bottom of the glass and
pull the duplicate silk into view, Figure 326.
11. Show the silk gone from the tube inside of the glass and
hank.
Three Handkerchiefs 49
H A T T O N A N D P L A T E
Effect :
Three silks, although sealed in individual tumblers,
penetrate the containers at will.
Secret :
Three mirror glasses , a long cylinder, 6-18 silks, (2 each,
red, white, and blue.), 2 glass disks, and a metal tray are needed.
Preparation :
Prepare the mirror glasses as
shown in Figure 327.
Presentation :
1. Remove silks from fronts of
mirror glasses, show glasses and
silks, then replace silks.
2. Stack the glasses on the tray, a
disk separating each glass,
Figure 328.
3. Hold the tray in the left hand,
place the cylinder over the
glasses.
4. Transfer the tray to the right
hand to show the left empty.
Note ! This action automatically
reverses the position of the
glasses, Fig. 329.
5. Remove the cylinder and show
position of silks, Figure 330.
6. Rearrange glosses as in Fig. 331,
then cover with cylinder.
7. Pass tray to other hand,
reversing glasses, then remove
cover, Figure 332.
8. Rearrange glasses again, Figure
333, the cover with cylinder.
9. Pass tray to other hand,
reversing glasses, then remove
cover, Figure 334.
10. Rearrange glasses again, Figure
335, then cover with cylinder.
11. Pass tray to other hand,
reversing glasses, then remove
cover, Figure 336. Silks are
now back in original position.
Note ! Hatton & Plate suggest using
a mechanical turn table, Vol. 1,
Chapter 8, page 327. However I
prefer the more subtle method of
transferring the tray from one hand
to the other for each change.
The Ghost Silk 50
E D W A R D B A G S H A W E
s
A silk dropped into a square chimney
penetrates a sealed transparent box.
Required :
A chimney constructed as shown in
Figure 337, a 3-3/4 square of glass, and
a Bates box, 2-18 duplicate silks.
Preparation :
Place one silk under the flap fake
in the Bates box, the other in the right
trouser pocket.
Presentation :
1. Place the supposedly empty box on
the right palm.
2. Rest the square of glass on top of
the box.
3. Finally cover the box and glass
with the chimney.
4. Transfer the apparatus to the left
hand, leaving the fake palm in the
right hand, releasing the silk into
the Bates box, Figure 338.
5. Remove the silk from the pocket,
leaving the fake behind.
6. Drap flap as silk is placed
in top of chimney, Figure 339.
7. Close flap, remove chimney and glass, and show silk
inside of box. Finally show chimney to be empty.
Effect :
Two silks placed in a paper cylinder and cut into two parts
are found whole again.
Preparation :
Place two 18 silks in a paper cylinder with two rubber bands
located as shown in Figure 340.
Presentation :
1. Withdraw the two silks and show tube.
2. Replace the silks, Figure 340, showing how they are in
view at both ends of the tube.
3. Remove silks again, this time slipping band A over their
centers, unknown to the audience.
4. Secretly reverse ends of silks to form position shown in
Figure 341, while spectator unrolls cylinder.
5. Place silks on paper, reform cylinder tightly about silks,
then replace rubber band B, Figure 342.
6. Holding ends of tube, pull on tips of silks as spectator
cuts cylinder at its center with scissors,
Figure 343.
7. As the cylinder separates, bring two halves side by side,
Figure 344,and take a corner of each silk in the right
hand, Figure 345.
8. Quickly pull the silks from the halves of the cylinder,
Figure 345.
Separated Silk 52
J O E O V E T T E
Effect :
A silk placed in a paper cylinder
and cut into two parts is found whole
again.
Secret :
A large thumb tip with a piece of
silk glued inside, Figure 346, a 12 silk,
and a piece of stiff paper are needed.
Preparation :
Place the thumb tip and silk in the
lower vest pocket.
Presentation :
4. Reach into pocket and get tip on
right thumb as silk is removed.
Keep the tip hidden behind silk.
5. Lay silk aside and display paper,
Figure 347.
6. Form paper into a cylinder around
right thumb with left hand.
7. Withdraw right thumb, leaving tip
inside the tube, Figure 348.
8. Now transfer the tube and tip to
the right hand, Figure 349.
9. Crumple about half of the 12 silk
with the right hand, then tuck
about of it into end A of the
tube, leaving the balance in view,
Figure 350.
10. Reverse the tube, reach into end
B with the left fingers and pull
the piece of silk from within the
tip into view.
Secret :
A sheet of black paper is folded and glued, forming a
cylindrical pocket along one end, Figure 352. Note that paper is
scored into quarters. A piece of silk with thread attached, Figure
353,is in one end and the pocket sewed as illustrated, Figure 354.
Required :
Prepared tube, 18 silk, wand and
scissors.
Presentation :
1. Show paper, then form it into a
flat tube, compartment on out
side, Figure 355.
2. Push the silk into compartment B
with a wand, Figure 356.
3. Reach into A and withdraw a
portion of the fake silk, Figure
356.
4. Now holding tube as in Figure
357, pull down on the real silk
and the thread, causing part of
the fake silk to go back into tube. This is a most
i i
5. Cut tube with scissors which pass under the thread and
above the stitching in tube, Figure 358.
6. Separate the cut tube to show two separate pieces. Then
bring the ends together again.
7. Now for a beautiful finish. Holding the cut tube as shown in
Figure 359, pull down on the real silk and thread. The fake
goes down into compartment. A as the read silk emerges !
Snip A Silk 54
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Effect :
A silk is restored after being cut into two pieces, Figure 367.
Secret :
A prepared sheet of paper imprinted with black stripes front
and back, scored twice, and slit as illustrated, Fig. 360, is
required.
Required :
Prepared paper, 18 silk, and scissors or large knife.
Presentation :
1. Show silk and paper.
2. Fold paper on scored lines, slits to back, Figure 361.
3. Holding paper vertically, force slit section to the front
with the left thumb, Figure 362.
4. Drop silk in top and force it through with a wand, center
of silk exposed to performer at opening in back, Figure
363.
5. Reach for scissors (or knife) with right hand as left
thumb and first finger form a loop in the center of the
silk, Figure 364.
6. Place one prong of the scissors (or knife) under the loop,
Figure 365.
7. Fold the paper over the scissors (or knife), Figure 366.
8. Cut paper into two pieces.
9. Reverse the paper so ends are uppermost, then fan the
two pieces, Figure 367.
10. Pull down on center of silk rapidly, Fig. 368. Show it
unharmed, dropping papers to floor.
Super Sharp Scissors * 55
G E O R G E B R A U N D
Preparation :
1. Place the length of ribbon inside
the envelope, then close but do
not seal the flap.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the envelope and remove
the ribbon.
2. With scissors, cut off both ends
of the envelope.
3. Force the ribbon thru the
envelope with a wand, Figure
370.
4. Fold the envelope of its center,
Figure 371.
5. Pull down on the ends of the
ribbon, forming an arch about 1
below the fold, Figure 372.
6. Insert the scissors, Figure 373,
then cut the envelope without
harming the ribbon. If desired, a
spectator may do the cutting.
7. Now fan the two cut portions,
Figure 367, then pull the ribbon
free, Figure 368.
Extra Sharp Scissors * 56
C. E. L O G A N
Preparation :
1. Close but do not seal the flap.
2. With a sharp razor blade cut the back of the envelope
at points indicated with dotted lines, Figure 374.
Presentation :
1. Show envelope, then seal flap in place.
2. With scissors cut away ends A-B and C-D, Figure 374.
3. With a wand push the silk thru envelope, Figure 375.
4. Complete the effect by cutting and restoring the silk as
shown in Figures 371, 372, 373, 367,and 368.
Cut and Restored Ribbon * 57
T O M A U B U R N
Effect :
The center of a ribbon threaded thru an open box is
restored after being cut with a pair of scissors.
Secret :
The effect depends upon a
cleverly constructed box.
Preparation :
Construct a box from plywood as
shown in Figure 376. Inside ends are red;
back and bottom are flat black. Now
insert a hinged flap, Figure 377. Then
attach two pieces of red thread to box
and Flap, Figure 378. Attach a length of
ribbon to the threads so ends line up with
slots in box, Figure 379. Finally bring
flap up against back, hiding strip of
ribbon.
Required :
Prepared box and 12 length of
silk ribbon.
Presentation :
1. With flap up, thread the ribbon
thru slots in ends.
2. Show back of box, allowing flap
to fall down, Figure. 380.
3. Turn front of box to audience,
then cut center of fake
ribbon with scissors.
4. Turn back of box to spectators, raise flap, then turn
front of box back to audience, showing ribbon whole again.
5. Remove ribbon from box and toss it into audience.
Effect :
A silk penetrates performers trouser pocket, passes into a
glass, penetrates another, then passes back to the original pocket
again !
Required :
A mirror glass, an ordinary glass of same design, a book, 2
blue and 3 red 12 silks, and 2 linen handkerchiefs.
Preparation :
Place a blue silk in the mirror glass, a red silk in the top of
the right trousers pocket, and a blue in the top of the left in
preparation for the top of pocket dodge, Vol. 1, Chapter 10, page
514.
Presentation :
1. Showing the glasses, book and linen hands, assemble
them as shown in Figure 381, secretly turning the mirror
glass as it is covered.
2. Pull out and show both pockets to be empty, Figure 382.
3. Replace the pockets, dislodging silks, Figure 383.
4. Roll the red silk (Vol. 1, Chapter 8, page 292) , and place
it in (top corner of ) left pocket, Figure 384.
5. Remove it (duplicate red) from right pocket.
6. Roll the red silk and put in the (top corner of) left pocket
again.
7. Pull out right pocket and discover silk did not pass thru
body into it this time.
8. Remove blue silk from left pocket, explaining that the red
silk in failing to pass is blue with rage.
9. Roll the silk, appearing to take it in the left hand but
retaining it in the right, Vol. 1, Chapter 8, page 291.
10. Toss the empty closed left fist toward the top glass
tumbler, opening the hand.
11. Taking one corner of linen hank, pull it away with the right
hand, disclosing glass, Figure 385. Silk is not there !
12. Replace hank, dropping palmed silk unnoticed into glass,
Figure 386.
13. Remove book and second linen hank, disclosing blue silk in
mirror glass.
14. Cover mirror glass again, secretly giving it a half turn.
15. Replace book.
16. Replace covered top glass (now loaded with blue silk).
17. Command blue silk to penetrate upwards.
18. Success ! Remove top hank and show blue silk.
19. Show silk missing from bottom glass.
20. Roll blue silk and place it in (top corner of) right pocket.
21. Find red silk back in left pocket as right is shown empty.
Walking Thru a Ribbon * 59
U. F. G R A N T
Effect:
Two spectators pull a silk ribbon thru a girls body, Figure 393.
Required :
The loop of ribbon and ring
apparatus, and two ribbons with
snaps attached to one end and rings
to the other, Figure. 387.
Presentation :
1. Show the loop of ribbon to
be unprepared, then take
the two rings as illustrated
in Figure 388 as lady
assistant is selected from
audience.
2. Stepping to left of girl,
right hand takes ribbon at
point X, Figure 389. As
assistant raises her arms,
pass the ribbon around her
body and to the front.
3. Take the ribbon X into
the left hand, forming a
complete circle around the
assistants waist. However,
and this is important, the
left hand retained both
rings during this business.
4. At this point ribbon and
rings are as shown in Figure 390.
5. Have girl hold ribbon tightly just behind rings with one
hand, Figure 391.
6. Now fasten a snap in each large ring.
7. Finally have male spectators standing at each side of the
girl take a small ring, Figure 392.
8. At the count of three command the girl to release the rings
at her waist and the men to pull sharply.
9. As they do, the ribbon appears to penetrate the assistants
body, Figure 393.
Note: For variation, a silk can be tied just behind the rings
instead of having the assistant hold the ribbons, Figure
394.
Perfect Ribbon Thru Body 60
A L A N L A M B I E
Effect :
A single ribbon penetrates a ladys body, Figure 402.
Required :
Two prepared silk ribbons with rings assembled as shown in
Figure 395.
Presentation :
1. Display ribbons and rings, Figure 396, ring B secretly
palmed.
2. Taking C in right hand, pull to right, bringing rings A and
B into the left hand.
3. Display ribbon, Figure 397.
4. Pass large ring D over C, Figure 398.
5. Now place ribbon around spectators waist so D is at front,
Figure 399,and A-B and C are at the back, Figure 400.
6. Place ring C over a finger of the left hand, taking A in
the left and B in the right, Figure 401.
7. Have male spectator take loop E firmly. He is at the front
and to the left of the girl, and performer behind her, facing
audience.
8. Tell girl to raise her arms at the count of two.
9. At count of three release ring C and pull sharply in
opposite directions on rings A and B.
10. Ring C will pass thru spectators ring D, and ribbon will
now be at back of girl, apparently having penetrated her
waist, Figure 402, leaving spectator with short ribbon in his
hand.
Thru A Wedding Ring 61
H A R R Y L A T O U R
Effect :
A silk appears, penetrating a
wedding ring, Figure 408.
Required :
A silk with thread attached,
and a wedding ring, Figure 403.
Preparation :
Place silk between 3rd and 4th,
buttons of vest, ring in pocket, and
button outside, Figure 404.
Presentation :
1. Remove ring from pocket,
Figure 405, and display it,
Figure 406.
2. Now bring right shoulder
nearest the audience.
3. Pull on thread to the left with
the left hand, drawing corner
A of the silk from vest thru
the ring, Figure 407. Right
hand and arm hide action from
audience.
4. Without pausing, take corner
A of the silk in the left hand,
turn to face audience, and pull
the silk half way thru the ring.
At the same time move the
right hand along the silk to
corner B, Fig. 408, displaying
the silk thru the ring.
Ring of Jhoth * 62
N E L S O N H A H N E
Effect :
Performer causes a ring to
penetrate a silk held by spectator.
Required :
Two bone rings and an 18
silk handkerchief.
Preparation :
Place a ring over corner B,
Figure 409. Bring corner A
in front of B, Figure 410, and
place silk in breast pocket.
Presentation :
1. Remove silk from pocket,
Figure 410.
2. Bring left hand near center of
silk to conceal ring as corner
A is dropped, Figure 411.
3. Taking silk and ring it left hand,
have spectator hold diagonal
corners, Figure 412.
4. Remove duplicate ring (No. 2) from vest pocket and place it
between first and second fingers, Figure 413.
5. Bring right hand over to push ring further down into the left
hand. However, a very clever switch is made.
6. Under cover of the right hand take ring No. 2 on the right
thumb, Figure 414.
7. At same time push ring No. 1 up into view with left thumb,
Figure 415.
8. Move right hand to right, holding ring No. 2 behind silk,
Figure 415.
9. Pull silk slightly to right with right hand as left fist is opened
and ring no. 1 disclosed on the silk, Figure. 416.
10. Draw ring No. 1 off of silk and pass it for examination,
Figure 417.
11. Return silk to breast pocket with right hand, leaving ring No.
2 with silk, Figure 417.
Ring On Silk * 63
Effect :
A ring penetrates a silk held by a
spectator, Figure 421
Required :
An 18 silk and two duplicate
finger rings.
Preparation :
Fold a silk, Figure 418, then
twist it, Figure 419. Slide a finger ring
over one end, then tuck the ring out of
view under a convenient fold, Figure
420. (If desired the fold can be held in
place with a tiny dab of magicians wax.)
Presentation :
1. Pick up silk, giving it several
additional twists.
2. A spectator holds the diagonal
corners of the silk.
3. Introduce the duplicate ring,
holding it in the left hand.
4. Appear to take the ring in the
right hand, executing the french
drop, Volume 1, Chapter 8, page
293.
5. Bring the right hand down sharply
on the silk, force the duplicate
ring from under the folds and to
the center of the silk, Figure 421.
Ring On Ward * 64
W A R O L D R. R I C E
Required :
A wand, on 18 silk, a borrowed linen hank, and two very
thin duplicate wedding rings.
Preparation :
Cut thru one of the rings, then file the ends to sharp
points, Figure 422. Place the cut ring your left little finger.
Presentation ;
1. Display unprepared wedding ring held in left hand.
2. Place the center of the silk over the hand, at same time
switching rings under cover of the silk.
3. Have a spectator take the cut ring thru the silk, Figure
423. The unprepared ring is now on left little finger.
4. Have spectator tie silk tightly with thread below ring,
Figure 424, then tie thread to center of wand, Figure 425.
5. While spectator ties ring in silk, slip unprepared ring over
end of wand, Figure 425.
6. Have spectator cover wand and silk with his linen hank,
Figure 426.
7. While spectator holds ends of wand, reach under hank,
bend fake ring and force sharp end thru silk. Reshape ring
and place it on left little finger. Finally rub silk to close
hole in it. Unprepared ring is now at center of wand.
8. Remove linen hank and show ring on wand, Figure 427.
The Prayer Chain * 65
C A R Y L F L E M I N G.
Effect :
A silk streamer (or silk cord)
claimed to be a Tibetan Priests prayer
chain, Figure 428, penetrates the
performers neck.
Required :
A 6 wide silk streamer about 8
feet long. Sew the ends together to
form an unbroken circle.
Presentation :
1. Place the streamer around your
neck, Figure 429.
2. Taking streamer at point X,
Figure 429, form a second loop
around your neck, Figure. 428
and 430.
3. Form a third loop in the bottom
of the first, Figure. 431.
4. Put third loop over head, point
Y, Fig. 431, to back of neck.
5. Grasp the streamer at points Z-
Z and pull, The prayer-chain
will appear to penetrate
the neck.
Sifted Thru Silk * 66
K E N D E C O U R C Y
Effect :
Salt appear to penetrate a silk.
The Secret :
In addition to an 18 silk and a shaker of salt, two thumb
tips are needed. Place a tip on each thumb. A quantity of salt is in
the tip on the left thumb.
Presentation:
1. Place the silk over the left fist, at the same time stealing
the left tip containing salt into the left palm, Figure. 433.
2. Form a well in the center of the silk at X, Figure 433.
with the right thumb, leaving the tip therein, Figure 434.
3. Pour a quantity of salt into the well (tip).
4. Press the salt down with the right thumb, stealing the tip.
5. Pull silk away, showing the salt gone.
6. Pour salt from left fist (tip) to floor, Figure 435.
Silken Obedience * 67
F R A N C I S B. M A R T I N E A U .
Effect :
One of four silks tied to a cane, Figure 436, and freely
selected by a spectator, penetrates the cane and falls to the floor.
The Secret :
A cane, four 15 silks, for small
beads of colors matching the silks, some
thread, 4 rubber bands, and 4 - long
common black pins are needed.
Preparation :
1. Prepare the threads as shown
in Figure 437.
2. Place a rubber band around the
orange silk, Figure 438.
3. Fasten silk to cane as shown in
Figures 439 and 440.
4. Finally tie a single knot in the
center of the silk directly over
the pin but not around the cone.
5. Repeat with the remaining three
silks, assembled about 6 apart
along the cane, Figure 441.
Note how the threads pass thru the silks as they are added.
Presentation :
1. Take the cane in the left hand as shown in Figure 442,
Note the position of the colored beads.
2. Have a color freely selected.
3. With the right hand pull the proper thread to release the
selected silk as the left flips cane upwards.
4. As silk is released it flies into the air.
Effect :
A silk tied around a cane penetrates it.
The Secret :
A cane and metal clamp painted
red to match a red 18 silk is needed.
Presentation :
1. Drape the loosely rolled silk over
the cane.
2. Then secretly clamp the gimmick on to the silk,
Figure 443.
3. Now secretly toss end A over the cane, Figure 444,
while holding end B and turning to the spectator.
4. Hold cane through the silk while spectator ties a single knot
under the cane with ends A and B of silk.
5. Have spectator hold ends of cane tightly while you pull on
ends A and B to tighten knot.
6. Silk penetrates cane, Figure 445.
Effect :
Two silks looped together penetrate each other.
Required :
Two 18 silks, one red, one green. A borrowed hot.
The Secret :
Tie two diagonal corners of the green silk into a knot, Figure
446. Then reverse the silk, bringing the knot to the center,
Figure 447. Now roll the silk to hide the knot, Figure 448.
Finally roll the red silk and place it beside the prepared
green one.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the red silk and tie it as shown in Figure 446.
2. Pass the green silk through the red, Figure 449, and tie a
false knot, Volume 1, Chapter 10, Page 510, Fig 349.
3. Drop the two looped silks into a borrowed hat.
4. Reach inside and pull the fake knot of the green silk
apart.
5. Unfold the green silk and take the real knot in the left
hand, right opening the loop.
6. Take knot of red silk in right hand.
7. Display the two silks now separated.
The Magic Weg 71
C H A R L E S W A L L E R .
Effect :
A silk penetrates a cambric hank covering a glass tumbler,
Figure 454.
Required :
A bottomless glass, a red cambric hank of mottled pattern,
2-12 green silks, and a very small rubber band such as used in
orthodontia work and available at all dental supply houses.
The Secret :
Drape the hank over the left fist. Starting at one diagonal
corner, force the green silk into the hanks center, a bit at a time,
accordion fashion, until the other diagonal corner is reached,
Figure 450. Place the rubber band around the hank as illustrated,
Figure 451.
Presentation :
1. Show glass, then ball green silk and drop it into the glass,
Figure 452.
2. Display cambric hank, then drop it over glass, Figure 453.
3. Balled silk falls thru bottom of glass and into left hand.
4. Holding mouth of glass to audience, twist hank, causing
green silk to slowly penetrate into view.
5. Take away penetrating silk and pocket it with the palmed
duplicate, Figure 454.
6. Remove hank and show glass empty.
Ball Penetration * 72
K A R L I N
Effect :
A red ball penetrates a green silk.
Required :
An ordinary glass, two I red rubber
balls, a hairpin, an 18 green silk, small
rubber band, and a piece of thin thread.
The Secret :
Force the hairpin thru a ball,
Figure 455, then attach the ball to a
corner of the silk with a thread, Figure.
456. Fasten the remaining ball in the
center of the green silk with a rubber
band, Figure 457, as in the original
Waller effect, Figure 451.
Presentation :
1. Holding ball in one hand and
silk in other, Figure 458, drop
ball into glass, then cover with
the silk, Figure 459.
2. Cause the second ball to penetrate the silk as in No. 71,
THE MAGIC WEB, Figure 460.
3. Remove the silk from the glass, ball with thread
remaining behind the silk, Figure 456.
Effect :
A borrowed ring placed in a box vanishes, penetrates a
silk, and reappears in a sealed glass tumbler.
Required :
A Phantom tube, a bottomless glass, a duplicate
unprepared glass, a jewelers ring box, a pull to vanish the box, a
silk vanisher, two pieces of ribbon, two small rubber bands, a
prepared and on ordinary 18 silk.
The Secret :
Cut a hole in the center of the silk large
enough to permit the ring box to pass thru
it. Then enclose a circle of elastic in a hem
around the hole in the silk. The elastic,
when un-stretched, should close the hole
completely, Figure 461. Next make a pull to
vanish the ring box, Figure 462.
Preparation :
1. Place the pull around the waist,
Figure 463.
2. Fasten the prepared silk around
the unprepared glass by tying
corers of the silk with a strip of
ribbon, Figure 464.
Note that the taut silk forces the hole in silk open.
3. Place the rubber band (fastened to the pull) in the vest
pocket along with the extra rubber band, Figure 465.
4. Place unprepared silk, remaining ribbon, and ring box in
bottom of bottomless glass.
5. Assemble apparatus in the phantom tube, ( Volume 1,
Chapter 7, Page 184) as shown in Figure 466.
Presentation :
1. Lift phantom tube and lay it on its side on a table as
bottomless glass and contents are displayed.
2. Show bottomless glass, then drop it, mouth downwards, into
the tube, Figure 467.
3. Sit the tube in this position (Figure 467) on the table.
4. Borrow a ring and place it in the ring box.
5. Remove the two rubber bands as one from the vest pocket,
Figure 465.
6. Place both bands as one around the box, Figure 468.
7. Place box in left hand, then cover both with ordinary 18 silk.
8. Ask spectator to take box thru silk. As he reaches for it
release box which flies under the coat, Show box gone.
9. Now introduce the piece of ribbon and vanish it and the silk.
Use one of the methods given in Volume 1, Chapter 8, or use
an Ideal Color Change or Palmo, Volume 2, Chapter 13.
10. While attention is called to phantom tube on table , steal
ring box from pull into left hand.
11. Remove phantom tube, disclosing silk tied around glass.
12. Take tips of silk in right hand and set glass on left palm,
palmed ring box going inside, Figure 469.
13. Have spectator untie ribbon, allowing silk to fall over palm,
disclosing ring box in glass, Figure 470.
14. Have spectator take away glass, open box, and identify ring
Thimble Thru Silk * 74
R A Y M A C M A T H
Effect :
A thimble penetrates a silk.
Required :
An 18 blue silk, two metal
thimbles, and a small rubber band.
The Secret :
Hold the thimble hidden in the
center of the silk (ala Waller) with a
rubber band, Figure 471.
Presentation :
1. Show the duplicate thimble on
the tip of the right first finger.
2. Drape prepared silk over right
hand, thumb palming first
thimble, Figure 472.
3. Pull silk down around finger with
left hand and thimble appears to
penetrate , Figure. 473.
Super Penetration * 75
G L E N G R A V A T T
Effect :
A silk in a tube penetrates a glass tumbler.
Required :
A presto Hank Vanisher (Vol. 1,
Chapter 8, Page 339). Figure 474 : two
red and a green 18 silk : an ordinary
glass tumbler ; a prepared newspaper.
The Secret :
Place a red silk in the center of
the newspaper page, Figure 475, then
paste a piece of paper over the silk,
Figure 476.
Presentation :
1. Show the red and the green
silks, then have the red silk
selected, using the familiar
Spectators Choice, page 652.
2. Drape the green silk over the
left forearm.
3. Place the red silk in the
cylinder (and the fake).
4. Catch hook in green silk,
leaving fake, Figure 477.
5. Take green silk and fake and
lay them aside.
6. Place (empty) cylinder in glass,
Figure 478.
7. Wrap glass in newspaper so
duplicate silk is at bottom.
8. Tear paper and pull down on
silk, Figure 479.
9. Show glass and cylinder empty.
The same force can be used with any number of silks. For
example, red is to be forced from yellow, green, red and blue. Have
a spectator name two colors , laying aside the two which do not
include the red one. Now finish with the two as suggested above,
ending with the desired red.
Adhesive Glass * 76
P E T E R W A R L O C K
Effect :
A silk penetrates a glass adhered to a newspaper.
Required :
A prepared transparent plastic glass, a fake hidden in a
newspaper, and an 18 silk.
The Secret :
Obtain a clear plastic glass with a rolled lip at a five and ten
cent store. Cement a circle of steel piano wire under the lip, Figure
480. Next, make the newspaper fake. On a piece of cardboard
cut as illustrated and slightly longer than the mouth of the glass,
place two small horseshoe magnets, Figure 481. Fasten the two
magnets in place with gummed paper tape, Figure 482. Place the
fake inside of the folded paper, Figure 483
Presentation :
1. Show silk and place it in glass.
2. Place glass on left palm.
3. Take non magnetic end of paper
in right hand place hidden magnet
along the edge of the mouth of
glass.
4. Take away left hand, showing glass
adhered to the paper, Figure 484.
5. Pull a corner of silk from glass,
then cover mouth of glass with
paper and fake, Figure 485.
6. Now pull silk gently from glass,
Figure 486.
Note : (If magnets are not strong, hem
should be removed from side of silk that
leaves glass last.)
Red Devil * 77
F R A N C I S B. M A R T I N E A U.
Effect :
One of the two silks visibly penetrates a sealed glass.
Required :
An 18 red silk with 8 of black thread attached, Figure 487
; an unprepared 18 green silk, a glass tumbler, a rubber band, and
a white linen hank.
Presentation :
1. Show unprepared glass.
2. Place red silk in glass, Figure 488.
3. Wedge green silk in mouth of glass.
4. Fasten linen hank over mouth of
glass with rubber band, Figure 489.
5. Pull on thread to bring corner A of
red silk down and under left thumb,
Figure 490.
6. Break thread from corner of silk.
7. Invert glass, exposing silks
contained therein, Figure 491.
8. Right hand assisting, move left hand
to new position, Figure 492.
9. Take corner A in right hand and
pull silk upwards and to the right,
Figure 493.
10. Pass silk and still sealed tumbler for
examination.
Hakne Silk Penetration 76
N E L S O N H A H N E
Effect :
A colored silk penetrates a borrowed linen hank.
Required :
An 18 red silk and an Ideal Color-Change. Tube , Fig. 2,
Chapter 13. (First acquaint yourself with the handling of the tube
gimmick as explained in Chapter 13.)
Presentation :
1. Borrow a linen handkerchief and place it over the half
closed left fist.
2. Make a well in the hank with the right first finger, then
load in the fake, Figure 494.
3. Insert the red silk into the white hank (and fake) Fig. 495.
4. As you tuck the last of the red silk in, steal away the fake
into the right hand ( see Chapter 13, Effect No. 7).
5. Insert the fake in the bottom of the left fist still covered
with the white hank.
6. Pull the red hank down into view, it having penetrated (?)
the white hank, Figure 496.
7. Steal the fake out of the left hand as you pull the white
hank away, Figure 497.
8. Show left hand empty and white hank unharmed.
Effect :
A rope penetrates a silk.
Required :
A length of rope and an 18 or 24 silk.
Presentation :
1. Spectator holding diagonal ends of the silk throughout
the effect, take the rope in Figure 505 position.
2. Take X in the left and Y in the right, Figure 506. Then
extend the hands, tying a bow knot, Figure 507.
3. Reach through the loops and pull A and B through,
Figure 508.
4. Now pull on the ends of the rope until the bow is reduced
to a small knot, Figure 509.
5. Drop ends of the rope, Figure 510.
6. Take the ends of the rope again, but bring end B up on
the same side of the silk as A, Figure 511.
7. Pull sharply on the rape and it penetrates, Figure 512.
Uncanny Hankies * 81
G E O R G E B L A K E
Effect :
Four silks just tied to a tape untie while in a bag ; then they
become tied in place again. Bag discarded, the silks visibly untie,
one by one, at spectators command.
Required :
Twelve 12 silks (3 each, red, yellow, green and purple) ;
three 1 x 27 tapes, one prepared as in Figure 513; and a changing
bag.
Preparation .
Pull ends of pins out of slots. Wrap red
silk around first pin and tape as in Figures 514-15-
16-17. Repeat with yellow silk. Green & purple
silks are fastened as in Figures 518 & 519. Place
prepared tape in change-bag ; then four silks and
another tape. Turn handle of bag.
Presentation ;
1. A spectator holds tape while you tie on a
duplicate set of silks.
2. Show change-bag, place silks & tape inside.
3. Turn handle, remove separate silks & tape.
4. Turn handle, drop silks & tape in bag.
5. Turn handle, remove silks fastened to
prepared tope, lay bag aside. Silks are
magically tied (?) to the tape again.
6. Hold tape at its extreme ends, steel pins
away from audience.
7. Have any spectator freely select a color,
secretly pull the proper bead, and silk visibly
unties itself.
8. Repeat with each of the remaining silks on
the tape.
C o l o r C h a n g e s
Introduction
Effect :
A red silk changes to green then back to red again.
Required :
Two 18 silks one red, one green. A 1 brass ring.
The Secret :
1. Place the red silk on the green, then sew them together at
their centers for about two inches, Figure 1.
2. Put the red corner C on A-B, Figure 2.
3. Lay green F on H, Figure 3.
4. Sew green silk a shown with a dotted line, Figure 4. ( Do
not catch the red silk.)
5. Turn the silk bag inside out, Figure 5.
6. Sew red silk as shown with a dotted line, Figure 6.
7. Bring corners to their original positions, Figure 7.
8. Cut off about 1 of C-D, then sew the ring in place, Fig. 8.
9. Bring green corner B up through the ring, Figure 9.
Preparation :
1. Show the red silk, Figure 10.
2. Take green tip B in the right hand and pull up, changing
red silk to green, Figure 11.
3. To change the silk to red again, pull down on red tip A,
Figure 12.
The Gumping Knot * 2
T A N N E N
Effect :
A knot tied at the bottom of a
silk jumps to the top.
Required :
An 18 Tarbell single color change
silk made with TWO RED silks.
Preparation :
1. Show the silk, then tie a small
knot at A, Figure 14.
2. Now pull down on the ring with
your right hand, exposing knot
B near the top, Figure 15.
Change Thru Tube * 3
STEWART JUDAH
Effect :
A red silk passed through a
paper cylinder becomes green.
Required :
A Tarbell single color change silk
and a 6 square of green stiff paper.
Presentation :
1. Hold red silk in left hand,
Figure 16.
2. Place the ring near the bottom
of the paper, Figure 17.
3. Roll the paper into a cylinder
and place a rubber band at its
center.
4. Reach into the bottom of the
tube and pull the green corner
B down, Figure 18.
5. Lift the tube with the right
hand, leaving ring in left,
Figure 10.
The Ever-Change Silk 4
E. D. P R O U D L O C K
Effect :
A silk changes to a different color time and time again.
Required :
Four Tarbell 12 single color changing silks as follows: red to
green, green to orange, orange to blue, blue to green.
Preparation :
Arrange the prepared silks in your breast coat pocket so that
nothing shows but a portion of the red (red to green) silk, Figure 19.
Presentation :
1. Take red silks from pocket and display it without showing
green tip, Figure 10.
2. Make color change, Figure 11, show green silk, then
replace silk in pocket.
3. Under cover of the hands bring green (of green to
orange) silk into view, Figure 20.
4. Later in program withdraw green (green to orange) silk
and change it to orange, Figures 10 and 11.
5. To spectators the same silk has changed from red to
green to orange.
6. Continue as explained, making changes from time to time,
ending with blue to green.
7. To conclude, use the original red to green (now green),
finishing with a red silk, just as you had when you started.
A Flashy Opening * 5
J. B R O W N
Effect :
A red silk held as shown in
Figure 21 visibly changes to green,
Figure 22.
The Secret :
Arrange a fish-line pull on your
body, Figure 23. ( See Chapter 8,
Volume 1.) Now prepare the red silk as
in Figure 24. Finally, accordion pleat
the green silk and place it inside of the
red pocket, Figure 25. Fasten the snap
in the small ring at A and with silk in
the left hand, walk on to the stage.
Presentation :
1. Hold silk as shown in Figure 21.
2. Shoot arms forward releasing
red corners A and B, holding
green corner C.
3. Pull takes red silk up sleeve,
leaving green silk in right hand,
Figure 22.
4. Use green silk in next effect.
M.C. Color Change 6
Effect :
Red and blue silks tied together, Figure 44, change places,
Figure 45.
The Secret :
This is a variation of the Goldin double color change, but
only three silks are used, two reds and one blue. Figure 46 gives
the details of the construction.
Presentation :
1. Show red silk tied to the blue, Figure 44.
2. Pass ring down, disclosing blue silk tied to red, Figure 45.
Drop Color Change 10
Preparation :
Sew a red (Figure 26) and a green (Figure 27) silk together
along their four edges, making one silk, red on one side, green on the
other. Now fold the silk and sew along edge A-B, Figure 47. Next
sew a corner of the green silk to the green bag at A, Figure 48.
Turn the bag inside out and over single silk, exposing red part of
bag. Finally, join the remaining red silk to the red silk bag at A,
Figure 49.
Presentation :
1. Show two red silks, Figure 49.
2. Holding corner C, Figure 49, shake
silks sharply and bag falls, Figure
50, making the change to two
greens.
Triple Color Change * 11
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Effect :
Three white silks change into
three colored ones.
Required:
Six 18 silks-three white and
one each in red, yellow and blue. A 1
brass ring.
Preparation :
1. Place a white silk on the yellow
one sew them together along A-
B-C to form a bag, cut off about
1 of corners at A, then sew in
the 1 ring, Figure. 51.
2. Now join the red and blue silks
to the yellow bag at point C.
3. Turn the bag inside out,
taking the colored silks
inside, Figure 53.
4. Join the two white, silks to the
white bag at C, Figure 54.
Presentation :
1. Display the three white silks,
Figure 55.
2. Bring the left hand to the right,
taking the ring in the left hand
as the right
holds the blue corner.
3. Pass ring down over white silks with left hand, Figure 56,
changing the silks to yellow, red and blue, Figure 57.
The Secret :
1. Fold the three silks on their diagonals, Figure 59.
2. Place green edges G-CC inside of red edges F-BB, then
sew thru all four thicknesses from F to BB, Figure. 60
3. Place green H-BB inside of blue J-DD and sew from J
to DD, Figure 61.
4. Turn red silk inside out and back over green silk, Figure
62. (Note all three silks have one common point, X.)
5. Cut off red and green corners F and sew in 1 Ring,
Figure 63.
6. Reach thru ring and obtain corner J, Figure 64.
7. Cut off green-blue corners J and sew in second 1 ring,
Figure 65.
8. Reach thru two rings and obtain corner E, Figure 66.
9. Catch the centers of all three silks at Y with thread,
Figure 66.
Presentation :
1. Show red silk, Figure 67.
2. Holding blue tip with left fingers, pass both rings down
the silk with right, disclosing blue silk, Figure 68.
3. Bring silks to horizontal position, hold one ring in right
hand as other passes a ring to the left, changing silk to
green, Figure 69.
4. Silk can be changed back to red now if desired.
New Color Change * 14
P E R C Y A B B O T T
Effect :
A green silk, after shown on
both sides, changes to red.
The Secret :
A red and a green white
bordered silk, Figure 70, are sewed
together on the diagonal, Figure 71.
Presentation :
Note : All illustrations are as
performer sees them.
1. Display green silk, Figure 71,
red side to spectator.
2. Add corners A-B to C-D as
silk is given a quarter turn and
is folded on the diagonal,
Figure 72. Note position of
right thumb.
3. Bring right hand upper most,
dropping single green flap, Fig. 73.
4. Right hand assumes new position shown in Figure 74.
5. Now fold X over behind Y, Figure 75.
6. Right hand, still in Figure 74 position, releases green and
red corners, thumb and first finger holding red as the silk
is shaken sharply.
7. Flaps drop, Figure 76, changing green silk to red, Figure 77.
Effect :
A red silk changes to blue.
The Secret :
A red and a blue silk, Figure 70, are sewed together where
indicated in Figure 78.
Preparation :
Bring blue corner D up on B, Figure 79. Then fold A on
C, Figure 80.
Presentation :
1. Holding B-D, release B and shake silk.
2. B drops over E, changing silk from red to blue , Figure
81.
Color Changing Knot * 16
E R I C C. L E W I S
Effect :
Dye a red band across one
corner of a 36 white silk, Figure 82.
The Secret :
Dye a red band across one
corner of a 36 white silk, Figure 82.
Preparation :
1. Tie a single knot, in the red
portion of the silk, Figure 83.
2. Tuck X, Figure 83, into the top of the knot, Figure 84.
3. Wrap white silk around knot, then tie it in place with very
weak thread, Figure 85. (Thread used is obtained by
unraveling a length of regular thread, Figure 86.)
Presentation :
1. Display the silk, Figure 87.
2. Tie a slip knot in end B, Figure 88.
3. Appear to drop end B, but actually A, Figure 89.
4. Now snap silk sharply and threads will break, exposing red
knot in A, Figure 90, and hidden slip knot in B will
disinterqrate.
Vice-Versa Change * 17
A R T H U R M. P O P E
Effect :
A within silk changes to blue, a blue to white.
Required :
An 18 whjte and an 18 blue silk.
Presentation :
1. Display silks, Figure 91.
2. Take corner of white silk between
first and second fingers of left
hand and corner of blue between
second and third fingers of right
hand, Figure 92.
3. Bring corners of silk to crotch of
first and second fingers of left
hand, twisting the white corner to
the left and the blue to the right,
Figure 93.
4. Figure 94 shows silks from
audience view. In actual
performance right hand cloaks tips
above left hand from view.
5. Pull silks up with right hand, Figure
95, then show left hand empty,
Figure 96.
Bergs Miracle Silks * 18
J O E B E R G
Required :
Two silks dyed as shown in
Figure 97 are used in the next three
effects.
Preparation :
Tie the two silks together at their
special corners with a knot.
Presentation :
1. Display the knotted silks.
2. Holding the silks in the right hand,
Figure 98, untie the knot, but leave
the ends crossed, Figure 99.
3. Close the fist around the silks,
Figure 100.
4. Taking the corners in the left hand,
pull the silks up through the right
hand, Figure 101.
Suckers Waterloo * 20
J O E B E R G
Effect :
A red silk ( which performer
tries to vanish and which spectators
discover in his pocket) changes to
green.
Required :
A red tipped green silk, Figure
97, a red silk, and a vanisher are
needed.
Preparation :
Roll the special silk, Figure 102,
and place it in the right rouser pocket,
Figure 103, red tip exposed. Attach
pull, Vol 1, Chapter 8, Page 299, then
place it in vest pocker Figure 103.
Presentation :
1. Secretly obtain pull in right
hand as left displays red silk.
2. Push silk into right fist (and pull)
3. Release pull, right hand going to right trouser pocket,
giving method of vanish away to spectators as they
discover the exposed red tip.
4. Take red tipped green silk into right hand, Figure. 104, all
but tip hidden.
5. Now change silk to green, Figure 105.
Effect :
Spectators are unable to correctly name the colors of two
silks placed in two match boxes.
Required :
In addition to the two special silks, Figure 97, two penny
match boxes are needed.
Presentation :
1. Place a portion of a silk in each box, special tips
first, Figure 106, without exposing the tips.
2. Display the boxes, place rest of silk in their boxes, then
close the boxes.
3. Shuffle the boxes so that the colors of the contents are
not known.
4. Open the boxes from their opposite ends, exposing the
fake tips, Figure 107.
5. Close boxes, then shuffle the boxes again, this time
making it easy for the spectators to follow.
6. Ask a spectator to identify the box containing the red silk.
Then open the selected box at the original end and
withdraw the green silk, Figure 108.
Ervin Color Change Silk 22
D R. E R V I N
Effect :
Performer, after failing to vanish a white silk, changes it to
red.
Required :
An 18 red and an 18 white silk, and a white and a red corner.
The Secret :
Place white corner B on a corner A of the red silk, Figure
109. Sew bottom of B to red silk at X-X, Figure 110. Place red
corner C on white B, Figure 111. Finally sew C to red A,
starting at Y and finishing at Z, Figure 112.
Preparation :
Accordion pleat corners M and N to center of red silk,
Figure 113. Now pleat end P up to pocket C, Figure 114. Finally
bring corners A and C down around pleated silk, exposing white
B, Figure 115. Place prepared silk in upper corner Y of right
trouser pocket, Figure 116.
Presentation:
1. Pull out right trouser pocket, then show it empty.
2. Replace pocket, forcing hidden silk to the bottom at X,
Figure 116.
3. Display white silk.
4. Pretend to vanish it by rolling it between the palms, Volume
1, Chapter 8, Page 291.
5. In an obvious manner, reach into your right pocket with
right hand containing palmed silk.
6. Leave silk in corner Y, Figure 116, withdraw hand, and
show both hands empty.
7. Spectators cry silk is in right pocket.
8. Take prepared silk in right hand but with white tip
showing, Figure 104.
9. Admit you couldnt vanish silk, then change its color by
pushing white tip down into silk pocket, forcing pleated
red silk through bottom of hand and into view.
10. Display red silk, Figure 118, left thumb and first finger
pinching A-B-C together.
Ervin Variation 23
D R. E R V I N
Laundry Mystery * 24
L A R S E N A N D W R I G H T
Effect :
A black silk changes to white ;
water changes to ink.
The Secret :
A mirror glass (Volume 1,
Chapter 8, Page 325.) with a prepared
insert, Figure 119-A, is required. In
addition, an ink pellet, a white and a
black silk, and a cover for the glass are
needed.
Preparation:
Place pellet in A, and white
silk in B, Figure 119A. Place the
cover, and the glass containing the
insert, on the table, Figure 119-B.
Presentation :
1. Shown the glass, then cover it
with the cylinder.
2. Pour water into section A,
Figure 119-B.
3. Place the black silk in section C, Figure 119-8..
4. Produce the dry white silk.
5. Remove the cover and show the water now black as ink.
Effect :
A green silk changes
instantaneously to red, Figure 122
The Secret :
A prepared green silk, Figure
120, and a Flash Ball (Volume 1,
Chapter 8, Page 312) are needed in
addition to an ordinary red silk.
Preparation :
With a dowel stick tuck the red
silk inside of the pocket in the green
silk, leaving a corner protruding
through ring B. Attach corner A to
the hook in the flash ball. Place silk
and ball on the table, Figure 121.
Presentation :
1. Pick up silk as in Figure 122
2. Press spring release on ball,
green silk going inside, leaving
red silk, Figure 123.
Symsilk * 26
R O B E R T H A R B I N
Effect :
A breast pocket silk repeatedly changes color, Figure 132.
The Secret :
An ingenious fake is employed, Figure 124. Glue two
grooved strips to the sides of a thin wooden panel, Figure 125.
Two right angle brass uprights which accommodate a threaded rod,
Figure 126, are screwed to the top of the frame, Figure 127. A
second rod is securely fastened through the lower ends of the
uprights, Figure 127. Next make an endless band of black satin
that will fit tightly around the fake. With satin in place, sew a
wire arm, Figure 128, to the satin, Figure 129. Now screw a brass
plate, Figure 130, to the bottom of the frame. Tie one end of a
length of black silk fishing line to the center of wire arm, then
pass the card, through the hold in the bottom plate, Figure 131.
Finally sew 5 different colored pieces of silk at regular intervals
on the satin band, Figure 124.
Preparation :
Place the fake in the coat breast pocket, Figure 132, wire
arm near top and the back of the fake, Figure 129, then pass the
cord through a small hole in the bottom of the pocket, and through
the holes in two safety pins or rings fastened to the vest at the
back, Figure 133.
Presentation :
Call attention to the color of silk at top of fake, Figure 132,
pull on cord at back of coat, and next color pops up into view.
Repeat four times, causing five color changes. At conclusion fake is
in position shown in Figure 124.
Note :
(Top top rod, Figure 127 is removed before the endless satin
belt is put into place. The rod when replaced, makes the satin band
very taut.)
Meet the Missus * 27
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Effects :
A colorful story wherein Miss white marries Mr. Green; and
a few years later we find five little greens between them.
The Secret :
This self contained effect is constructed as shown in Figure
134. In addition, an 18 white silk is needed.
Preparation :
Turn bag inside out, attached silk going inside, Figure 135.
Roll little greens and tuck them under the brass ring, Figure 136.
Presentation :
1. Display Mr. Green and Miss White, Figure 137.
2. The preacher (magician) joins them..tie knot, Figure 138.
3. Pass ring down with left hand, Figure 139, Miss White
becomes Mrs. Green.
4. Add corner C to ring in left hand, Figure 140.
5. Take end of ribbon and C in right hand and spread arms,
displaying silks and little greens, Figure 141.
Gamblers Silks * 28
J U L I A N S. B U S H
Effect :
Three silks are dropped into a paper cone, then two silks
are removed. The spectator who thinks he has discovered the
third silk is stung!
The Secret :
In addition to the prepared silks, Figure 142, a special
stung silk, Figure 143, and a sheet of stiff paper, Figure 144, are
needed.
Preparation :
Fold part one of paper, Figure 144, over on two, Figure 145.
Fold stung silk and place it on paper at X, then complete the
fold, Figure 146 and 147. Put rubber band in place, Figure 148.
Presentation :
1. Display silks, Figure 149.
2. Drop silks into cone, C going in last, Figure 150.
3. Tear off tip A of cone, and pull silks through hole,
Figure 151.
4. Lay aside two silks and bet no one can tell you the red
silk has gone. As silk is believed to still be in cone, tear it
at its center, exposing red stung, Figure 152.
5. Display stung silk.
Color Changing Jie * 29
M R S. V A L H. S E E W A L D
Effect :
Performer changes his necktie from red to green.
The Secret :
The secret is in the rather complicated
construction of the tie.
Preparation:
1. Press a piece of red silk (cut to
correct shape) into a tie, Figure
153.
2. Form a green bag, studying
Figure 154 carefully.
3. Place red tie, Figure 153, upside
down and inside of the green
bag, Figure 154, red tip E thru
opening, Figure 155.
4. As shown in Figure 155, sew four
edges A-B-C-D together; sew
oval (not round) ring in bottom
end; catch back of red silk to
green bag at four points
indicated with black dots in
illustration.
5. Push red tip E down inside of
its own tie and out thru oval ring
opening, Figure 156.
6. Now place green bag on a piece
of green silk cut like a tie, top
being flat and tip formed into a
trianglar pocket, Figure 157.
7. Catch red-green color change to green silk at X, Figure 158.
8. Now fold green silk of Figure 157 around green bag (red
green color change), then sew green silk from A to B,
Figure 159.
9. Catch green tie to color change bag (not red tie inside of it)
at points marked X, Figure 159.
10. Pull ring up to top of tie, changing tie from green to red,
Figure 160.
11. Put tie in place, tying ribbons around neck.
Presentation :
1. Call attention to red tie.
2. Pass ring down, changing tie from red to green.
COLOR CHANGING SILKS
Introduction 1
P a l m o 6
H A R O L D R. R I C E
The Color-Change :
2. With the ball on the second finger of the right hand, show
the hands empty, using the moves shown in Figures 10-13.
1. Some may, prefer the change
over-palm. Have the ball in the
right hand, Figure 26. Now turn
the body to the right as the ball
is passed into the left hand by
running one palm over the other,
rolling the ball at the same time,
Figure 27. Books on billiard ball
routines give more detailed
information.
3. With loaded ball now in the left hand, do the color change,
Figures 19- 24.
Novak Steal * :
Bob Novak has favored me with photos of how he steals my
PALMO ball at the conclusion of the routine.
1. The green silk is almost entirely in the ball and the read
almost out, Figure 28.
2. The balance of the red silk is secretly pulled from the ball
and layed along its outside, Figure 29.
3. The right second finger pushes the lost of the green silk
into the ball, Figure 30.
4. Then, instead of lifting the ball out of the left hand, merely
bend the right finger into the right palm, Figure 31,
carrying the ball away with it, Figure 32.
5. Finally withdraw the right finger from the ball and open
the right hand into a natural position, Figure 33.
Another Finish :
Place an extra silk in the
bottom of the breast pocket, Figure
34. With silk in position shown in
Figure 35, pull the silk over the left
palm, starting at point X, and
continuing until corner A is
reached. At the same time approach
the pocket, Figure 34. Just as tip
A crosses the left palm, extend the
right finger and drop the ball into
the breast pocket, back of right
hand masking the move.
Third Finger Steal :
I have suggested using the second finger in the steals
explained thus for as this is the finger most performers employ.
However , one professional uses his third finger. Some readers
may prefer the third finger steal.
Judah Surprise * 9
S T E W A R T J U D A H
The Secret :
1. Using PALMO instead of a tube,
do the moves shown in Figures
10-19.
2. Continue the change until silks
are in the position shown in
Figure 28. At this point about
1 of the red silk still remains in
the ball.
3. Next take red silk at a
point about 2 below the left fist
and lay this along the outside of
the PALMO ball, Figure 37.
4. Now steal the ball, lifting it up
and away. Figure 38.
5. As ball comes up thru the left
hand and into the right, the
remaining 1 of red silk in the ball
appears at the top of the left fist,
Figure 36. A startling finish !
Flash Color-Change 10
Effect :
To convince the audience that the
silk actually changes color, performer
finishes his routine with the silk half
dyed !
The Secret :
A fake, Figure 39, attributed to
Lloyd, is loaded with a special red silk
with a green corner, Figure 40. The
center of the red silk is placed in the
fake and the green tip is forced under
the clip, Figure 41.
In addition to the fake and
prepared silk, a solid green silk is
needed.
Presentation :
The presentation is the same as
that used in the standard color change.
However, at the point where about all of
the green silk is in the top of the fake
and all of the special red is out,
Figure 28, push the rest of the green corner into the fake, and at
the same time steal the fake, Figure 38. This leaves the
performer with the silk as shown in Figure 42.
Now explain that the silk is only half dyed. To prove it,
withdraw the silk; and display it.
Note :
By using Stewart Judahs JUDAH SURPRISE (Effect No. 9),
my PALMO BALL, and the special silk, Figure 40,the some effect
can be accomplished.
Preparation :
Place the green silk in the bottom of the fake, Figure 44.
Now place the fake under the red silk which rests on the table,
Figure 45.
Presentation :
1. Pick up fake and red silk, Figure 46.
2. Transfer both to the right hand, loop falling over thumb,
Figure 47.
3. Assume new position shown in Figure 48, then grip fake as
in Figure 49. (Silk is not included in illustration)
4. Open silk and display it, Figure 50.
5. Release corner held in the right hand.
6. Take center of the silk in the right hand, Figure 51.
7. Release the corner held in the left hand, assuming Figure
48 position again.
8. Raise fingers, getting Figure 47 position.
9. Bring the left hand between the silk and fake, Figure 52.
10. Start forcing the red silk into the fake, Figure 53,
forcing the green silk silk from the fake into the left
palm.
11. Continue until all of the red silk is in the fake, Figure 54.
12. Now lift the fake from the left fist, Figure 55.
13. Move hands apart, Figure 56.
14. Open left hand and show the green silk, Figure 57, then
display it at full length, Figure 58.
15. Transfer the silk to the right hand, Figure 47.
16. Finally place the silk and fake in your pocket.
Preparation :
To get first silk inside fake, engage a corner
in wire loop soldered to B. Now turn spindle
with key at end A of spindle. Key winds silk
inside of fake.
New Vanishing Color Changer * 13
Di-Jt** 14
J E S S E T H O R N T O N
Effect :
A red silk, placed in a
tube, changes to green.
The Secret :
In addition to a red and
a green 12 silk, the tube and
fake shown in Figure 70 are
needed
Preparation :
1. Place a green silk in the fake and a red in the tube, Figure
71. Now put the fake in the tube, Figure 72.
Presentation :
1. Take the tube in right hand, then transfer it to the left,
clip going between the first and second fingers, Figure 73.
2. Take the red silk at B and pull the silk down and out of
the tube.
3. Lift the tube with the right hand, leaving the fake in the
left, Figure 74.
4. Show the empty tube to the audience.
5. Lower the tube into the left hand and over the fake.
6. Tuck the red silk up into the bottom of the tube and the
fake, forcing part of the green silk up thru the top.
7. Force all of the red silk into the fake.
8. Pinching green silk against the tube, lift the tube with the
right hand, Figure 75, leaving the fake containing the red
silk in the left hand.
9. Holding tube in the right hand, remove the green silk with
the left, then pocket the silk and the fake.
Double Color Change * 15
Presentation :
1. Palm rolled green silk in left hand as red is displayed,
Figure 82.
1. Take red silk in Right hand, then drape center of silk over
closed left fist, Figure 83.
2. Alternating with first and second fingers of the right
hand, push the red silk down into the close left fist and on
top of the palmed green silk. During this pocking action
keep rotating the red silk so it form s a ball.
3. Masking the front of the left hand with the right, open
the top two fingers of the left fist momentarily while the
second finger of the right forces the balled red silk into
the right hand, Figure 84.
4. Continue as though forcing the red silk deeper into the
left fist.
5. Now pull the green silk into view from the bottom of the
left fist, Figure 85.
Snappy Color Change * 19
M I L B O U R N E C H R I S T O P H E R
Effect :
After producing a red silk the
performer changes it to green.
Required :
A red and a green 18 silk, and
a magicians wand.
Preparation :
Wrap the red, then the green
silk around the end of the wand,
Figure 86.
Presentation :
1. Take the wand in the right
hand, Figure 87.
2. Pass the end of the wand over
empty left palm, Figure 88.
3. Bring the hands together,
Figure 89, then transfer the
wand and silks to the left hand,
Figure 90.
4. Now use the wand to show the
right hand empty (as was done
with the left, Figure 88).
5. Now take the wand in the right
hand, drawing off the red silk
into the left, Figure 91.
6. Place the wand under the
left armpit, Figure 92.
7. Taking a corner of the silk
between the left thumb and first
finger, produce the red silk,
Figure 93.
8. Roll the silk into a ball between
the two palms, retaining the silk
in the left hand.
9. Make a magical pass over the
left with the right hand.
10. However, when the left is opened,
the silk is still there.
11. Repeat the roll, but this time
keep the rolled silk palmed in the
right hand although spectators
believe the silk to be in the left
(For details, see Page 291,
Chapter 8, of Volume 1.)
12. Now reach for the wand with the
right hand, Figure 94.
13. Here is the important move ! As
the wand is brought out, the
green silk on its end is
automatically pulled into the left
hand which supposedly holds a
red silk, Figure 95.
14. Tap the left hand with the wand.
15. Finally, open the left hand and
disclose the green silk !
Variation :
Another method of getting the silk
from the wand into the left hand is
shown in Figures 96, 97 and 98.
Semantic Silks * 20
A L B E R T B. G RI G G S
Effect :
A white silk becomes red; then yellow ; red ; blue; and finally,
white again.
Required :
Four 12 silks and a 1 Hank Ball with catgut loop, Figure 99.
Preparation :
Fold the red silk HANK BALL FOLD, Figures 63-69, Page 43,
Chapter 3, Volume 1. Starting at one corner and ending at the
other, push the silk into the ball. Fold and add the yellow and blue
silks in a like manner. Place the loaded ball on a table where it is
covered with a white silk.
Presentation :
1. Take silk and ball in right hand, Figure 100.
2. Transfer silk and ball to left hand, Figure 101.
3. Tuck white silk into palm and behind ball as the red silk is
pulled into view, Figure 102.
4. Now steal the ball as follows ; You are in Figure 102
position. As you come up with the right hand to tuck in
the last of the white silk, insert the right thumb into the
loop, Figure 103. Transfer the ball to the right hand as
the white silk is pushed into the left fist, Figure 104.
5. With right thumb extended, stroke red silk, starting
directly under the left fist and continuing down to the
center of the red silk, Figure 105.
6. Taking the red silk in the right hand, show the white in
the palm of the left, Figure 106.
7. Explain that to do this trick you need two silks and that you
will demonstrate how it is done. Lay white silk aside
momentarily.
8. Take a corner of the red silk in the left fist, Figure 105,
then bring silk and ball into the left fist, Figure 107.
9. Start to tuck white silk down into top of the left fist..
actually into the ball.
10. Pull down part of the yellow silk from the ball as the white
is pushed into the top. Pretend not to see the white is
changing to yellow not red.
11. Continue until all of the white is gone and all of the yellow is
in view.
12. Withdraw the yellow silk and say .. Now I am confused!
13. With the red silk and ball still palmed, Figure 107, tuck
yellow silk into left fist and ball. As yellow goes in, pull part
of the red down into view.
14. Now steal ball, Figures 103-105.
15. Yellow silk has vanished and you have but a red, Figure 108.
16. Explain that a magician does not always use two silks.
17. While pattering, transfer red silk and ball, Figure 100, from
right hand to left, Figure 101.
18. Push red silk into tap of ball, withdraw the blue, then
repeat Figures 103-106.
19. Conclude by explaining if everyone will say white the blue
silk will return to its original white.
20. Repeat steps 17 and 18, ending with the original white silk
(taken from the ball.)
Suggestive Color-Change * 21
M A R K J A C O B S
Effect :
Performer demonstrates that,
through the power of suggestion, he
can convince spectators a white silk
changes to red.
Required :
A 12 white silk and a large
thumb tip with a corner of a red silk
glued in place, Figure 109.
Preparation:
With red corner inside of the
thumb tip, place the tip under a
white silk on a table.
Presentation :
1. Get tip on right thumb as you pick up the white silk in the
right hand.
2. Show the silk and hands freely.
3. Push white silk into the left fist, then leave the thumb tip
at top of fist, Figure 110.
4. Explain that although the silk is white, mass hypnotism will
cause spectators to believe the silk
is red.
5. Pull red corner into view, Figure 111. Spectators see white
(?) corner as red.
6. Tuck red corner back into lip, then steal tip on right thumb.
7. Reach up into bottom of left fist with right thumb and first
finger and leave the tip therein.
8. Pull the red corner into view, Figure 112.
9. Repeat step 6 above.
10. Close by pulling the white silk from the left fist and
showing both hands freely.
11. Oh yes ! Dont forget to release your spectators from the
hypnotic spell !
Effect:
Red and green silks held by spectators either change color or
change places.
Required:
Ideal color change tube Figure 2; 1-12 red and 2-12 green
silks; 3- gummed disks; 4 paper clips ; 2 pieces of paper 4 x 6.
Preparation :
Print your initials on a disc, then
attach disc to a corner of a green silk.
Place the silk in the color change tube.
Put the tube and 2 paper clips in the
right coat pocket. Place duplicate green
silk, paper squares, 2 paper clips, 2
labels, and a pencil on a table.
Presentation :
1. Produce the red silk, Chapter 4,
Volume 1, Encyclopedia of Silk
Magic.
2. Have spectator initial disk, then
fasten it to a corner of the red
silk.
3. Place prepared red silk in right
coat pocket, part of silk
remaining in view.
4. Roll a paper into a cylinder.
Close one end with a paper clip.
Hold cylinder in left hand.
5. Go to pocket and get red silk
(and loaded tube).
6. In draping silk over top of
cylinder, allow tube to drop
(tape end up) into cylinder,
Figure 113 and114.
7. Show red silk again, having
spectator identify his initials.
8. Push red silk into cylinder and
tube, forcing green silk into
bottom of cylinder.
9. Steal tube containing red silk,
Figure 115.
10. Go to right pocket for paper clip and leave tube behind.
11. Close top of cylinder with paper clip.
12. Place cylinder in spectators breast pocket.
13. Show green silk.
14. Place your own initials on a label, then fasten it to a
corner of the green silk.
15. Place silk in right coat pocket, part of silk still in view.
16. Form paper into cylinder and close bottom with paper clip.
17. Get green silk (and tube) from pocket.
18. Repeat steps 6 thru 11 explained above.
19. Give this closed cylinder to a second spectator.
20. Now spectators open cylinders. Second spectator finds
first spectators initialed silk in his cylinder, and first
finds performers in his ! Did the silks change places or
color ?
Traveling Knot * 23
I R E L A N D
Effect :
A knot is tied in a blue silk held by performer travels to a
red silk held by a spectator.
Required:
Two 18 red, one 18 blue silk; an ideal color change tube,
Figure 2.
Preparation :
Tie a single knot in the center of a red silk, then place the
silk in the tube, Figure 116. By holding the tube in position
shown in Figure 117, the hand can be shown empty from almost any
angle. For example, note in Figure 125 a tube could be hidden by
the thumb, Figure 126.
1. Hold both silks (red and blue) to a spectator white tube is
palmed into Figure 123 position.
2. Take red silk in Figure 117 position as part of blue silk is
placed in your pocket, Figure 127.
3. Performer then tucks the red silk into his left fist.
4. To do so, bring the second finger up under tip of silk, Figure
118,then insert finger into end of tube through silk. Now
place tip of silk (and tube) in left fist, Figure 119.
5. Push part of red silk into the tube, forcing the knotted silk
into the left fist, Figure 120.
6. Work the knotted silk to one side of the tube, Figure 121,
with the left third and fourth fingers.
7. Finally push the rest of the red silk into the left fist and
tube.
8. Now to steal the tube. Insert 3rd finger of right hand
into end of tube, Figure 122, then bend finger to bring
tube up into right palm, Figure 123.
9. Move to new position, Figure 124, and push finger into
closed left fist as though forcing all of red silk well into
left hand.
10. Steps 5 thru 10 should require but a few seconds.
11. Open right hand, holding knotted silk crumpled Figure 125.
Spectators believe this to still be the first red silk.
12. Place crumpled silk in spectators hand and ask him to
close his fist around it.
13. Remove blue silk from your pocket, Figure 126, leaving
tube behind.
14. Tie a vanishing knot in the blue silk, Figures 128-131.
15. Ask the spectator to blow on the blue knot.
16. As he does, pull on the ends of the silk, Figure 131, and
the knot will dissolve.
17. Ask spectator to open his hand and display his red silk.
18. The vanished knot is in the spectators red silk.
Note : To tie the false knot, the part of the silk between the 2nd.
and 3rd fingers is retained, Figure 130, and partly drawn
through the loop as the loop slips off the finger, forming
the knot shown in Figure 131.
The Dyeing Silks * 24
B E R T D O U G L A S
Effect :
Performer explains he used to make his lying dyeing silks to
match miladys costumes but gave it up. He then explains why.
The Secret:
Three color changing tubes and 5-12 silks are needed.
Preparation :
Load tube No. 1 with a green silk and tube No. 2 with a
yellow silk. Tube No. 3 is empty. On a table place the tubes, each
covered with a white silk.
Presentation:
1. Pick up white silk and Tube No. 1, Figure 132.
2. Push part of white silk into tube, Figure 133.
3. Pull part of the green silk into view, Figure 134.
4. Continue until all of the white is in the tube and most of
the green in view.
5. Steal tube, Figure 135.
6. Casually draw back the left sleeve and secretly drop tube
in breast coat pocket, Figure 136.
7. Withdraw the green silk from left hand and display silk as
both hands are seen to be empty.
8. Explain that this is how you matched a ladys green dress.
9. Place green silk on table and take a second white silk and
tube, Figure 132.
10. Repeat steps 2 to 8, showing a yellow silk to match a
yellow dress.
11. Place yellow silk on table and take the third white silk and
tube. (Figure 132).
12. Proceed as if repeating the color change but actually do a
vanish, pushing white silk into tube, then stealing tube and
dropping it in the breast pocket.
13. Now for the climax. Say And now why I quit my magic
dyeing. The last lady who asked me to match her costume
was a NUDIST !Open your hands and show the white
silk has vanished.
Perfect Color Change * 25
M A Y E T T E
Effect :
A blank silk changes to a card silk as the card becomes blank.
Required:
A blank card painted with pip solution (sold by dealers as
ITS A PIP) to resemble at Ace of Spades ; an Ideal Color
Changing tube ; an 18 Ace of Spades silk, and an 18 white silk.
Load the card silk into the tube.
Presentation:
This effect needs little explanation.
1. Form the card around the tube, Figure 140.
2. Push the white silk into the tube, forcing the card silk
out into view.
3. Steal out the tube.
4. As you display the card silk, wipe the pips off of the
card, Figure 141.
5. Show card to be blank.
Jaysee Color Change Supreme * 27
J A C K C H A N I N
Many have enjoyed Chanins routine. Now you can share it.
Effect;
To identify a green silk just produced, the performer ties
a knot in it. The silk is passed through the performers hand and
emerges red and still containing the knot. After the knot is
untied, the red silk is pushed through the hand again. Now the
silk emerges green, its original color.
Required:
An ideal color change tube, an 18 red and an 18 green silk.
Preparation:
Tie a single knot in the red silk,
Figure 142. Starting with corner B,
push the silk into the tube. Prepare
green silk with HANK BALL FOLD, Page
43, Chapter 3, Volume 1. Place the green
silk in the folds of the coat at the bend
of the left arm and the tube in the left
sleeve, Figure 143. Shirt sleeves have
been rolled above the elbows.
Presentation:
1. Show both hands empty, Figure
144.
2. Pull up the right coat sleeve
with the left hand.
3. Now pull up the left coat sleeve,
stealing the green silk, Figure, 145.
4. Bring the hands together and
develop the silk, Figure 146.
5. Now tie a false (slip) knot in one
corner of the green silk, Figures
147-151.
6. Now display the knot as you lower
the left hand, Figure 152.
7. Tube drops into hand as shown in
Figure 153.
8. Push part of the green silk into the
left hand and tube, Figure 154.
9. Work slip knot out as it goes into
the tube.
10. Now pull out the red knot, Figure
155.
11. Continue until all of the green silk
is the tube and the red silk is out,
Figure 156. Note little finger of
the left hand clips end of the red
silk.
12. Now steal the tube, Figures 157-159.
13. Approach the red silk to stroke it with the right hand,
Figure 160, leaving the tube in the left sleeve, Figure 161,
as the hand passes down the silk, stopping below the knot,
Figure 162.
14. Show hands empty, Figure 163.
15. Untie knot and display red silk, Figure 164.
16. Now, starting with Figure 152 and the red silk, repeat the
routine (minus the knots), and end with the green silk,
Figure 164.
17. Drop left hand slowly, and as you bow, allow the tube to
fall into the left hand and green silk. Pocket both.
Effect :
Following the clever vanish and reappearance of a red silk
the performer offers to expose how magicians do the color
change trick. Showing two silks, he proceeds to vanish one
but both vanish. Then, quick as a flash, one is back again. Now the
second vanishes. In conclusion both silks reappear.
Required :
Two prepared long finger tips,
Figure 165. A prepared Ideal color
change tube, Figure 166. A 12 red and
a 12 green silk.
Preparation :
Push red piece of silk into tube, red
and green pieces into finger tips. Roll
green silk and place it under coat collar at
the back of the neck. Place tube and green
silk, red silk, and green finger tip behind
some object on a table, Figure 167. Place
red finger itp in right trouser pocket.
Presentation :
Patter : I have been asked to
explain how I change a green silk to red.
Part one :
1. Take the red silk in the right
hand.
2. Present the first eleven (II)
steps of ELUSIVE HANK (as
explained in detail on page 332-
333 of chapter 8, Vanishes,
Volume 1) , Stopping after the tip
is stolen from the left fist and is
on the right finger. As for as the
audience is concerned, the red
silk is now in the left fist.
Patter : Never be misled
Now watch more closely !
Part two :
Patter : In addition to the red
silk in my left hand, I need a
green silk. Then I will show you
the secret of how a magician
changes a silk from green to red.
4. Leave the finger tip on the table
as you pick up the green silk and
tube.
5. Place tube and corner fastened to
it in left fist, Figure 168.
6. Push part of the green silk into
the tube and pull the piece of red
out of the bottom, Figure 169.
7. Push the red back into the tube,
then push in the remainder of
the green, stealing the tube into
the right hand, Figures 157-159.
Patter : Now I have a green silk
on top of the red in my left, hand.
Next I must add some magic
powder.
8. Reach on your table with the
right hand, leave the tube and
come away with the green finger tip on the right hand.
3. Insert tip in left fist and pull green piece into view.
Patter : Now I will vanish one of the silks because I must
have but one silk left when I finish the trick. So Ill
sprinkle the magic powder on a silk. If I put the powder
on the green silk, the GREEN would vanish (point to green
piece at top of closed fist), but if I sprinkle it on the red,
the red one would vanish (point to bottom of fist).
9. Push green piece into left fist, stealing tip on right finger,
then sprinkle invisible powder on bottom of fist.
10. Open left fist, now showing hand completely empty.
Patter : You seethe red silk has vanished.
11. Immediately close left fist and reach in , leaving finger
tip. Quickly pull out the green piece.
12. Push green piece back into finger tip, steal tip, then reach
for more powder, leaving tip on the table.
Patter : Now to vanish the green silk, we need more powder.
We sprinkle on the powder, and behold the green one
has vanished too !
13. Slowly open fingers, showing left hand empty.
Patter : If you didnt see where the silks went Ill show you.
14. Produce green silk from collar and red from pocket..
Red-Blue Blue-Red * 29
L E S M A N T E R F I E L D
Effect :
A red and blue silk, each placed in envelopes, change places.
Required:
Two 12 red, one 12 blue, an Ideal tube, and two envelopes
with large flaps.
Preparation:
Load the tube with the red silk, and place the tube in the
right coat pocket.
Presentation:
5. Show the envelopes and have them initialed.
6. Secretly obtain the fake on the second finger of the right
hand.
7. Take one of the envelopes in your left hand, envelope flap
toward you.
8. Raise the flap with the right hand, Figure 170.
9. Insert the right fingers into the envelope to open it.
Leave the tube inside, Figure 171, as you withdraw the
right fingers.
10. Push the blue silk into the envelope and fake. When about
half of the silk is in, casually turn the envelope so
spectators can see silk, Figure 172, then turn to the
Figure 171 position.
1. Continue to tuck the blue silk in, forcing the red out of
tube and into envelope.
2. Steal the fake, Figure 173.
3. Seal the envelope, then hand it to a spectator.
4. Repeat with the second envelope and remaining red silk,
Follow steps 2 thru 9.
11. Pocket the fake now containing red silk.
12. When spectators open the envelopes, red and blue silks have
changed places.
Two Tips 30
Show the right hand empty. Now take corner A in the right
hand, pulling the red silk free of the tube. The tube with loaded green
silk is in the left hand and the red silk in the right. Now do the color
change.
GETTING RID OF THE TUBE :
Open the right hand and show it empty. Show the left
empty as an after thought. Take the green silk from your shoulder
and go into your next effect.
SILK DYEING
Introduction 1
Effect :
After producing three white silks the performer dyes them
by magic. Finally one is vanished, only to reappear tied between
the other two.
Required :
Nine 12 silks : - 3 white and 2 each of red, yellow and
green. A dye tube ( the original Devant model is pictured in Figure
1) and a sheet of stiff paper 8 x 10. Also two glass cylinders
(chimneys), a Devant pull, Figure 2, and a
Devant vest servante, Figure 3.
Preparation :
The white silks are prepared as will
be explained later. Insert three
different colored silks (one at a time) into
the tube. After creasing the paper, place
it over the tube, Figure 4. Tie the three
remaining silks together, Figure 17, roll
them into a small ball, put a rubber band
around them, and place them behind some
object on a table. Place the servante
under the vest, Figure 5. With the pull in
place, Figure 6, pull loop A down, insert a
white linen hank in it, then let part of the
hank go up inside of the sleeve.
Preparation :
Part One :
1. Produce the first white silk from the elbow, Page 59 Chapter
4, Volume 1.
2. Produce the second white silk (Match Box, De Kolta Method,
Page 96, Chapter 5, Volume 1.)
3. Place a corner of the silk in the vest pocket, stealing a loaded
false finger.
4. Produce the third silk from the finger, Page 106, Chapter 5,
Volume 1.
5. Drop the false finger into the servante, Figure 5.
Part Two:
6. Pick up paper and tube as you place the white silks on the
table, Figure 7.
7. Show the paper, Figure 8, then form it into a cylinder around
the tube, Figure 9.
8. Show the white silks, one at a time, then add them to the left
hand, Figure 10.
9. Show the right hand empty.
10. Take the three white silks and push them into the bottom of
the cylinder and tube, forcing the colored silks up into the
cylinder.
11. Produce the yellow silk, placing it in the left hand position
formerly held by the white silks, Fig. 10.
12. Produce the green silk and repeat step No. 11.
13. Now produce the red silk. As it is exhibited in the right hand,
move the left hand to the opening in the vest and allow the
tube to fall into the vest. servante, Figure 11.
14. Lay the three colored silks aside, unroll cylinder, and show
paper empty.
Part Two :
15. Withdraw the linen hank from the right sleeve, Figure 6,
getting loop A on the right thumb.
16. Wipe face with hank, then place it in the breast coot pocket.
17. Display the two glass cylinders, then replace them on the
table.
18. Pick up the three colored silks and display them.
19. Keep the yellow and green silks in the right hand, placing
the red back on the table and on top of the packet of
three knotted silks.
20. Knot the green and yellow silks together, roll them into a
small packet, then place a rubber band around them.
21. Take the packet in the left
hand, Figure 12.
22. Pick up the red silk (and the
packet of three knotted silks)
with the right hand, Figure 13.
23. Needing the left hand, transfer
its packet of two silks to the
right hand, Figure 14.
24. Reach for one of the glass
cylinders with the left hand,
dropping the bundle of two into
the vest servante, Figure 15.
25. Have a spectator hold the
cylinder.
26. Place the bundle of two silks
(actually three) into the
cylinder, Figure 16.
27. Work the red silk into loop A
of the pull.
28. Place the red silk in the second
cylinder.
29. Vanish the silk from the tube,
Page 305, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
30. Have the spectator remove and
display the packet of silks from
his cylinder, Figure 17.
The Devant Tube 4
Stanyon Tube 7
E L L I S S T A N Y O N
Almost all of todays dye tubes are either one of two styles;
the Stanyon tape divider or the Willmann sliding cup.
Few magicians load silks into dye tubes properly. The Trap
Fold, page 34, Chapter 3, Volume 1, should be used unless
otherwise indicated.
Loading Dye Tubes Into Cylinders 15
Advance Loading 16
Behind Paper 17
Lay the tube under the paper, Figure 32, Pick up the paper
and tube, Figure 8 or Figure 33. Bring bottom edge B-B of paper
up and in front of tube, Figure 34.
In a Paper Roll 18
Front Drop 19
Lay the tube under the paper,
Figure 32. Pick up paper, Figure 40.
Take paper at X, Figure 40 in the
left hand, and pas the tube and right
hand down the paper to point Y,
Figure 41. Drop X, Figure 42.
Bring X, up over the tube, Figure
43. Roll paper around cylinder. Now
transfer the cylinder and tube
to the left hand, Figure 44.
Empty Cylinder 20
Behind Silks * 21
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
Palmed Tube * 22
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
Palm the tube in the right hand while spectator rolls the
paper into a large cylinder , Figure 49. Take the cylinder in the
left hand, then transfer it to the right, slipping the end over the
dye tube, Figure 50.
Place the tube under the paper, Figure 32. Take the paper
and tube as in Figure 51. Bring B up under the left thumb, Figure
52, then release A, Figure 53. Now roll the
the paper and tube into a cylinder.
Slit the bottom of the right vest pocket and place the tube
therein, Figure 54. After showing paper, drop right hand to Figure
55 position position and steal the tube behind the paper as the left
is shown empty, reaches for the silks, or moves a table. Roll paper
and tube into a cylinder.
Dress Vest Steal * 25
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
Place the tube at the center of the dress suit vest, Figure
56. Steal the tube behind the paper, Figure 57. Roll the paper and
tube into a cylinder.
Sash Steal 26
H O R O W I T Z
Vest Steal ** 27
F R A Z E E
Finger Steal * 28
M A X H O L D E N
Place the tube under the paper, Figure 32. Pick up the tube,
Figure 61, and paper, Figure 62. Pull up the right sleeve, Figure 63,
and show the front of the paper. Note position of the tube. Take
the tube in Figure 61 position. Transfer the paper to the left hand
and pull up the left sleeve, Figure 64, as the back of the paper
is shown. Take the paper in the right hand again, Figure 63, and roll
the paper and tube into a cylinder.
A Hooked Tube * 29
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
With a Silk * 34
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
In a Silk * 35
J E A N H U G A R D
Drop Method * 40
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
After dyeing the silks, allow the tube to drop from the
cylinder and into a black-art well, servante, or hot, Figure 87;
behind silks or other objects on the table, Figure 88; into the coat
pocket, Figure 89. A bit of misdirection is necessary of course. As
the tube leaves the cylinder, the free hand tosses a silk into the
air, drops a silk, reaches for a wand, or moves a piece of apparatus.
Palmed * 41
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
In A Jumbler * 42
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
With A Hook * 43
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
If the tube has a hook on it, Figure 65, the tube can be
hooked to some object and stolen out, Figure 66, after the silks
are dyed.
Under A Silk * 44
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
In A Bottomless Glass * 45
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
Crumpled Cylinder * 47
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
Disguised Tubes* 48
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
Feather Flowers * 49
R I C E A N D V A N Z A N D T
Humpty Dumpty 51
L E A T
Paper Pocket * 52
R I C E - V A N Z A N D T
Now for a few lesser known tubes. The use of some will be
obvious. Others will require some explanation.
Wand Tube * 54
J E A N H U G A R D
Effect :
Five Flags change into a large American Flag.
Preparation :
Divide a tube A (Figure 111) into 5 parts. Place this into a
larger tube B, Figure 112. Inside tube slides freely but cannot
escape as both ends of B are turned in slightly. An opening C
permits finger control of the inner tube during presentation.
Five 12 x 18 flags of different nations are loaded into the
inner tube A and a 24 x 36 American flag into compartment B.
Presentation :
1. Obtain loaded tube and paper from servante, Figure 76.
2. Form the cylinder.
3. Produce the small flags, one by one, from end R.
4. Push the flags into end R of B, forcing the large flag
into the cylinder.
5. Produce the American flag from end S, Figure 112.
6. Allow the tube to slide into a hat or well, Figure 87.
Crystal Dyeing Tube * 57
S Y D N E Y L E G R A N D E
Effect :
A silk passed through a transparent
tube changes color.
Preparation :
Slat a cylinder half its length, Figure
113. Make a dye tube as in Figure 114. Load a
red silk into the dye tube, then place the
assembled apparatus on the table, Figure 115.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the silk and tube in the right
hand, Figure 116.
2. Now turn the hand so the fingers
are to the audience, hiding the fake,
the take the white silk away.
3. Left hand pushes down on the
cylinder, the fake sliding up to the
middle, Figure 117.
4. White silk is now pushed down
through the top of the cylinder
with a wand. The white silk
changes to red.
5. Remove the red silk with the left
hand, transfer the silk to the right,
then take the top of the cylinder in
the left hand.
6. Draw the cylinder up, leaving the
fake and red silk in the right hand,
Figure 118.
7. Pocket the silk and fake.
Preparation :
Fasten several sheets of
cellophane together on all sides with
transparent scotch tape, Figure 121.
Next decorate both sides of the
cellophane with wide red scotch tape,
Figure 122. At point X, Figure 122,
fasten a cellophane pocket, Figure 123.
Into this place the chrome plated dye
tube, Figure 123. Load silks into tube,
roll cylinder and place the cylinder on
the table.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the cylinder, allowing it to
unroll, holding it before your
face, Figure 124.
2. Starting at the top, pass the
right hand before your face and
behind the cellophane, continuing
on down to B-B.
3. Reverse the sheet and repeat the
moves in number 2.
4. Roll the cellophane into a cylinder
and do a standard color change.
Mystery Dye Tube * 60
H. R. H U L S E
Here is a clever twist for the magician who has the time
to make his own tube.
This is a disposable dye tube. It is loaded into the
cylinder as any other tube. However, at the finish the performer
crushes the tube (with silks) and the cylinder, and tosses both
away, eliminating any steal.
Take a back or front magazine cover and prepare it as in
Figure 125. From the tube, Figure 126. Reinforce the ends and
seal the sides with pieces of tape, Figure 127.
The paper for the cylinder should be a duplicate magazine
cover.
Effect :
Silks pushed through a cylinder formed from a piece of
sheet music change color; yellow to red; red to blue; blue to yellow.
The Secret :
The prepared sheet music is self contained, requiring no dye
tube.
Preparation :
Sew two sheets together as indicated by dotted lines, Figure
128, or rubber cement shaded areas together, Figure 129. With a
wand place red silk in A and blue in C.
Presentation :
1. Take sheet music from a musician, display it, then roll it
into an oval tube, Figure 130.
2. Insert the yellow silk into the bottom of the cylinder,
Figure 131, then force it up into B with a Wand, Figure
130.
3. Reach into A and remove the red silk, Figure 132.
4. Place the red silk back in A with the wand.
5. Remove the blue silk from C, Figure 132.
6. Place the blue silk back in C with the wand.
7. Reach into top of B and remove the original yellow silk.
8. Unroll the sheet music and show both sides.
Selfeon Dye Tube * 62
H A R L A N T A R B E L L
Preparation :
Obtain a length of mailing tube,
Figure 133, and cut it into 2 pieces,
Figure 134. Insert a length of 1 wide
ribbon in place, Figure 134. Join the
two pieces of tube with gummed paper,
Figure 135, sealing the tape in place.
Fasten the prepared tube to a
sheet of heavy paper, Figure 136, then
roll the paper into a cylinder, Figure
137. The necessary colored silks are
loaded into the tube.
Presentation :
1. Open the cylinder, display it, Figure 138.
2. Give paper a quarter turn , Figure 139.
3. Roll paper until tube is covered, Figure 140.
4. Show both sides casually as you complete the cylinder.
5. Continue with your favorite dyeing effect.
Tap-A-Color 63
Preparation :
Make a dye tube 2 long and 1 in diameter out of cardboard,
Figure 135. Prepared a 10 x 10 piece of heavy paper as in Figure 141.
Glue the protruding strip S around the dye
tube, Figure 142. Starting at X-X, Figure
142, roll the paper into a cylinder, Figure 137.
Presentation :
1. Hold the cylinder vertically in
the right hand.
2. Using the left hand to assist,
unroll the cylinder, Figure 143,
showing one side of the paper.
3. Now show the back, Figure 144.
4. Holding the paper as in
5. Figure 145, roll the paper
into a cylinder again.
6. Continue with your favorite
dyeing effect.
Effect :
A white silks becomes colored
when pushed through a popcorn box.
The Secret :
The innocent looking box has a
secret pocket in it, Figure 155.
Preparation :
Obtain two popcorn boxes 4 x 7 x 7 x 2. Leave them
folded flat as shipped from the factory. It takes two boxes to make
one gimmicked box.
4. Cut off the top flap from the front of the first box, Figure
146.
5. All you need of the second box is the front, top, and part of
the two sides and the bottom. Cut away the shaded areas,
Figure 147.
6. Fold over the sides and bottom of No. 2, Figure 148.
7. Using a good grade all purpose household cement, glue the
areas indicated, then paste this panel (of No. 2 box) to the
front of box No. 1, Figure 148.
8. Now your box (which has two fronts) looks like Figure 149.
9. Put a weight on the box and let it dry overnight.
10. Next morning take a table knife and force open the seam
which runs along the sides of the box and was glued together
by the box maker. Now your box is as in Figure 155.
1. Place a piece of 1 wide
transparent scotch tape about
3 long on the open edge of the
box and one on the back of the
box, Figure 150. These prevent
a second piece of tape to be
added later from sticking to
the box.
2. Now put a small piece of tape
across the first two, sealing the
open side to the back, Figure
150.
3. Finally shape the box, close the
bottom of the box, drop a red
silk into the box (not pocket)
the close the top.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the box in the left hand, Figure 151 (performers
view) Figure 152 (audience view).
2. Squeeze the sides of the box, forcing open the pocket,
Figure 153.
3. Show a white silk, then apparently drop it into the box,
actually into the pocket.
4. Close and fasten the top flops.
5. Turn the box over, shake it, then open it, bottom up, and
remove the red silk, Figure 154.
6. Although the silk apparently changed color, the audience is
not convinced.
7. Open the top and allow the audience to see through the box.
8. Finally, tear away the small scotch tape tab at the side and
show the box inside and out, Figure 155.
There are many uses for the Dye Box. Here are a few.
Magic Soap 65
A soiled white silk dropped into the box emerges nice and
clean.
Production 66
20th Century 67
Vanish 68
Silk Monte 69
By using three boxes, three white silks, and three red silks,
you can do a find the red silk routine. You have perfect control
of the silks, a red in each pocket and a white at the bottom of
each box.
Switch 70
The box can be used to exchange one silk for another; for
example, a blank silk for a card silk.
Windsor has published a book DYE BOX BOOK which
contains over 50 effects employing his dye box.
Silk Blowing Get * 71
H A S K E L L S C H W E I D E L
Effect:
Red, white, and blue silks blown from a paper cylinder are
replaced and emerge knotted together, Figure 159.
Required :
Fold a sheet of heavy black paper, Figure 155, then glue the
shaded areas together, Figure 156. Six 12 silks are also needed.
Preparation:
Place the knotted silks (Figure 159) in No. 1; a white silk in
No. 2, red in No. 3, and blue in No. 4.
Presentation:
1. Show back and front of paper.
2. Form paper into fairly loose cylinder.
3. Give a short, quick blow through No. 2, forcing the red silk
into the air, Figure 159-A.
4. Catch the silk and push it back into its secret pocket (No.
2) with a wand, Figure 158.
5. Repeat with white and blue silks.
6. After the three silks are back in their pockets, blow the
three knotted silks into view, Figure 159B.
7. Show the paper or both sides and toss it aside.
Blow Jt * 72
J U S T I N I A N I
Effect :
Three white silks, blown one at a
time through a paper cylinder, change
color.
Required :
A four compartment dye tube and
a paper cylinder Figure 160; 3-15 white
and 3-15 solid color silks.
Preparation :
Load a colored silk in 1,2, and 3.
Four is empty. Place the tube behind
the white silks, Figure 161.
Presentation :
1. Show the cylinder empty, then
sit it down over loaded tube.
2. Pick up the white silks, display
them, then tuck them in a coat
pocket.
3. To prove the cylinder (loaded
with tube) empty, push a white
silk through compartment No. 4
with a wand.
4. Replace the white silk in No. 4.
5. Place cylinder to lips and blow
through No. 1, causing a colored
silk to fly into the air.
6. Repeat to color the remaining
two white silks.
7. Allow the tube to drop into a black art well or chair
servante as you catch the last silk, Figure 162.
8. Toss empty cylinder into the audience.
Silk Blowing 73
A D E D U V A L
Effect :
Three white silks, blown one at a time thru a cylinder
emerge colored.
Required :
A length of oval brass tube
with one end crossed with wires,
Figure 163, or octagon, Figure
164. As air must pass between
the tube and the cylinder during
the blowing, Figure 165, a round
tube would not function. Two
cylinders 2 in diameter, formed
from sheets of two ply heavy
paper 9 x 18. These cylinders
must be perfectly round and the
seams air tight, Figure 166.
Three pins each made from two
needles, are needed, Fig 167.
Seven very light weight (about 4
momme) 27 silks
(4white and 3 colored) are required. Finally, a special well,
Figure 168, or a trap in your table is needed to take one of the
cylinder.
Preparation :
Load silks and tube into one
cylinder as shown in Figure 169, using the
trap fold for the silks, page 34, Chapter
3, Volume 1.
Place cylinders and 3 white silks on
the table as shown in Figure 170.
Presentation :
1. Pick up empty cylinder A in the
right hand and show it empty.
2. Step by the side of the table and
drop cylinder into the trap,
picking up the white silks with
the left hand, and exposing
cylinder B.
3. Show the three white silks; then
drape them over the left arm.
4. With the right hand pick up
cylinder B, white silk end
uppermost. Transfer the cylinder
to the left hand.
5. Place a white silk in the bottom
of the cylinder and tube, blow
through the cylinder (see Figure
165), and the white silk flies into
the air. Catch the silk in the
right hand. To the audience you
have shown the cylinder still
empty by
blowing a white silk through it.
6. Catch the white silk, then bring it momentarily to the
cylinder, and secretly pull out the pin holding the green silk.
7. Drop the pin on the table as you place the white silk over
the left arm again.
8. Place another white silk into the cylinder and tube and blow,
the green silk flying into the air.
9. Repeat the above action to complete the color change of
the remaining two white silks.
10. At the finish take the three colored silks into the right
hand and allow the tube to slide form the cylinder into
them, Figure 86.
11. Lay the silks and tube aside and tear cylinder apart to show
it empty.
(For another version, see page 848).
A Silk Diversion 74
E D W A R D B A G S H A W E
Effect :
Performer places a red silk with white polka dots into a glass
and covers it with a paper cylinder. The dots are removed by magic
and appear on the inside of the cylinder.
Required :
An 18 red silk with white palka dots; an 18 solid red silk; a
mirror glass, page 325, Chapter 8, Volume 1; and a prepared paper
cylinder.
Preparation :
Two sheets of black stiff paper are needed. To one paste white
discs the same size as the dots on the silk, Figure 171. Roll the plain
black so it will fit loosely over the glass, Figure 172, then hold it in
shape with rubber bands. Roll the prepared sheet loosely around the
black cylinder just formed, Figure 173, and add a rubber band. Now you
have two cylinders that nestle.
Place the plain red silk in the back half of the mirror glass
and cover with the double cylinder. Place the polka dot silk in your
breast pocket.
Presentation :
1. Remove cylinder and call attention to its being black inside
and out. Also mention empty (mirror) glass as you sit the
cylinder (double) aside.
2. Display the polka dot silk and put it in the front half of the
mirror glass.
3. At the same time move the cylinder forward on your table,
allowing the inner cylinder to fall into a well, Figure 174.
4. Pick up the glass and cover it with the cylinder, giving the
glass a half turn, page 326, Volume 1.
5. Remove the cylinder and then take the solid red silk from
the glass.
6. Unroll the black cylinder and show the dots have left the
silk and are now on the paper.
Soft Soap * 75
D O C H A L L O C K
Effect :
Performer displays three ink spotted 18 white silks and a
box that holds powdered soap such as LUX. The silks are pushed
in the top of the box, then removed from the bottom, washed
and free of ink spots. After some by-play the box is torn apart
and shown empty. (In a later deluxe version, white silks smeared
with lip-stick impressions are used instead of the inked silks.)
Required :
Three ink spotted 18 white silks;
two 18 white silks; one faked white silk,
Figure 175, and a soap box prepared as in
Figure 176.
Preparation :
Fold silk back over tube, Figure 177, press silk around tube,
and place in box, Figure 178. Now place two white silks in box and
beside fake, Figure 179. Close both ends with scotch tape.
Presentation :
1. Show closed box on all sides.
2. Open box, Figure 180.
3. Show ink spotted silk, then, using all four fingers, Figure
181, tuck it into the box and fake.
4. Repeat until all three soiled silks are in the fake.
5. Close the top and fasten it with the tape.
6. Turn the box upside down, shaking it.
7. Open the bottom, remove one white silk, shake it, and lay
it aside.
8. Now taking the bead, remove the faked silk, Figure 182,
shaking it. Folds will fall down and cover the loaded tube.
9. Lay the second (faked) silk aside.
10. Repeat with the third silk.
11. Audience believes three soiled silks are still in the box.
12. After comedy by-play, tear the box apart and toss it into
the audience.
A Catch Transposition * 76
E R I C C. L E W I S
Effect :
Three green silks are placed in a red box ; three red in a
green one. Silks are commanded to change places and it appears
they have as the silks, when removed, match the boxes. However,
part of a green silk protrudes from the red box ! Spectators
demand that the green silk be removed, and after by-play, the
performer does so. However, the green silk is found to be a pair
of ladys green panties! The boxes are then torn apart and found
to be empty.
Secret :
This is an English version of. No. 75, SOFT SOAP. The
boxes are as in Figure 183. As the three red silks are produced
from the box, the green panties are pulled into view, unknown (?)
to the performer.
Effect:
Three white silks placed in the
top of a box are colored when taken
out of the bottom.
Required:
Prepared box and tube, 3-18
white and 3-18 colored silks.
Presentation :
Place the tube and colored silks in place, Figure 186.
Presentation :
1. Pick up box and open the top, Figure 187.
2. Show the white silks and tuck them, one by one, into the
box and tube.
3. Close the box and turn it upside down.
4. Open the bottom of the box, produce the silks, one by one,
and lay them over the left wrist, Figure 188.
5. Insert the right thumb in the cat-gut loop, steal the tube,
then take the silks, Figure 189, and place them aside,
Figure 190.
6. Tear the box apart and show it empty.
Paper Sack Soft Soap * 78
R C. B U F F
Presentation :
1. Holding the bag A as in Figure 192, place the three white
silks, one by one, in the bag and tube.
2. Twist the mouth of the bag and place it upside down in a
glass tumbler, Figure 195.
3. Repeat with the second bag and 3 colored silks.
4. Now command the silks to pass from one bag to the other.
5. Take bag A from the glass and produce three solid colored
silks, Figure 193.
6. Steal the tube, Figure 189, and lay it aside with silks, Figure
190.
7. Repeat with bag B.
Nu Dye Method * 80
B I L L S P R A G G
Effect :
A red silk placed in a green box is dyed green, a green silk in
a red box is dyed red.
Required :
Two unprepared soap boxes, one red, one green. Two
mechanical single color change silks, Chapter 12. A quantity of red
and green gelatin such as Jello.
Presentation :
1. Place the red silk in the green box ; green in the red, Figure
196.
2. Drop a spoonful of green gelatin in the green box; red
gelatin in the red box.
3. Close boxes, then shake them, turning them upside down.
4. Open boxes at bottoms, secretly change the color of the
silks, then Produce them green from green box, red from
red.
Effect :
Silks placed in an empty cylinder
change color to match colored napkin
rings passed over the cylinder.
Required :
Three colored napkin rings and a
chrome cylinder, Figure 197. Each
napkin ring contains a removable fake,
Figure 198. A red, a white, and a blue
silk are also needed.
Preparation :
Prepare the apparatus as shown in
Figure 199.
Presentation :
3. Show the white ring empty.
4. Remove the white silk from the
top of the cylinder and pass the
silk thru the white ring.
5. Lay the white silk aside.
6. Pick up the cylinder and pass the
white ring up over it, taking away
the fake in the ring, Figure 200.
7. Show the cylinder empty and
place it upright on the table.
8. Drop the white ring down over
the cylinder, leaving the fake
in the top of the cylinder again,
Figure 201.
9. Place the white silk in the top of
the cylinder and fake.
10. Bring up and remove the white
ring, Figure 200, stealing out the
fake and white silk from the
cylinder into the ring.
11. Drop the red ring down over the
cylinder, remove the red silk
from the top of the cylinder (and
fake), and show the silk has
changed (?) from white to red.
1. Replace the red silk in the top of the cylinder and fake.
2. By repeating the moves just explained, red silk changes to
blue ; blue silk to original white.
The Checker Mystery * 82
L. L. I R E L A N D
Effect:
A red and a white silk placed into a cylinder change into a
checkerboard silk. Upon lifting the cylinder a stack of checkers is
produced.
Required :
A 12 red and a 12 white silk; an 18 red and white
checkerboard silk; a metal tube and checkers, Figure 202; a piece of
paper 10 x 13.
Preparation :
Load the metal tube as in Figure 203. Figure 204 shows the
set-up prior to presentation. A felt hat, Figure 210, is also needed.
Presentation :
1. Pick up paper, Figure 205, and show it on both sides, Figure
206 and 207.
2. Roll the paper into a cylinder.
3. Tuck the 12 silks into end B (Figure 203) of tube.
4. Appear to push silks up in cylinder with wand. Actually fist
finger of right hand does this, Figure 208.
5. As 12 silks go into the tube, the checkers act as a plunger
and force the checkerboard silk into view, Figure 208. Also,
about 2 of the stock of checkers leave the the tube but
remain hidden in the cylinder, Figure 209.
6. Display the checkerboard silk. As you do, grasp checkers at
X, Figure 210, with two fingers, and allow tube to slide out
of cylinder into felt hat.
7. Lift cylinder and show checkers, Figure 211.
8. Secretly break the thread and drop checkers into glass.
9. Unroll the paper cylinder.
Silk Cabby * 83
T O M S E L L E R S
Effect :
After showing an empty cabinet, Figure 212, an 18 white
silk pushed through it emerges red, Figure 213.
The Secret :
The cabinet contains a wooden rectangular tube, Figure 214,
which can be slid up and down inside the box at the performers
will, Figure 215. As the tube rests in the base when the doors are
open, Figures 212 and 216, the box can be freely shown empty.
Preparation :
Load an 18 red silk into compartment B, Figure 214, close
the doors.
Presentation :
1. Take the box in the left hand as shown in Figure 217. The
first finger is free to lower or raise the secret wooden tube.
2. Tilt the box to the right, then the left, causing the doors to
drop open, Figure 216.
3. Close the box, then using the left first finger, Figure 217,
push the wooden tube up in the cabinet so it lines up with the
holes in the ends, Figure 215.
4. Push the white silk into one end and chamber A, Figure 214,
using a wand, Figure 217. Withdraw the red silk from the
other end (chamber B, Figure 214), Figure 213.
5. Withdraw the red silk, let the tube drop to the bottom of
the cabinet, Figure 215, then open the doors and show the
cabinet empty, Figure 212.
Note : The Cabby can also be used for the vanish or production
of silks.
The Imp Box * 84
E D W A R D M A S S E Y
Effect :
A white silk pushed through a box becomes red, Figure 218.
The Secret :
Like the silk Cabby, the Imp Box has a secret chamber.
However, it works differently. The box, pictured in Figure 219,
has a hinged door. The back panel has a hole through it, Figure
220. A circular load chamber, Figure 221, slides freely in the hole
in the back panel, Figure 222. The box is yellow and has red
circles painted on both sides of the front door and the ends of the
load chamber.
Preparation :
Place a red silk in the load chamber.
Presentation :
1. Show box empty, Figure 219.
2. Close front door and push the load chamber into the box,
Figure 223.
3. Push a white silk through the opening and into the load
chamber. Now pull the red silk into view.
4. After the change, pull load chamber back out of box,
Figure 219, and show inside.
Yo! Ho! Ana A Bottle of Rum * 85
L A R S E N A N D W R I G H T
Effect:
A white silk pushed through an oriental mat becomes blue,
then red, and finally a Jolly Rogers flag. On lifting the mat, a bottle
of rum is disclosed.
Required :
A special bottle, Figure 224, a box to hold the bottle, Figure
225, a mat about 10 x 14, a jolly Rogers Flag Silk, Figure 226, a red,
a white, and a blue silk, and a wand.
Preparation:
Load the bottle as in Figure 227. Place the bottle in the box,
then cover box with white silk and mat, Figure 228.
Presentation :
1. Pick up mat, show it on both sides, then replace it on the
box, Figure 229, as you take away the silk with the left hand.
2. Drop the silk on a table.
3. Pick up mat again, inserting the right second finger into the
neck of the bottle.
4. Bring the bottle up behind the mat, Figure 230,and roll the
mat around the bottle and into a cylinder, Figure 231.
5. Push the white silk into the cylinder and mouth of the
bottle, Figure 232.
6. Produce the blue silk from the bottom of the cylinder.
7. Push the blue silk into the cylinder, Figure 232.
8. Produce the red silk from the bottom of the cylinder.
9. Push the red silk into the cylinder, Figure 232.
10. Produce the Jolly Rogers silk, Figure 226, from the bottom
of the cylinder.
11. Put the silk aside.
12. Allow the bottle to slip down and out of the cylinder and
into the right hand, figure 233.
Color Riddle * 86
G L E N G R A V A T T
Effect :
A red silk pushed through a paper cylinder becomes green.
The Secret :
To an Al Baker Tube, Figure 30, solder a goose neck with a
finger clip A at one end, Figure 234.
Preparation :
Load a green silk in the bottom of the tube, Figure 234.
Presentation:
1. Take tube, Figure 235, and paper in left hand, Figure 236.
2. With right hand, roll paper into a cylinder, Figure 237.
3. Pass cylinder up through left hand, loading in dye tube,
Figure 238, still holding the clip A between second and
third fingers.
4. Push the red silk down in top of cylinder and into tube,
withdrawing the green silk, Figure 239.
5. Pull the cylinder down out of the left hand, leaving the
due tube there, Figure 235.
6. Unroll the cylinder, tear up the paper, and place the
pieces in the left hand in front of the tube, Figure 240.
7. Lay the paper and tube aside.
The Secret Tube * 87
L E N J. S E W E L L
Effect :
A red silk pushed through a cylinder becomes green.
Preparation :
Place a green silk in the dye tube.
Presentation:
1. Show the paper, Figure 242.
2. Turn the paper over, Figures 243, 244 and 245.
3. Roll the paper around the tube, forming a cylinder.
4. Push the red silk into the cylinder and tube, ejecting
the green silk.
5. Unroll the cylinder, and by reversing the moves used
earlier, show the paper on both sides.
Silk Drinks * 88
T H E O D O R E
A nice variation is to combine silk
dyeing and liquids.
Effect :
Three white silks become colored,
then change to drinks of corresponding
colors, Figure 248.
The Secret:
The effect depends upon a specia
dye tube. Two types are shown in Figures
246 and 247. You also need 3-18 white
and 3-18 colored silks. In addition 3
glasses with a drop of concentrated liquor
powder in each are needed, Figure 248.
The loaded tube is rolled in a paper
cylinder prior to presentation.
Presentation :
1. Push white silks into bottom
of cylinder and tube.
2. Withdraw colored silks from
top of cylinder.
3. Push the colored silks into
the bottom of the cylinder.
4. Secretly scratch the wax
from the hole.
5. Pour the alcohol from the tube into the glasses, making
three colored drinks.
5. As you pick up a glass to drink a toast, allow the tube
to secretly slide into a hat or black-art well,
Chromatic Conception * 89
J O H N T H O R N T O N
Effect :
The colors from three silks leave, dye clear water, then
return to the silks again.
The Secret :
A Phantom Tube (Page 184,
Chapter 7, Volume 1) is divided as
shown in Figure 249. In addition, a
foo-can pitcher, Figure 250, double
sheet of paper, Figure 251, 3
prepared glasses, Figure 252, 3-12
white and 6-12 colored silks, and a
glass water pitcher are needed.
Preparation :
Place the three white silks in
the large load compartment, Figure
249, so you can produce them by one
without disturbing the others.
Presentation :
11. Show the phantom
tube empty.
12. Place a green silk over
the faked end, then
push it into its
compartment, Figure
249,with a wand.
13. Hold the tube over the
green dye, and pour the water
through the tube into the glass,
Figure 253.
1. Water changes to green
liquid as it enters the
glass, Figure 253.
2. Remove a white silk from
the top of the tube.
3. Show the tube empty.
4. Repeat with the red and
the blue silks.
5. Pour all of the colored
liquids into the Foo-Can,
Figure 250.
6. Form the paper, Figure
251, into a cone,
opening A uppermost.
7. Push three white silks into
compartment X through
A, Figure 251.
9. Crush the cone, the liquid having vanished.
10. Rip the bottom of the cone open and produce the
colored silks from compartment Y, Figure 251.
Alchemists Dream * 90
J O H N T H O R N T O N
Effect :
The colors from four silks leave, dye clear water, then
return to the silks again.
Required :
In addition to the apparatus shown in Figure 254, four white
silks are loaded into compartment Y.
Presentation :
2. Pick up and display the foulard.
3. Cover the utility tube (page 330, Volume One) with the
foulard, both ends of the tube exposed.
4. Take a red silk, then force it into compartment X,
Figure 254, with a red liquid.
5. Pour water into tumbler containing the red dye,
getting a red liquid.
6. With the wand appear to push the red silk right
through the tube. Instead, the wand goes into
compartment Y, and pushes the first white silk into
view.
7. Withdraw the water silk.
8. Repeat with the remaining three colored silks.
9. Pour the colored liquids into the special pitcher, Figure
254.
10. Push the white silks, one by one, back into the original
compartment Y.
11. Take the special pitcher and pour clear water into the
glass pitcher
1. Whip away the foulard, showing the Utility Tube to
be empty.
Effect :
A sheet of paper is formed into a cylinder around a glass of
milk. Three red silks pushed into the cylinder emerge white. The
glass, when removed, contains red wine.
The Secret:
Figure 255 explains
everything. The white silks behind
the water give the effect of milk.
When the red silks replace the
white ones, the water appears to
be red wine.
Al Bakers Routine * 92
A L B A K E R.
Effect:
White silks become colored when pushed thru a paper
cylinder.
Required:
Dye tube, Figure 30, 3-15 white and 2-15 colored silks; a
sheet of paper 8 x 10.
Preparation:
1. Load two colored silks into the open end of the
tube, Figure 256.
2. Place the tube on the table, Figure 257.
3. Lay the white silks over the tube, Figure 258.
4. Put the paper over the silks, Figure 259.
Presentation :
15. Pick up the paper and show it on both sides.
16. Lay the paper back in place, Figure 260, as you
remove the silks, Figure 261.
17. Place the silks in the right coat pocket, Figure 262.
6. Pick up the tube and paper, Figure 263, and form the
cylinder, Figure 264 and 265.
7. Holding the tube and cylinder, Figure 266, insert a
white silk into their ends.
8. Show the right hand empty.
9. Take the tube in the right hand, Figure 267, and
show the left hand empty.
10. Take the tube and cylinder in the left hand again,
Figure 266.
11. Remove a second white silk from the coat pocket and
place it in the bottom of the tube and cylinder.
12. Repeat steps 6 and 7 above.
14. Now take the cylinder into the left hand, Figure 269,
leaving the tube in the right hand, Figure 270.
1. Go to the right pocket with the right hand to get the
last white silk, leaving the tube in the pocket.
2. Tie the last white silk around the cylinder, Fig. 271.
3. Hand the cylinder (now containing two solid colored
silks) to a spectator.
4. Have the spectator blow the silks into the air or eject
them from the cylinder with a wand.
5. Untie white silk and show paper freely on both sides.
Benny Surprise * 93
J O H N B R A U N
Effect :
Three white silks are dyed then
change into a bunny (rabbit) silk.
Required :
A red, a blue, and 4-18 white
silks, a Rices Rabbit Silk a John
Braun dye tube, Figure 31; a 14
square of stiff paper; a wand,
Preparation :
Load a red, white, and blue
silk, then the Rabbit silk, into the
tube, trap-fold, Figure 256. Place
tube, wand, paper, and three silks
on table, Figure 272.
Presentation :
5. Take the white silks at
corners A in the left
hand, count the silks as
you place them in the
right.
6. Take the paper at X
in the left hand. Take
the paper away as the
right hand drops the
silks over the tube,
Figure 273.
7. Note position of
corners A, Figure
9. With the cylinder in the left hand, take the silks and
tube in the right, Figure 275.
10. Shave the tube and part of the silks into the bottom
of the cylinder, Figure 276, remarking, Some
magicians place all three silks into the cylinder at
one time, However, I prefer to dye my silks one at a
time.
11. Withdraw the white silks from the cylinder, leaving
the dye tube loaded within.
12. With the wand push the white silk into the cylinder;
have the children say the magic wards Hocus Pocus,
and force the red silk out of the top of the cylinder.
the magic word said. Out comes a second silk, but still
white.
1. Continue with the third white silk, dyeing it blue ala
Hocus Pocus.
2. Insert the three as one into the cylinder and tube
and produce the Bunny Silk.
3. While displaying the silk allow the tube to slip into a
hat, Figure 210, or into a black-art well.
4. Unroll the empty cylinder.
Mismade Flag 94
Effect :
Three silks change into an
American Flag after a mistake (?)
has been corrected, Figure 279.
Required :
A red, a white, and a blue
18 silk; a mismade flag; a 16 x 24
American Flag , a John Braun dye
tube, Figure 31 ; a piece of stiff
paper and a wand.
Preparation :
Load the mismade flag and
perfect flag into the dye tube,
trap fold, Figure 256. Place the
silks over the tube, Figure 258,
then the paper, Figure 259.
Presentation :
1. Show silks and paper,
Figures 260-263, then
form a cylinder around
the cylinder, Figures
264-265.
2. Tuck the three silks part
way into the cylinder,
Figure 277.
3. Reach for the wand and
4. Push the red and white silk into the tube with the wand.
5. Tap the cylinder and the mismade flag (minus the blue
field) emerges, Figure 278.
6. Discover the blue silk on the floor.
7. Place mismade flag and blue silk in the cylinder and the
tube.
8. Tap the cylinder and produce the perfect American
Flag, Figure 279.
9. While displaying the flag allow the tube to slip into a
hat, Figure 210.
Note:
Silk King Studios markets a Junior Mismade Flag of a smaller
size which can be used with an Al Baker dye tube.
R d G Mi d Fl 95
This effect is basically the
same as No. 94. However, a Red
Cross silk, Figure 280, is used
instead of a Mismade Flag, Figure
278. Step 5, Effect No. 94, you
produce the Red Cross silk (instead
of the Mismade Flag), expecting to
find a perfect American Flag. Now,
starting with step No. 6, Effect
No. 94, finish the effect.
Deluxe Mismade Flag * 96
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Presentation :
1. Push a white silk into the cylinder, say the magic
words and the silk emerges red.
2. Repeat with the second silk, forget to say the magic
words, and you get a silk still white.
3. Now dye a third white silk blue, using the magic
words.
4. With a red, white, and a blue silk, present effect No.
94, MISMADE FLAG (or effect No. 95, RED CROSS
MISMADE FLAG.)
Mismade Rainbor * 97
C A R Y L F L E M I N G
Effect :
In blending 12 solid color red, yellow, and green silk into an
18 rainbow silk, the performer accidentally (?) drops the red silk.
The 18 rainbow silk is produced, but minus the red part of the
design, Figure 281. The red silk is discovered on the floor, then
placed in the paper cylinder with the mismade rainbow ! The
finished rain bow silk now emerges from the other end of the
The Secret :
The working is the same as No. 94, but uses a mismade and
a perfect rainbow, Figures 281 and 282, instead of a mismade and
perfect Flag, Figure 278 & 279.
Effect :
A story about Sno-White, hidden by the Dwarfs from the
wicked Queen, thena sucker finish !
Required ;
An Al Baker tube, sheet of stiff paper, a wand, and silks as
shown in Figure 283.
Preparation :
Load the Gone and red-white silks into the tube, Figure
284.
Presentation :
(The Al Baker routine, No. 92, is used.)
4. Sno-White (white silk) is taken into the woods to be
killed.
5. She escapes and enters the home of Dwarfs ( cylinder
and dye tube).
6. The Queen, green with envy (green silk), learns of
Sno-Whites freedom and enters the woods to find
her.
7. Push the green silk into the cylinder and dye tube.
8. Sno-White cries out for the dwarfs.
9. Steal the tube, ala Al Baker, and go to the right coat
pocket to get the Dwarfs streamer.
10. Leave the dye tube in the coat pocket and bring out
the Dwarfs streamer.
11. A corner of the white silk (red-white) is brought into
view at the to of the cylinder and the corner of the
green (really GONE silk) at the bottom, Figure 285.
12. The Dwarfs see (?) Sno-White and the Queen, and,
joining hands, encircle them. (Tie streamer around
center of cylinder.)
13. Then they summon the handsome prince in his scarlet
(red) cloak.
14. He is invisible, so you cant see him.
15. He rushes to the cylinder to kill the Queen and save
Sno-White.
16. Tuck white and green corners, Figure 285, back into
the cylinder.
17. With the Queen dead, the prince becomes visible, and
emerges joined with Sno-White.
18. Withdraw the red-white silk and display it, Figure 286.
19. This also brings out a corner of the GONE silk as the
corners of the two silks were twisted together earlier,
Figure 284.
20. State that the Queen ( green) is G-O-N-E!
21. Audience notes green corner and cries out.
1. Reach in opposite of cylinder and get second green
corner.
2. Holding diagonal green corner, Figure 287, give the
silk a circular motion until cylinder unrolls and drops
to the floor.
3. Display silk, Figure 288. Queen actually has gone !
Note :
Sno-White is but one of dozens of dye tube effects that
can be built around current events or topics of interest. A number
Half-Way Dyeing * 99
C. S T E F F E N E S E N
Push the white tip back down into the top of the cylinder;
roll the tip between the thumb and first finger, forming a small
ball. At the same time shake the cylinder to force the blue silk up
and into view.
Effect:
A red silk in a cylinder held by
a spectator changes places with a
white silk in a cylinder held by a
second spectator.
Required :
Two Al Baker Dye Tubes (Figure 30) , 3-18 white and 3-18
red silks ; two pieces of stiff paper.
Preparation :
Load a white silk in one tube; a red in the other. Place the
papers over the tubes, Figure 295.
Presentation:
1. Roll paper around dye tube containing red silk.
2. Push a white silk into cylinder and tube.
3. Steal the tube, then reach on the table for a second
white silk, leaving the tube behind.
4. Wrap the white silk around the cylinder which is then
given to a spectator to hold.
5. Pick up two red silks and place them part way in the
right coat pocket.
6. Roll the second paper around the dye tube (white silk).
7. Push a red silk into the cylinder and dye tube.
8. Steal the tube ala Al Baker, reach into coat pocket for
a second red silk, and leave dye tube behind.
9. Wrap red silk around cylinder and give to spectator to
hold.
10. Command the silks to change places.
11. Have spectators remove outside silks (of identifying
l ) d ll l d f d lk h h d
Sy-Se Silk Routine * 102
W. J. S Y K E S
Effect :
Two red and two greens
silks change places; a third red and
green silk vanish ; then all six silks
are found tied together in
alternating red - green fashion.
Required :
Two Al Baker dye tubes
(Figure 30) ; six 12 red and six 12
green silks; a vanisher ; two sheets
of stiff paper, and two stands to
hold the cylinders, Figure 296.
Half of a dress snap is sewed to
the corner of a red silk, the other half to the corner of a green silk,
Figure297.
Preparation :
Tie a red silk between two green and load the three into a
dye tube; treat two red and a green in the same fashion, and load
these into the second tube. The faked green and red (Figure 297)
are at the ends for a reason better understood later. The
remaining six silks are on the table.
Presentation:
1. Display the 3 red silks, then place them in the left
coat pocket.
2. Repeat with the 3 green silks, placing them in the
right coat pocket.
3. Load a loaded green-red-green tube into a cylinder.
4. Push two green silks into the cylinder and tube.
1. Steal the tube in the right hand (ala Al Baker) and
remove the remaining green silk from the pocket,
leaving the tube behind.
2. Place the cylinder in a holder and drape the green silk
over it to indicate the color, Figure 298.
3. Repeat with the remaining (red green red) tube,
step 3 thru 6 above. This time the tube is stolen with
the left hand.
4. Cylinders are now as in Figure 299.
5. Command the silks to change places, then pull the
corners into view to prove the transposition, Figure
300.
6. Push the two cylinders together, Figure 301.
7. Remove the identifying silks and vanish them (Chapter
8, Volume 1).
8. Pull the silks from the cylinders to find the two
Fan and Silks 103
A. C. T H O M P S O N
The Secret :
Attach a cloth black art well
to the back of a fan, Figure 303.
Presentation :
1. Push the white silks, one
by one, into the cylinder
and tube.
2. Pick up the fan with the
right hand and fan the
cylinder held in the left.
3. Transfer the fan to the left and, Figure 304, and allow
the tube to slide from the cylinder into the well on the
back of the fan.
4. Show the right hand empty, take the fan and lay it
aside.
5. Produce the colored silks by tapping the cylinder
against the right finger.
I saw Redhill do his silk dyeing in New York City and was
h d ith hi i i t i l d hi ti h
Effect :
Performer tucks two white silks into a cylinder, then blows thru
the cylinder. One silk emerges coloredone still white, Figure 306.
The undyed white, when pushed thru the performers hand, emerges
colored.
Required :
Three white and two colored 18 silks ; an Al Baker dye tube,
Figure 30; an Ideal tube, Figure 2, Chapter 13; a sheet of stiff paper ;
a fan.
Preparation :
Load a red and a white silk in the Baker tube, then roll the tube
into a cylinder. Load a green silk in the Ideal tube, and place the tube
in the left vest pocket. Place the fan in the left coat pocket.
Presentation ;
Redhill doesnt show the cylinder empty.l He merely picks up
the cylinder, andf licking his finger, Figure 305, says an empty tube.
Effect :
A white silk blown through a
cylinder emerges colored, Figure 307.
This is repeated several times. A
quantity of small white silks blown
through a cylinder at one time emerge
colored, Figure 308. One white silk
failed to dye, so, to complete the act,
performer pushes this silk through his
hand. Silk emerges colored.
Required :
A Justiniani tube, Figure 160,
loaded as in Effect No. 72; an Al
Bkaer tube, Figure 30, loaded with 5
colored and a white 12 silk. An Ideal color change tube, Figure 2,
Chapter 13, loaded with a 12 red silk. Two sheets of paper ; a
wand.
Presentation :
Part One :
6. Present Effect No. 72Blow-it, Figure 307.
Part Two :
7.Load the Al Baker tube into a second sheet of paper.
1. Tube 6-12 silks into the cylinder and tube.
2. Steal the tube from the cylinder.
3. Blow the five colored and one 12 white silk into the
air, Figure 308.
Part Three:
4. Discover the one 12 silk white.
5. Obtain the Ideal tube and dye the white silk red.
Effect :
Three white 18 silks are dyed
red, white and blue. Then a fourth 18
silk, Figure 309, is introduced. The
performer, as in No. 94, Mismade Flag,
accidentally (?) drops the rabbit silk on
the floor while pushing the red, white,
and blue silks into the cylinder. The
result is a picture of a silk with a top
hat, Figure 310.
Discovering the rabbit silk, Figure 309,
an the floor, the performer pushes it
(the hot silk, Figure 310) through the
cylinder, and a Rabbit In Hat silk, Figure
311, emerges.
Required :
A red and a blue 18 silk, 4-
18 white silks; a sheet of
stiff paper 12 x 14;18 picture silks Figure 309 and 310; a 36
Rabbit In Hot silk, Figure 311; a Braun Dye tube, Figure 31.
Presentation :
This method employed has already been explained earlier in
this chapter in Effect No. 94 and 96, so it wont be repeated here.
Note :
Carlyle completes the effect by producing a rabbit from a top
hat, using the rabbit silk as a foulard. For details see Vol. 3 of
Tarbell course.
Effect :
Performer produces two silks, Mr. Brown and Miss Green.
After selecting an apartment, they are married, leave the church,
jump into a taxi, and disappear. We find them later back in their
apartment / Mrs. Browns mother, Mrs. Green appears (as mother
in law do), takes an airplane, vanishes in the clouds, and we find her
tied between the Browns in their apartment. To escape mother-in-
law, the Browns vacate, moving to a home in the suburbs. And when
we visit them again they are found with a family of their own !
Required :
Figure 312 shows two tables (A and B) set for the effect.
Paper covering the dye tube (table B) has the front of a church drawn
on one side, and the back on the other. In addition to the apparatus
pictured, an Ireland
Preparation :
Study Figure 132 carefully.
The secret compartment, Figure 327,
of the hose contains the 3-3 silks tied
between 2-18 brown silks. Two 18
brown silks are in the Al baker dye
tube; a green and a browns ilk are
under the edge of the tray. In the
goblet inside of the cylinder are two
brown and a green silk tied and rolled
into a ball. A green silk is loaded into
the Come and Go gimmick, Figure 313.
Place a wedding ring in your
lower right vest packet, place the rice
fake in the right coat pocket, and
attach the cloth pull up the left sleeve.
Presentation :
1. Move tray, Figure 312, palming green and brown silks,
Figure 315.
2. Release roll of silks, Figure 316, then shake into view.
3. Present Mr. Brown and Miss Green (silks produced).
4. They become engaged (knot the silks together) and
are laid aside temporarily.
5. Explain that Mr. Brown and Miss Green engaged you to
locate an apartment for them.
6. Lift the cylinder, Figure 312, palming the three hidden
silks which were resting in the glass, Figure 317.
7. Pickup the cylinder and show the glass (the apartment)
empty, Figure 318.
8. Put the cylinder back, secretly dropping the three
palmed silks back into the glass.
9. State that the couple like the apartment and decide to
rent it.
10. Now for the marriage, Pick up the sheet of paper and
loaded dye tube, Figure 312. Show paper front and
back (calling attention to front and back having
pictures of the front and back of church), Figure 319
and 320, then roll the paper into a cylinder.
11. Pick up the two tied silks previously laid aside, and push
them into the church (cylinder and dye tube).
12. Reach into the right coat packet to get the ring and
secretly palm the tube filled with rice. At the same
time allow the dye tube to slip into the left packet,
Figure 321. Now find the ring in the right vest pocket
instead of the coat pocket.
13. Drop the ring into the cylinder and shake out the silks,
displaying the two brown silks (Mr. And Mrs. Brown)
tied together. Toss the empty church (paper cylinder)
aside.
14. Break the paper on the end of the gimmick and toss
rice over the newlyweds.
15. Secretly drop rice fake into right coat pocket.
16. The happy couple jumped into a taxi (changing bag) and
disappeared. Show the bag empty and place it on the
table B, Figure 312.
17. At the same time steal the Come-Go gimmick, Figure
313, into the right hand, Figure 322.
18. Holding the fake, Figure 323, press the center, Figure
324, forcing the green silk into view, Figure 325.
19. Thus Mrs. Green, the mother-in-law, comes into the
story.
20. Now Mrs. Green boards a plane and vanishes. To do
this, get the pull into position, Figure 325, then vanish
the Come-Go fake and silk in it, Figure 326.
21. But as might be expected, Mrs. Green is found
between Mr. And Mrs. Brown. Pick up the cylinder,
Figure 312, remove the three silks from the glass, and
display the green silk tied between the two brawns.
22. So we leave the unhappy couple and the unwelcome
visitor for the time being. With cylinder placed back
over the glass again, roll the three silks into a small
ball, then drop the ball into the cylinder and top of
glass, Figure 312.
23. Finally, the couple decide to do something about it and
mother-in-law are gone.
25. Hold the cylinder over the changing bag now on table
B, Figure 312, and allow the 3 silks to secretly fall
into the changing bag. Show the cylinder empty.
26. Open the house and find Mr. and Mrs. with their
three little Browns !
Pusha Da Push * 108
P R O F. J A C K M I L L E R
Whots a mot !
(14. Produce the flag )
Required :
An Al Baker dye tube, Figure 30, covered with a piece of
brown paper glued around its outside. A 12 red silk; 2-12 green
silks ; a 12 x 18 silk flag. A stiff piece of
wrapping paper 8 x 8.
Preparation :
Load the flag inside the tube,
starts last. Then add silks, Figure 331-A.
Place the paper on the table, then tube on
top of it, Fig. 331-B.
Presentation :
Pick up the paper and tube, Figure
332. Holding the paper in the left hand,
bend the tube back against the wrist,
Figure 333. Display the paper. Now, with
tube behind right wrist, turn the paper
over and show back to audience,
Figure 334. Next, bring the paper and tube into Figure 335
position. (From here on numbers correspond to those in the patter.
1. Roll the paper around the tube.
2. Produce the green silk from the top of the cylinder,
Figure 336.
3. Push the green silk into the bottom of the cylinder,
Figure 337.
4. Pull the second green silk from the top of the
cylinder, Figure 336.
5. Push the green silk into the upper corner of the
trousers pocket, Figure 338.
6. Show the pocket empty, Figure 339,and produce the
green silk from the bottom of the cylinder, Figure
340.
7. Push the green silk into the bottom of the cylinder
again, Figure 337.
8. Pull the red silk from the top of the cylinder, Figure
336.
9. Produce the green silk from the trouser pocket,
Figure 341.
10. Drape the silk over the left arm.
11. Push the red silk into the bottom of the cylinder,
Figure 337.
12. Pretend to produce the white silk from the air.
13. Push the imaginary white silk and the real green into
h b f h l d F 33
As you produce the flag in the
left hand, open the cylinder so as to
get the dye tube into Figure 342
position. After the flag is removed,
get the paper and tube into the Fig.
333 position. Drop the right hand
with paper and tube to the right side
and take your bow.
Blow Dye * 109
A D E D U V A L
Effect :
After proving a paper cylinder
empty by blowing a white silk thru it,
three white silks, blown one at a time
thru the cylinder, emerge colored.
Required :
A Willmann sliding cup dye tube
with a hook at one end and a thick felt
washer at the other, Figure 343; a wand
with grooves 3 from either end, Figure
344; and a cylinder 2 in diameter and
15 long, formed from a piece of two ply
cardboard, Figure 166. Seven 18 silks
(4 white and 3 colored) are also needed.
Preparation :
Into end X of the tube (Figure
343) load one by one three colored then
one white silk. Trap Fold each silk,
Page 34, Chater3, Volume 1, before
placing them in the tube.
Place the apparatus on your
table as shown in FIGURE 345, center
of the white silk tucked over the end
of the hook, Figure 346.
Presentation :
1. Take the cylinder in your left hand, a white silk (1) in
your right.
2. Place the silk back on the table and take the wand in
your right hand.
3. To prove the cylinder empty, drop it over wand which
is rotated. Now, withdraw your wand and place it on
your table.
4. Taking the silk and tube in your right hand as shown in
Figure 347, pick them up, Figure 348.
5. Bring the cylinder up behind the silk, Figure 349, until
the hook catches on the edge of the paper cylinder,
Figure 350, gripping the tube thru the cylinder with
the left hand.
6. Without hesitating, continue to tuck the white silk into
cylinder and the cup portion of the dye tube.
7. Now take the wand near its top in your right hand,
Figure 351. Note thumb position.
8. Push the wand into the cylinder (and tube) until the
thumb touches the hook on the metal tube, Figure 352.
Th 3 f d i h b i j h
9. Remove wand, put cylinder to your mouth, and give a
stout blow. The white silk flies from the end of the
cylinder and into the air. It appears you have blown a
white silk thru the empty (?) cylinder.
10. Catch the silk with your right hand as it falls, then tuck
it into the tube end of the cylinder, using the wand,
Figures 351 and 352.
11. This time a colored silk is secretly ejected into the
cylinder.
12. Blow out the silk, catch it with your right hand, and place
it on the table.
13. Repeat with another white silk.
14. Conclude with the last white silk, this time forcing, the
wand deep into the tube to be certain the last colored
silk is completely ejected.
15. Blow the last colored silk into the air. Catch it in your
right hand, then, at the same time, bring the cylinder
into Figure 354 position.
16. Drape the center of the silk over the tube end of the
cylinder and display it, rotating the cylinder, Figure 355.
17. Nip hook thru silk and lift tube and silk out of cylinder,
Figure 356.
18. Place the silk and hidden tube on the table with the
other silks.
REEL MAGIC
Introduction : 1
Rolling a Silk * 2
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Effect :
A 24 silk, when knotted, unties itself.
Required :
A Pand L reel attached to a 24 silk of diagonal pattern,
Figure 7.
Presentation :
1. Hold silk with reel clipped between 2nd and 3rd fingers,
Figure 8.
2. Take end B and twirl this end of the silk until tightly
rolled around itself, ropelike fashion, Figure 9. (Note
that about I of the thread is pulled from the reel.)
3. Form a loop around the left wrist, Figure 10.
4. Take B in the right hand, A in the left, Figure 11.
5. Withdraw the left wrist, pulling A thru the loop,
forming a loose knot, Figure 12.
6. Display the knot, Figure 13. Right thumb presses
thread against silk to prevent the reel from drawing in
the thread.
7. Release the pressure on the thread until end A
moves up to the knot, Figure 14.
8. Apply pressure on the thread again.
9. Release the pressure, knot untying, Figure 15.
10. When corner A reaches the reel, Figure 15, release
Rices Serpent Streamer * 4
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Reel Magic 5
Effect :
A 24 silk knots itself.
Required :
Real and silk, Figure 7.
Presentation :
1. Hold reel and silk as in Figure 18.
2. Take corner A in the left hand and pull the silk
the right thumb and second finger, holding the thread as
illustrated, Figure 19.
3. Reach between the thread and silk, Figure 20, with
the left hand, and pull end B through, Figure 21.
4. Slightly release the pressure on the thread at X,
Figure 21, at the same time turning your right hand
downwards, and the silk will knot itself, Figure 22.
The Naughty Knot * 7
A L B E N I C E
Effect :
Another version of Albenices SERPENT SILK
Required :
A reel attached to a 24 silk, Figure 7.
Presentation :
1. Tie the silk, Figure 8 through 12.
2. Silk is now held in a horizontal position, Figure 23.
3. As it is necessary to exchange ends of the silk, take
both in the right hand, Figure 24, as you show the left
hand empty.
4. Then take end B in the left hand, Figure 25.
5. Release the thread and end B.
6. End A unties the knot and flies back into the right
Visible 40th Century Silks * 8
A L B E N I C E
Effect :
A red silk vanishes visibly, and
in the same instant, reappears
between two yellow silks previously
shown unprepared, Figure 35.
Required :
Two reels, two 18 red and two
18 yellow silks, and a special vanisher,
made from a strip of flesh colored
elastic about 42 long, Figure 27.
Preparation :
Attach two diagonal corners of a
red silk to the reels, Figure 28. Remove
the coat. Attach the pull as illustrated,
Figure 29. Leaving the shirt sleeve
rolled up, put the coat on again.
Penetro * 9
Effect :
A silk penetrates a metal ring,
Figure 40.
Required :
An 18 silk, a 6 metal ring and a
Utility Reel.
Preparation :
Attach a corner of the silk to
the reel, Figure 7.
Presentation :
1. With silk and reel as in
Figure 36, display the
silk.
2. Place the ring in front of
the silk and in the right
hand, Figure 37.
3. Reach through the ring
with the left hand, take
f h lk
through the ring. Then place it in
the right hand again, Figure 39.
4. Take the ring in the left
hand and move it up and
down the silk five or six
inches two or three times,
Figure 38. (This draws the
thread in and out of the
reel.)
5. Stop about 5 below the
right hand, release corner
A, at the same time moving
the ring to the left.
Corner A is pulled back
into the right hand again
b th l
The Penetrable Silk * 10
S P A L D I N G
Effect :
A silk penetrates various objects
at the performers will, Figures
46,50,53,67 and 75.
Required :
A reel attached to a 24 silk,
Figure 7, and a walking stick.
Presentation :
PART 1 : UPWARD PENETRATION
1. Hold the silk and reel as in
Figure 41.
2. Take corner A into the left
hand, Figure 42.
3. Have the assistant place the
walking stick in place, Figure
43.
4. Now pass corner A down
under the walking stick,
then place it in the
right hand, Figure 44.
5. Assume Figure 45 position.
6. Release corner A,
PART 2 : DOWNWARD PENETRATION .
1. Hold the silk and reel as in Figure 41.
2. Take corner A into the left hand, Figure 42, and
have the walking stick put in place by assistant,
Figure 47.
3. Place corner A in the right hand, Figure 48.
4. Assume Figure 49 position.
5. Lowering both arms, release corner A.
6 Silk t t (?) th lki ti k Fi 50
Spalding Routine * 11
S P A L D I N G
Required :
A 24 silk with corners colored
as in Figure 76. A utility reel.
Preparation :
Attach the thread of the reel
to red corner A, Figure 77.
Presentation :
1. Hold the reel as in
Figure 8.
2. Take the red corner A
in the left hand, drawing
it to the left while the
right thumb and first
finger slide along the
hem until the green
corner B is in the right
hand, Figure 77.
3. Drop red corner A,
Figure 78.
4. Stroke the silk several
times, Figure 79.
5 R l h
Rices Rabi-Duck * 13
L O U I S T A N N E N
This is Tonnens version of
presenting Rabi-Duck with a reel.
Effect :
A picture of a duck changes to that
of a rabbit.
Required :
A special 18 silk which pictures a
duck, Figure 81. When the silk is turned
over the duck becomes a rabbit, Figure 82.
Preparation :
Attach the thread of the utility reel
to corner D of a silk, Figure 82.
Presentation :
1. Hold silk and reel as in Figure
83.
2. Take D in left hand, Figure
84.
3. Drop D, take A in left
hand, Figure 85.
4. Display the duck, Figure 81.
5. Release corner B and
Good Night * 14
C L A T Z
Effect:
Performer closes by displaying a
silk which reads THANK YOU. Suddenly
the silk reads GOOD NIGHT.
Required :
An 18 THANK YOU Silk: an 18
GOOD NIGHT silk; a Utility Reel.
Preparation :
Lay the Good Night silk face down
on the floor, Figure 87. Place the Thank
You silk, face up , on top o fit, Figure 88.
Sew the two together along their four
hems. Now attach the thread of the reel
to corner D, Figure 89.
Presentation :
1. Hold silk as in Figure 83.
2. Take D in left hand,
Figure 84.
3. Drop D and take A in the
left hand, Figure 90.
4. Display the THANK YOU
side.
5. Release corner B and
Zebra Silk * 15
T O M D E T H L E F S E N
Effect :
The horizontal stripes in a silk, Figure
92, suddenly become vertical, Figure 93.
The Secret :
This effect employs the same principle
used in No. 13, RICES RABI-DUCK.
Presentation :
Present as illustrated in Figure 83
thru 86.
Required :
A special double 18 silk, red an one
side with 2 white borders, green on the
other side, with similar white borders. To
one corner attach the end of the thread to
a Utility Reel, Figure 96.
Presentation :
Using the RABI-DUCK principle,
present as illustrated in Figure 83 thru 86.
Impossible Floating Handkerchief * 17
H E N R Y B O H L E N
Effect :
A knotted silk remains suspended in mid-air.
Required :
An 18 silk, a wooden hoop, a spring clip, and utility reel.
Preparation :
Tie the clip to the end of the thread of the reel. Then tie an
addition 8 of thread to the clip, Figure 97. Place this apparatus in your
lower right vest packet.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the silk and tie a large loose knot in one corner.
2. Steal the reel and white displaying the silk, fasten the
clip to the back of the knot.
3. Now separate the hands, Figure 98.
4. Reach to the left and get the hoop, pulling more thread
out of the reel, Figure 99.
5. Toss the hoop over the right arm, Figure 100.
6. Take the weight W in the right hand and drop the silk
from the left, silk suspended in mid-air, Figure 101.
7. Take the hoop in the left hand, and in one rapid motion,
pass it down over the silk and to the left, Figure 102.
Always keep the hoop in a horizontal position.
8. Retrace the path of the hoop, at the same time allowing
the thread to go back into the reel slowly until you reach
Figure 103 position.
9. Now drop thread end W, Figure 104, and hoop is free to
pass for examination.
10. Take the silk above the knot with the left hand, release
the spring clip from the knot, and pocket the reel.
11. Toss silk into the audience for examination.
Ring On Silk * 18
H A N S E T R I X E R.
Effect :
A borrowed ring threads itself on
a silk handkerchief.
Required ;
An 18 white silk, a Utility reel
threaded with transparent nylon thread.
Preparation:
Fasten the end of the thread to a
corner of the silk, Figure 105.
Presentation :
1. Borrow a wedding ring.
2. Explain you are going to
thread the ring on the silk,
not as now demonstrated
(thread the ring to the
center of the silk, Figure
106) , but magically.
3. Push the ring to corner A
of the silk, Figure 107.
4. Transfer the ring and
corner A to the left
hand, at the same time
running the right hand
down to corner B, Figure
108.
5. Bring corner B up with
center folds of the silk, then ask a spectator to hold it,
Figure 110.
7. Ask the spectator to drop the ring.
8. Release the pressure on the reel, and corner A will
be rapidly drawn through the ring and into the right
hand as you drop corner B.
9. Silk and ring are now as shown in Figure 111.
10. Allow the spectator to remove the ring from the silk.
A Reel Trick * 19
E D W I N T A B O R
Effect :
A 3 metal ring moves along a silk, stops
at command, then penetrates the silk !
Preparation :
Fasten the end of the thread of
a Utility reel to a corner of an 18 silk,
Figure 105.
Presentation :
1. Hold silk and reel as in Figure 41.
2. Take corner A in left hand,
Figure 42.
3 G th ilk t it t Fi
4. Drop the ring over end A, then transfer silk to
Figure 113 horizontal position.
5. Allow thread to enter the reel slowly, pulling the ring
to the right along the silk until spectator cries stop,
Figure 114.
6. Explain ring will now penetrate the silk.
7. Release pressure on the reel and end A is pulled
th h th i hi h d t th fl Fi 115
Required :
A Pocket Reel, Figure 1, an 18 silk, a
wand, a wooden hoop, and a black pin.
Preparation :
Arrange silk, pin and hoop on your
table as in Figure 117. Place the reel and
wand in pockets as in Figure 118.
Presentation :
1. Get the button on the end of
the reel, Figure 1, in the right
2. Reach for the silk, secretly holing the button under pin,
Figure 119.
3. Silk in right hand, step several yards to the right of the
table.
4. Tie the silk around the thread in a blow knot, tight
enough to keep the silk from slipping when the thread is
tipped at an angle.
5. Hold the silk in your left hand, and get the wand in your
right, Figure 120.
6. Hook the thread over the left thumb, then raise the left
8. Snatch the silk from the air with the left hand.
9. Slide the silk along the thread to a new position.
10. Step away from the silk which floats alone, Figure 122.
11. Transfer the wand to the left hand, silk still floating.
12. Grip the thread in the right hand, and move forward, silk
falling to the floor, Figure 123.
13. Release the grip on the thread and silk rises to the left
hand and wand, Figure 124.
14. Take the silk in the right hand as the left places the
wand on the table.
15. Take hoop in the left and cause the silk to float again,
Figure 125.
16. Pass the hoop over the silk, hoop now held in both hands,
Figure 126.
17. Take the hoop in close to the body, Figure 127.
18. Now reverse the action, replacing the hoop on the table
with your left hand as you snatch the silk in your right.
19. Slide the silk along the thread with the right hand until
you reach the button. Remove the button from the pin.
20. Take the wand from the table with the left hand.
21. Silk and wand are now as in Figure 128.
27. Transfer the silk to the left
hand, holding the wand, then grip
the thread with the right hand,
Figure 129.
28. Float the silk suspended under
the right hand, Figure 130.
29. Snatch the silk in the right hand.
30. Place the wand on the table, at
the same time taking the hoop
26. Take the silk in the left hand, thread
passing thru the hoop, Figure 131. Note
the slack in the thread.
22. Toss the silk to the floor, right fingers gripping the
thread, Figure 132.
23. Release the thread, silk floating up through hoop into
right hand.
24. Toss the hoop into the audience.
25. Untie the silk, and button on the end of thread files back
Serpent Silk * 22
R. D. S P R A K E R, J R.
Effect :
A serpent (silk) jumps from a
basket, thru a hoop, and into the right hand.
Silk vanishes and reap-ears in the basket.
Required:
Two 18 duplicate silks, a reel, a
hoop, a basket, and a changing bag (Page
334, Figure 182, Chapter 8, Volume 1).
Preparation :
Roll one of the silks and pin it to
the inside of the basket, Figure 133. Place
the second silk, reel attached, Figure 105,
in the basket, Figure 133.
Presentation ;
1. Pick up the hoop in the left
hand, show it, then place it
over the right arm.
2. Reach into the basket
with the right hand,
palm reel, and take
corner of silk in finger
tips, Figure 134.
3. Transfer the silk to the left
hand, Figure 135, then drop
the silk back into the basket.
4. Take the hoop in the left
hand, Figure 136, and
command the silk to
rise, Figure 137.
bag empty, Page 335, Figures
186-190, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
6. Reach into the basket, get
the duplicate silk then
display it. Show basket to
be empty and unprepared.
Kobra * 23
S E N O R M A L D O
Effect :
After a spectator ties a knot in
the corner of a 36 square, the silk stands
erect, much like the deadly kobra !
Required :
A reel steel tape measure, with a
flat metal base attached, Figure 138, and
a 36 pattern silk. Place the reel in the
right hip pocket.
Presentation :
1. Have a spectator tie a knot
near one corner of the silk at
A. Figure 139.
2. Take corner A in the left
hand and stroke the silk with
your right.
3. Attempt to stand the silk
upright on the floor, but silks
falls helplessly.
4. Stoop to pick up the silk with
the left hand, stealing reel in
5. Again stroke the silk, secretly engaging the hook end of
the steel tape into the knot.
6. Run the right hand down the silk about 12, as though
stroking the silk, actually pulling about a foot of the tape
from the reel, Figure 141.
7. Holding the silk at knot A, sit the silk on the floor and
it remains upright for about 12 as you make mysterious
passes over it, Figure 142.
8. Pick up silk at corner A, Figure 139, and stroke the silk
again, Figure 141, pulling tape reel down another 12 to
15.
9. Cause silk to stand erect on floor again, Figure 142.
10. Now take tip of knot in left hand and slowly push the
erect silk down to the floor, the tape recoiling itself
inside of the case.
11. Pick up the silk, withdraw about 10 of tape, Figure 141,
then set the silk on the right hand, Figure 143.
12. Squash the silk and tape and secretly disengage the reel.
Toss the knotted silk into audience as the palmed reel is
pocketed.
Note :
Le Verne Spaulding suggests starting with the reel in a black art
well instead of the pocket. After the silk is dropped over reel, it and
the reel are moved to another table or to the floor, and the routine
presented as explained. At the finish the reel is dropped back into
Ad Infinitum Plus * 24
R O B E R T H A R B I N
Effect :
Each time a red silk is taken from
one box and placed in a second it
mysteriously returns to the first box.
Required :
Two identical boxes without tops
or bottoms, Figure 145, are fastened to
a prepared hollow tray, Figure 146.
Figure 147 gives a sectional view of the
apparatus, and Figure 148 a top view of
the tray. A 12 red silk and a reel are
also needed.
Preparation :
To the end of the thread of the reel attach a corner of the
silk. Place the silk inside of the tray, then close slides.
Presentation :
1. Display the apparatus, Figure 149, showing the boxes
empty.
2. Reach into the boxes and secretly open the slides.
3. Produce the red silk from the first box, display the
silk, then drop it into the second box, Figure 150.
4. Unknown to the audience, the silk passes inside of the
tray and back under the first box.
5. Repeat, again producing a silk from the first box and
dropping it into the second, Figure 150.
6. This business goes on ad infinitum.
7. At the finish, close the slides and show the box empty
REEL-LESS MAGIC . . .
Introduction 1
Effect :
A knot tied in a silk unites itself.
Required :
An 18 silk with a 27 thread and a
small black bead attached, Figure 1.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the silk and shake it several
times until thread & silk are in
Figure 2 position.
2. Take the silk as in Figure 3
position; tie a knot. Figure 25, end
A passing thru the loop, Figure 4.
3. Take the bead end C in the left hand, Figure 5, then
assume Figure 6 position.
4. Drop corner A, Figure 6. Take corner B in the right
hand, retaining the bead C in the left hand.
5. Drop the left hand (still holding C) to the left side.
6. Move the right hand upwards, lowering the left at the
same time, Figure 7, and the knot unties.
Effect :
A knot visibly dissolves.
Required :
A 12 silk with an 18 thread
and pin attached, Figure 8.
Presentation :
Fasten the thread to the belt
loop and place the silk in the pocket,
Figure 9.
Presentation :
1. Holding the silk in Figure 8 position, tie a single knot off
center at point C. Properly tied, the knot is as in Figure
10, but tighter. (See Figure 25)
2. Now raise the left hand and lower the right as you turn to
the right.
3. At the same time release corner A and grab the thread
at X between the right thumb and first finger, Figure 11.
4. Continue to raise the left hand, moving the right fingers
up the taut thread to meet end A which is now coming
thru the loop, Figure 12.
5. The knot dissolve, Figure 8.
Spirit Knot * 4
S T E W A R T J U D A H
Effect :
An 18 silk visibly ties itself into
a knot.
Required :
Attach a thread and a pin to a
silk, Figure 13.
Preparation :
Arrange the silk and thread as shown
in Figure 9.
Presentation :
1. Take the silk in the right hand.
2. Pull the silk thru the left hand several
times, twirl silk rope fashion, then
assume Figure 14 position.
3. Appearing to touch corners A and
B together, pass corner B around
the thread, Figure 15.
4. Drop corner A, holding silk and
thread in Figure 16 position.
5. Hook the thread with the right thumb
at X.
6. Raise the left hand, at the same time
moving the right hand to the right,
snapping right fingers.
7. A knot is formed in the silk, Figure 17.
Latest Knotted Silk 5
J O S E P H O V E T T E
Effect :
A silk on a tray knots itself.
Required :
An 18 silk, about 27 of black
thread, and a sheet of glass.
Preparation :
Tie a loose knot in a silk, then
attach a thread to the diagonal ends,
Figure 18. Place the silk on the glass as
in Figure 19, thread passing underneath.
Now untie the knot, laying the crossed
thread carefully in place, Figure 20.
Presentation :
1. Show silk on the glass, Fig. 20.
2. Place a wand under the glass and
on the thread at X, Figure 20.
3. Strike sharply on the thread with
the wand, forcing the thread to
tie a knot in the silk, Figure 21.
Knotty Silk * 6
H A R O L D R I C E
Effect :
A silk knots itself ; then unties.
Required :
An 18 silk prepared as in Fig. 13. Arrange silk as in Figure 9.
Presentation:
1. Withdraw the silk and display it, Figure 14.
2. Pass the left hand corner B around the thread, Figure 15.
3. Hold the silk as in Figure 22 position.
4. Take a new hold on corner B, then drop corner A, Figure
23.
5. Strike downward on the thread at point X, Figure 23, with
the right hand.
6. Silk knots itself, Figure 24.
7. Untie the knot, then display the silk again, Figure 8.
8. Tie a knot in the silk as in Figure 25.
9. Holding the silk as in Figure 26, strike the thread sharply
at X, and the knot will untie.
Millens Knotty Silk 7
P R O F . J A C K M I L L E R
Effect :
A knot dissolves, then reappears in the silk.
Required :
An 18 silk and 20 of black thread.
Preparation :
Prepare silk and attach it to your body as in Figure 27.
Place silk in your right trouser pocket.
Presentation :
1. Display silk, Figure 28.
2. Taking silk in Figure 29 position, tie a knot, Figure 30.
3. Pull ends of silk until a large knot is formed, Figure 31.
4. Bring end A to the knot, Figure 32.
5. Move both hands and the silk to the right, causing end A to
be pulled thru the knot, out again, and back to the right
hand, Figure 33. This is done rapidly and smoothly and
spectators observe nothing.
6. A fake knot is now in the silk, Figure 33.
7. Pull end A further to the right, Figure 34.
8. Blow on the knot, separate the hands, and the knot will
disappear, Figure 35.
9. Now hold the silk as in Figure 36.
10. Next bring corner B around
the thread, Fig. 39. To do so,
bring silk up to thread, Figure
37, pass corner B over the
thread and between the
fingers with the thumb, Figure
38, then carry
corner B to the left, forming a loop, Figure 39.
11. Raise the left hand, loop in silk straightening out, Fig. 40.
12. Take both A and B in the left hand and the thread in
the right, Figure 41.
13. Drop corner A, at the same time pulling upward on end
B, Figure 42, the right hand sliding along the thread
until it reaches corner A.
14. A genuine knot is formed in the silk for examination if
desired.
Knotting and Unknotting Sites * 8
G. W. H U N T E R
Effect :
Performer holds a silk in each
hand. In one silk he ties a knot
Upon command the knot leaves one
silk and passes to the second.
Required :
Two 18 silks with a thread
attached to each.
Preparation :
Attach about 48 of thread to
each silk, the exact length varying with
the performers height. To the free end
of the thread attach a small lead weight,
Figure 43. Place the threads on the
table, threads as in Figure 44.
Presentation :
1. Take the first silk in the left hand, Figure 2, holding it as in
Figure 8, then tie a single knot, Figures 25 & 26.
2. With the right hand pick up the second silk from the table,
Figure 45, weight dropping to the floor, Fig. 46.
3. With a silk in each hand, step on the lead weights, Figure 47.
4. Raise both hands slowly, and the change takes place, Figure
48.
Reel-Less Magic * 9
T O M M Y D O W D
Effect:
A knotted silk unties itself;
then becomes knotted again.
Required :
A 24 silk with thread
attached, Figure 49.
Presentation :
PART ONE :
1. Display silk, Figure 50.
2. Drop C and take B in the
left hand, Figure 51.
3. Take ends A and B in the
Figure 52 position.
4. Separate the hands, tying
a loose knot in the silk. Drop end A, Figure 53.
9. Insert the left first finger under the thread at point X,
Figure 53, then move the left hand away, thread pulling A
up thru knot and into right thumb and first finger as corner
B is released, Figure 54.
PART TWO :
5. Take silk and drop it over the
right hand, Figure 55.
6. Calling attention to the silk,
secretly pass the left hand
down the thread to point X,
Figure 56.
7. Carry X up into the right
hand, Figure 57.
8. Carry thread thru fingers and
over thumb of right hand,
Figure 58.
10. Now move right hand out from body, thread bringing corner
B up into the right hand, Figure 59.
11. Drop the thread from the left hand, Figure 59, clipping B
tightly between the right fingers. At the same time allow
the silk loop Y, Figure 60, to drop off the right hand.
12. Silk now contains a knot, Figure 53.
Variation :
In Chapter 20, NAUGHTY SILKS, I will explain my Another
One Hand Knot. Holding the silk in the right hand position, Figure
55, clip end B between the second and third fingers of the right
hand at the position held by left hand in Figure 55. Toss silk into
the air to tie a knot, Chapter 20.
Now take the knotted silk in Figure 53 position, then perform
Part One, the untying knot.
Flask Silk Apparition * 10
C A R L O S H. C O L O M B I
Effect :
A silk appears at the tip of a
borrowed fountain pen, Figure 65.
Required :
Fold the silk , Envelope Fold (Page
36, Chapter3, Volume 1). Fasten the pin
to the belt loop. Then place the silk
under the left arm, Figure 62, in the
breast pocket, Figure 63, or in a paper
tube pinned inside the coat, Figure 64.
Presentation :
1. Borrow a fountain pen, taking it
in the right hand.
2. Pass then pen to the right once
or twice.
3. Engage the clip of the pen in the
thread at X, then move the pen
sharply to the right, pulling the
silk into view, Figure 65.
Snake-N-Vase 11
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Effect :
A silk resembling a snake causes an oriental vase to float
mysteriously, Figure 71.
Required :
A Rices Serpent Streamer, Figure 17, Chapter 15, and a small
light weight vase with a pin hole in its bottom. A thread.
Preparation :
Prepare silk and vase as in Figure 66.
Presentation :
1. Display silk in left hand, vase in right.
2. Secretly slip the loop over the button of the coat, Figure 71.
3. Hold the vase over the silk, Figure 67, then command the
snake to enter the vase, Figure 68 (raise wase).
4. Tell the silk to float, Figure 69, as you take away the left
hand.
5. Reverse the silk and vase, Figure 70.
6. Command the vase to float, Figure 71.
7. Tell the silk to enter the vase, Figure 72.
8. Now swing silk and suspended vase to right and left, Figure 73.
9. Disengage the thread loop and place silk and vase on the table.
Triple Ring-Silk Penetration * 12
H E N R Y B O H L E N.
Effect :
Three hoops penetrate an 18 silk,
one at a time, Figure 74.
Required :
Three hoops of graduated sizes.
An 18 silk, 30 of thread, and a celluloid
ring to fit over the thumb.
Preparation :
Attach a corner of the silk to one
end of the thread and the celluloid ring to
the other.
Presentation :
1. Take the silk and hoops as in
Figure 75.
2. Display the silk, then take corner
B in left hand, Figure 76.
3. Take the first (smallest) hoop in
the right hand, Figure 77.
4. Take the hoop from the left arm,
then down over and off the silk,
Figure 78.
5. Now bring point X of thread over the left thumb Figure 79.
6. Finally, release corner A and the first hoop. At the same
time move the right hand sharply to the right.
7. Corner A passes thru the hoop and back to the left thumb,
Figure 80.
8. Now transfer corner A to Figure 78 position.
9. Pass the second hoop down over the silk and first hoop,
taking it in Figure 78 position. As this hoop in larger than
the first, it will easily pass over the first.
10. Now repeat the moves used to get the first hoop on silk.
11. Again take Figure 78 position and repeat to get the third
(largest) hoop on the silk, Figure 81.
To Remove Rings :
1. Display the hoops on the
silk, Figure 82.
2. Allow the hoops to slide on
to the left arm, Figure 83.
3. Now allow the two smaller
hoops to fall back on the
the silk again, Figure 84.
4. Next change corners of the silk, Figure 85.
5. Now allow the larger (third) hoop to slide back onto the silk,
Figure 86.
6. Place corner B in the left hand, Figure 87.
7. Take the largest (third) ring in the right hand and raise it
slightly, hooking point X of the thread (Figure 87) over
the left thumb, Figure 88.
8. Drop corner A of the silk, and pull the large (third) hoop
away, Figure 89.
9. Repeat the eight steps above to remove rings two and one.
Devils Own Knife-Cut Ribbon * 13
H E N R Y B O H L E N
Effect :
A length of ribbon cut at its center
restores itself.
Required :
An 18 length of ribbon, 18 of
thread, and a table knife.
Preparation :
Prepare as in Figure 90. Place
everything in the right coat pocket.
Presentation :
1. Display the ribbon, Figure 91,
knife remaining in pocket.
2. Take ribbon in left hand, Figure
92 and 93.
3. Take the knife in your right hand
and secretly slip the thread over
the left thumb, Figure 94.
4. Insert the blade of the knife in
the loop of ribbon, Figure 95.
5. Press down on the ribbon with
the knife, pulling visible ends
under the thumb, Figure 96.
7. Raise and lower the knife
several times.
8. Bring the knife down sharply,
releasing the ends of the
ribbon.
9. The thread rapidly pulls
center X up to the thumb,
completely reversing the
ribbon, Figure 97.
10. Pocket the knife, then wrap
the ribbon around the left
fingers.
6. Open the ribbon out and show it fully restored, Figure 91.
Require :
An 18 or 24 silk with thread
attached, Figure 98. A 10 soft rope.
Presentation :
(1) UPWARD PENETRATION :
1. Have spectator hold rope taut.
2. Hold silk beneath rope, Figure 99.
3. Bring hands together ABOVE rope
momentarily, engaging the left
thumb under the thread at X,
Figure 99, then separate hands
again, Figure 100.
4. Make several upward movements
with both hands. Then release corner
A as you separate the hands sharply,
silk penetrating (?) rope, Figure 101.
(2) DOWNWARD PENETRATION :
This is just the reverse of the
Upward Penetration. Silk is above the
rope, Figure 102. Corners A and B
are brought together BELOW the rope
momentarily. The left thumb engages
the silk at X, Figure 102, then the
hands assume Figure 103 position. As
hands are separated, corner A is released
and silk penetrates the rope, Figure 104.
Penetrating Silk * 16
P E R C Y A B B O T T
Effect :
A silk penetrates a fan in a
box, Figure 125.
Required :
A box with slits to hold a fan,
Figure 117. An 18 silk with thread
attached, Figure 118.
Preparation:
Attach the thread loop to to a
vest button, then pocket the silk,
Figure 119.
Presentation :
1. Display box and fan. Remove front panel.
2. Insert the fan in the slots, Figure 120.
3. Display the silk, Figure 121, then release corner held in the
left hand.
4. Place the silk behind the fan, Figure 122.
5. Bring the silk around the fan, Figure 123.
6. Replace the front panel on the box.
7. Hold the box on the left hand, Figure 124.
8. Lower the box and the left hand. At the same time, release
corner A of the silk, and raise the right hand.
9. Silk penetrates (?) the fan, Figure 125.
The Dancing Handkerchief 17
P R O F E S S O R H O F F M A N N
PARLOR VERSION :
An 18 solid color silk, a bent pin (S shaped) Figure 126,
and a 16 length of thread are needed. The thread is attached
(hooked) to the trouser legs just below the knees.
Tie a knot in a corner of the silk, secretly inserting the pin
point in the knot, Figure 127. Seated on a chair, place the pin over
the thread, Figure 128. Beating time to accompanying music with
your hands upon your knees, secretly move your legs to cause the
silk to dance in a weird fashion.
STAGE VERSION :
A thread running from one side
of the stage to the other rests on the
floor. An assistant is in each wing. An
18 silk rests on the performers table
in the center of the stage.
As the performer steps behind
the table, the assistants raise the
thread to the proper height.
Meanwhile the performer ties small
single knots in two diagonal corners of
the silk, Figure 129. Next he ties a
large double knot in another corner,
the thread passing through the knot,
Figure 130. The remaining corner is
tucked into the large knot, Figure 131, forming a simple puppet.
Effect :
An 18 silk, endowed with life, dances about as desired.
Required :
An 18 silk; a box 12 x 24 x 6 filled with saudust ; a an
empty cigar box ; length of black thread ; two 3 lengths of black
elastic; a large glass jug with prepared cork, Figure 133. Two
assistants are required.
Preparation :
Run the thread across the floor
of the stage. The 3 lengths of elastic
attached to each end of the thread are
in the wings. Box of sawdust and cigar
box are on the stage. A chair and a table
are about a foot behind the center of
center of the thread. An assistant stands in each wing.
Presentation :
3. Stand about 18 behind the thread.
4. Show the empty cigar box, then place it an the chair.
5. Assistants secretly raise the thread chest high in front of you.
6. Tie a knot in the silk, the thread passing thru the knot, Figure 134.
7. As assistant slacken the thread, drop the silk in the cigar box and
close the lid, Figure 135.
8. Step in front of the thread and patter about the mysterious silk.
9. Lid opens a little, closes, opens further head peeping out, Figure
136.
10. Lid falls back, head standing erect, Figure 137.
11. Puppet jumps clear of box and falls limp . . dead . . .on the floor,
Figure 138.
12. Head rises slightly, then drops weakly to the floor.
13. Head rises again, higher, nods, Figure 139, then falls to floor.
14. Silk slowly rises, continuing until standing at full height, Figure 140.
Note: (Assistant)
By holding the elastic in one hand and plucking the thread
with the other, the assistants can create very weird effects not
obtained with thread only. See Figure 152.
The Flying Carpet * 19
M A R V I N R O Y
Effect :
Performer floats an 18 silk.
Required :
A key linking ring, 18 orange
silk, tray; thread as shown in Figure 153.
Preparation :
Arrange the tray as in Figure 154.
Presentation :
1. Assistant brings in the tray, right
thumb resting on button, Figure
155.
2. Take the pin and the ring, hooking the pin to the vest and
dropping the ring over your head, Figure 156.
3. Take the silk in your right hand.
4. Step about three feet to the right of your assistant and tie the
silk around the thread.
5. Attempt to float the silk which falls to the floor, Figure 157.
6. Pick up the silk, then step to the right until thread is taut.
7. Silk held at arms length now floats, Figure 158.
8. Take the ring in the left hand.
9. Pass the ring over the silk, Figure 159.
10. Grasp the silk in the right hand.
11. Throw the silk to the floor, your assistant releasing the button
at the same time, Figure 160.
12. Take the thread at X, Figure 160, in the right hand.
13. Pull sharply on the thread, Figure 161, silk jumping up to the ring.
14. Reach up and grab the silk in the right hand as it passes thru the
ring, Figure 162.
15. Untie knot and pass silk for examination.
The Animated Silk * 20
R. C. B U F F
Effect :
Two silks are held in the left hand. One is transferred to
the right hand, and the second visibly passes to the right hand to
join the first silk, Figure 174.
Required :
A red and a green silk. The red one is faked, Figure 170.
Preparation :
From a red celluloid or cardboard cut the fake shown in
Figure 163. Sew the fake to the red silk with red thread, Figure
164. Knot one end of a 27 length of black waxed thread. Put a
needle on the other end. Starting under the silk, force the needle
thru the fake and silk at point A, Figure 165. Pass the needle
down thru B and back up thru C, Figure 166. Remove the needle
and tie a loop in the free end of the thread, Figure 167. Now
gather the silk along line X-X, Figure 168, press it next to the
fake at Y-Y, Figure 169, and sew it firmly to the fake. Finally,
pull on the thread at Z, Figure 169, pulling the thread thru the
fake and the loop L up against the fake, Figure 170.
Presentation :
1. Hold silks in left hand, Figure 171, loop L over left thumb.
2. Take the green silk into the right hand, right thumb going
into large loop, Figure 172.
3. Take the green silk and right hand to the right, Figure 173.
4. Released the red silk, and move the right hand to the right.
5. The silk visibly passes to the right hand,
Figure 174.
Self-Contained Rising Hank * 21
S I D F L E I S C H M A N
A new principle with unlimited
possibilities !
Effect :
During silk production performer
produces a blue silk. The silk rises from
one hand to the other with no movement
of the hands !
Required :
Two blue 18 silks sewed as shown
in Figure 175; 17 length of black thread
; a 2 oz. Swivel lead fishing sinker.
Preparation :
Fasten one end of the thread to the
double silk at point X, Figure 175. To the
other end attach the lead sinker. Drop the
sinker in the tube pocket, then tie a knot in
the corner of the silk, Figure 176.
Presentation :
1. Take the silk in the left hand above
the knot.
2. Slip the left thumb under the
thread, Figure 177.
3. Pull the silk down with the right
hand, weight rising in its tube,
Figure 178. NOW FOR AN
IMPORTANT OBSERVATION !
The friction of the
thread against the ball
of the thumb holds the
weight at the top of its
tube, Figure 178.
However, the moment
you turn your hand, so
thread runs across left
thumb nail, Figure 179,
the weight drops and
the silk rises.
4. With the silk in Figure 178
position, turn the left
hand thumb up, releasing
the silk at the same time.
5. Silk rises to the left hand,
Figure 179.
Effect :
A silk is put thru a clever routine by the performer.
Required :
A 12 white silk; a black thread several inches longer than
you are tall.
Preparation :
Tie one end of the thread around the center of the silk,
Figure 180. Now tie a loose knot in the silk, Figure 181. Tie the
other end of the thread to the top button of the vest. Place the
silk in your right pocket, Figure 182.
(Note : Haskell points out that once you get your hands into the
various positions in a natural manner, you have mastered the routine.)
Presentation :
1. Take the knotted silk from the pocket and display it.
2. Toss the silk to the floor about 3 in front of you, Figure 183.
3. Raise the right hand, elbow height, Figure 184, thumb over the
thread, Figure 185.
4. Raise the left hand, catching the thread over thumb, Figure 186.
5. Also, at the same time, take a step forward.
6. Raise the left hand up and out as you drop the right hand.
7. The silk rises to the left hand, Figure 187.
8. Toss the silk to the floor, Figure 183.
9. Get your hands in Figure 186 position once more.
10. Take a step forward, bend forward, lowering the left hand
slightly, Figure 188, thread still is Figure 186 position.
11. Command the silk to rise, but it doesnt.
12. Reach down with the right hand to pick up the silk. At the same
time raise the left hand slightly, and the silk jumps into the left
hand, Figure 189.
13. Stand erect.
14. Facing the audience, toss the silk to your extreme left, Figure
190.
15. Turn to the left, getting the thread and hands in Figure 191
position.
16. Walk to the left and behind the silk, Figure 192.
17. Continue past the silk.
18. Still holding the thread as in Figure 191, lower the right hand to
your side. Then raise the left to your head to stroke your hair.
19. Silk crawls up your right leg and into your right hand, Figure 193.
20. Face front, note silk in your right hand, and register surprise.
Then throw the silk to the floor about 3 feet in front of your.
Keep the thread hooked over the left thumb.
21. Assume Figure 194 position with thread and hands.
22. Without moving the left hand, raise the right hand sharply, silk
rising to the right hand, Figure 195.
23. Without stopping, lower the right hand, slapping the silk back
down to the floor, Figure 196.
24. Repeat steps 21 thru 23 several times. If the thread slips off of
the left thumb, re-engage the thread, Figure 194.
25. Assume Figure 194 position.
26. Bend at your waist, reaching down to pick up silk with your right
hand. Move your left hand to the left, and silk jumps 12 into the
right, Figure 197.
27. Stand erect and face the audience.
28. Toss the silk to your right, Figure 198.
29. While getting your right hand into Figure 199 position, motion to
the silk with your left hand several times to jump to your left side.
30. Now get the left hand into Figure 199 positions.
31. Move the left hand to the left, right hand to the right. At the
same time swing slightly to the right and attempt to step on the silk
with the right foot.
32. As the silk jumps to the left, free the left thumb of the thread,
Figure 200.
33. Standing as Figure 200, bring the hands together to assume Figure
201 position.
34. Now swing to the left on your left foot, raise the right foot as
though to step on the silk. At the same time move the left hand to
the left, the right hand to the right.
35. As the silk jumps to the right, free the right thumb of the thread,
Figure 202.
36. Turn to the right, thread still over left thumb, and walk to the silk.
Stand behind the silk, left side to audience, Figure 203.
37. Get the hands in Figure 204 position.
38. Drop the left hand as you raise your right to scratch your head in
amazement. Silk moves up body to left hand and head, Figure 205.
39. Face the audience, then toss the silk
to the floor four feet in front of you,
Figure 206.
40. Assume Figure 201 position.
41. Shoot the right arm out in front of
you and the silk jumps into the right
hand, Figure 207.
42. Free the left hand, Figure 208.
43. Holding the silk in the right hand,
stroke the silk several times with
the left, then assume Figure 209 position.
44. Without disturbing the position of the thread in the right hand,
place the silk in the left. Note loop of thread now formed around
the left hand, Figure 210.
45. Now, palms to audience, separating hands slowly, silk will move from
left to right, Figure 211. (Silk straddles the taut thread running
between the hands.)
46. Replace the silk in the left hand again, Figure 210, then repeat the
traveling effect again.
47. Again place the silk in the left hand, Figure 210.
48. Close the left hand loosely around the silk, tucking all of the silk
inside.
49. Turn to the left, dropping your right hand and extending your left
slightly. This, unknown (?) to you, takes the silk into the right hand,
Figure 212.
50. Open the left hand and find the silk gone. Discover the silk now in
your right hand.
51. If desired, repeat this last effect, steps 47 50.
52. Now for the finish. Walk near a wing of the stage. Toss the silk
ahead of you, and on the floor, Figure 183. Get the thread in Figure
201 position.
53. Move the right arm out in front of you, and raise and lower the left
hand as the silk jumps up and down and moves off stage just ahead
of you as you chase after it, Figure 213.
The Million Dollar Gimmick * 23
S I D F L E I S C H M A N
Here is a most ingenious gimmick
for floating a silk.
Preparation :
Obtain a steel corset stay wide
and about 10 long. Form a dull point on
each and then drill a hole in one end,
Figure 214. Attach a strong elastic to
the stay, then wrap the entire fake with
adhesive tape. Figure 215. Inside of the
right sleeve sew a large safety pin. Place
the fake in place, Figure 216, and then pin
the end of the elastic to the back of the
vest between the shoulder blades.
Presentation :
1. Tie a loose knot in an 18 silk.
2. Secretly place the right thumb under
the knot, Figure 217.
3. Stroke the silk a few times with the
left hand, Figure 218.
4. Then secretly raise the right thumb,
causing the knot to jump upward an
inch or two, Figure 219.
5. Pull the knot down into Figure 217
position, then cause it to rise again.
6. Now transfer the silk to the left hand,
lowering the right to allow the tip of
the fake to fall into the right hand.
7. With the tip of the fake between the
thumb and second finger, take the silk
in the right hand again, Figure 220.
8. Take knot and tip of fake in the left
hand, them draw the silk thru the
right hand, Figure 221.
9. Holding the silk horizontally with both
hands, Figure 221, twirl the silk around
the fake, Figure 222.
8. Release the knot held in the left hand
and the silk remains rigid, Figure 223.
9. Take the knot in the left hand again, Figure 222, then raise
the silk to a vertical position and release the knot, Figure 224.
10. Now by applying and releasing pressure at the base of the
fake, cause the silk to take snake-like life, Figure 225.
11. Ask a spectator to hold the knot.
12. As he does, release the fake which flys up the sleeve, Figure
216, leaving the lifeless silk in his hand !
The Tripod Gimmick * 24
S I D F L E I S H M A N
A gimmick worthy of the time required
to construct it.
Preparation :
From 36 pound test and very fine
stiff leader wire obtained at a sporting
goods store, construct the gimmick shown
in Figure 226. Point the fake with either
Black Japan or Eastman Kodaks Kodalac.
Required :
A 12 silk, a hoop, and the fake.
Place all on a table.
Presentation :
1. Place the hoop over the right arm, then
place the fake over the right thumb as
you take the silk in your left hand.
2. Working under subdued lights, tie a
loose knot in one corner of the silk.
3. Get the tip of the fake into the knot,
then tighten the knot.
4. Hold the silk as in Figure 227.
5. Release the knot and the silk floats,
Figure 228.
6. Drop the silk into the left hand.
7. With the right hand behind the left,
cause the knot to rise a few inches,
then drop, Figure 229.
8. Repeat, knot jumping higher each time.
9. Finally silk jumps high above your head
where both hands catch it, Figure 230.
10. Hold the knot in your left hand, Figure 227, then
cause the silk to float, Figure 228.
11. Float the silk down to rest on the left palm, Figure
231.
12. Remove the left hand and the silk floats again, Figure
228.
13. Remove the hoop from the right arm and pass it down
over the silk, Figure 232.
14. Now float the silk between the hands, Figure 233.
15. Pass the hoop up over the silk, Figure 232, and back on
right arm.
16. Finally take the knot in the left hand and remove the
silk from the tip of the fake.
17. Toss the silk into the audience.
18. As you drop the hoop from your right arm to the table,
dispose of the gimmick.
Presentation :
1. Remove the silk from your pocket,
knot the silk, Figure 235, then toss
the silk to the floor, Figure 236.
2. Showing hands empty, engage the
thread as shown in Figure 237.
3. Command the silk to rise. It doesnt
obey.
4. Reach down with the right hand to
pick up the contrary silk.
5. At the same time move the left hand
to the left, causing the silk to hop to
the left, Figure 238.
6. Now turn to the left to pick up the
silk, getting the thread in the Figure
239 position.
Preparation :
Attach a 25 length of thread and a pin to
an 18 silk, Figure 8. Place the silk in your pocket
and attach the pin to your belt loop, FIGURE 9.
Presentation :
1. After displaying the silk, Figure 8, twirl it
until it is tightly rolled around itself, then
tie a very LOOSE. (Figure 10) knot in it,
Figures 25-26.
2. Engage the right thumb under the thread
at X, Figure26, then transfer the silk to
the right hand, Figure 247.
3. Now slowly move your right hand straight
out from the body, causing A to visibly
move up thru the loose knot and into the
crotch of the right thumb, Figure 248.
4. At the instant A comes up into the right
hand, release B, Figure 249.
Basic Effect 2
Required
Two 18 solid red, two 18 sold blue, two 12 x 18 flags, and
a mirror glass (Page 325, Chapter 8, Volume 1) , or a changing bag
(Page 334, Chapter 8, Volume 1).
Preparation :
Tie one of the flags
between a red an blue silk, Figure
5. Place the silks in the back of
the mirror glass, Figure 6.
Presentation :
1. Show the red and blue silks
and tie them together,
Figure 1.
2. Tuck them in the front of
the mirror glass, Figure 7.
3. Cover the glass with a linen
hank, giving the glass a half
turn as you do (Figures 154
and 155, Page 326, Volume
1), bringing the two silks
and flag to the front,
Figure 8.
4. Set the covered glass on a table.
5. Vanish the remaining flag, Figure
3. (Master Vanish, Page 290,
Chapter 8, Volume 1).
6. Remove hank covering the glass
and pull the silks and flag from
the glass, Figure 5.
Ducrot Improvement 4
Effect :
A rainbow silk vanishes, then
reappears between two silks previously
knotted together.
Required :
Two solid colored silks, one
prepared as in Figure 13. Two duplicate
rainbows, Figure 9, having a corner
colored to match the prepared silk.
Preparation :
Tie a matching corner of the
rainbow to the prepared silk, Figure 14.
Reaching thru opening B, pull the
rainbow down inside, Figure 15, leaving
merely corner Y exposed, Figure 16.
NOTE : the corner is the same
color as the prepared silk, and the two
silks appear to be but one.
Presentation :
1. Display the ordinary solid and
the prepared solid.
2. Knot corner Y of the hidden
rainbow to a corner of the
ordinary solid, Figure 17.
3. Place the knotted silks around
your neck, knot at back, Figure 18.
4. Display the duplicate rainbow,
then prepare to vanish it,
5. With the silk palmed in the right, take hold of the extreme
bottom corner of the prepared silk as shown in Figure 19.
At the same time call attention to the closed left which
supposedly contains the duplicate rainbow.
6. Open the empty left hand as you toss it upward as though
throwing the silk into the air. Silk has vanished.
7. Grasp the extreme bottom corner of the unprepared silk
with the left hand, Figure 20.
8. With an upward and forward motion, toss the silks so the
knotted center clears the back of the head. At the same
time extend arms, and the rainbow appears, Figure 21.
9. Take the silks in the right hand (which still palms the
vanished rainbow), and lay them aside, leaving the palmed
rainbow with them.
Valuable Aid* 6
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Required :
Four 18 silks, Figure 25, and
a Kennard Vanisher.
Preparation :
Join a red silk to the yellow,
Figure 26. With an unsharpened pencil
force the red silk down in the
border of the yellow silk, Figure 27, leaving
corner A (Figure 26) exposed.
Presentation :
1. Tie yellow silk (actually corner A of
the silk hidden in the border) to the
green silk.
2. Place the silks in a tumbler.
3. Vanish the remaining red silk as
explained on page 304, Volume 1.
4. Remove the silks from the tumbler;
pulling the duplicate red from the
secret border as you do.
5. Display the three silks knotted
together, Figure 28.
Varied Themes 8
Effect :
Margie Brown weds Jimmy Green,
and as the knot is tied, they become Mr.
and Mrs. Green. A Traveling Salesman
vanished, and is found in bed between
(tied) the Greens!
Required :
Special 18 silks shown in Figure 31.
Preparation :
Place the green tipped
yellow silk in the green bag, Figure
32, after knotting corners A and
B together, Figure 31.
Presentation :
1. Tie the green tip of the color change silk to the green tip
of the hidden yellow silk, uniting Miss Brown and Mr. Green,
Figure 33.
2. Make the color change, and you now have Mr. and Mrs.
Green, Figure 34.
3. Place the silks in a glass tumbler. (They have gone to bed.)
4. Introduce the Traveling Salesman (solid yellow silk).
5. Vanish the yellow silk ( Chapter 8, Volume 1. )
6. Remove silks from glass, and find the yellow silk tied
between the greens, Figure 35.
Effect :
Two knotted silks are held
as illustrated, Figure 36, by a lady
spectator. A third silk is vanished
and commanded to reappear
between the two silks. However,
when the performer pulls
on the silks a ladys
brassiere appears,
Figure 37.
Required :
Prepared silks as shown in
Figure 38.
Preparation :
Knot corners A, B, Figure
38, then place the bra inside the
bag silk, purple corner C
protruding, Figure 39.
Presentation :
1. Knot corner C to corner D of the red silk, Figure 38.
2. Have a lady assistant hold corners C-D, Figure 36.
3. Vanish the yellow silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Step behind the lady assistant.
5. Take corner X in one hand, Y in the other, Figure 40.
6. Ask the lady assistant to release the silks on the count of three.
7. Count three, then pull, Figure 37.
Note : (If desired the yellow silk can be reproduced elsewhere.)
Brassiere Variation * 11
J. J. L A N G S T O N , J R.
Required :
A 12 Tarbell red to green single color change, Figure 9,
Chapter 12. Two 12 yellow silks, and a 12 red and 12 green silk.
An Ideal Color Change tube, Figure 2, Chapter 13.
Preparation :
Cut away the small brass ring in the color change and sew in a
slightly larger and very heavy steel ring, Figure 45. Knot the silks
together, Figure 43. Place the red silk in the ideal Color Change tube.
Presentation :
1. Holding corner A, Figure 43,
display the three knotted silks, then
lay them aside.
2. Show the green silk, then change it
to red as explained in Chapter12.
3. Vanish red silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Pick up the string of silks by corner
B, Figure 43, shake them, and the
center silk changes to green,
Figure 44.
Surprise 20th Century * 13
J O H N B R A U N
Tarbell suggests the idea in
Volume 3 of his famous course, and
Grant markets it as the CLIMAX 20TH
CENTURY. In his version, Braun
eliminates the prepared bag silk, using
a Keith Clark principle instead.
Effect :
Two purple silks are knotted
together and layed aside. A red silk is
shown, vanished, then commanded to
reappear, tied between the two knotted
purple silks. However, a green silk
appears instead, Figure 52.
Required :
A 24 red and 2-24 purple solids;
a 24 Tarbell red to green single color
change, tips dyed special, Figure 46.
Preparation :
Tie end A of the color change
(Figure 46) to a corner of a solid purple,
Figure 47. Hold it as in Figure 48. Now
place 8 on top of X, Figure 49. Now
roll the purple silk loosely around the
color change silk, Figure 50.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the two purple silks and
knot corner B to L, Figure 51.
2. Lay joined silks aside.
3. Show the red silk, then vanish it (Chapter 8, Volume 1).
4. Taking corner N, Figure 51, shake the silks disclosing the
green silk tied between the two purples, Figure 52.
5. Note the center silk is green instead of red.
6. Take corner Y (Figure 52) in the left hand and pass the
right over the center silk, making the change to red, Figure
53.
Presentation :
1. Display both sides of the paper.
2. Form the paper into a cone, Figure 60.
3. Drop the silk (same color as that
attached to fake) into pocket A,
Figure 60.
4. Now, allowing the come to go flat,
transfer it to the right hand, Figure 61.
5. Reach in the cone (pocket B) and pull
the fake silk up into view, Figure 62.
Apply pressure against the metal plate
to prevent its falling back down inside
its pocket.
6. Command the silk to vanish, releasing
the pressure. The weight drops, pulling
the fake silk down out of view, Figure 61.
Repeat 20th Century * 16
P E R C Y A B B O T T
Effect :
A vanished silk reappears tied
between two silks, Figure 28. A second
silk is vanished, and it joins the other
three, Figure 66.
The Secret:
Abbotts method uses Kennards
principle of hiding a silk in a wide border.
Required :
Six wide hemstitched borders
silks as shown in Figure 63. The two
yellow center silks (Nos. 1 and 6) have
an open hem, Figure 24.
Preparation :
Knot No. 1 to No. 2; No. 5 to No. 6,
Figure 64. Insert No. 2 in the border of No.
1; No. 5 in the border of No. 6. Now insert a
common pin thru each of the concealed silks
and border, Figure 65.
Presentation :
1. Join silks (and 2) and 6 (and
5) Figure 26, then lay them
aside, secretly removing the
pin from silks 1 and 2.
2. Show silk No. 3, then vanish
it (Chapter 8, Volume 1).
3. Jerk the silks sharply from the
table causing the silk (No. 2) in
the border to appear between
the other two, Figure 28.
4. Lay the silks aside again, secretly removing second pin.
5. Show silk No. 4, then vanish it (Chapter 8, Volume 1).
6. Again jerk the silks sharply from the table, and the four
are now tied together, Figure 66.
Required :
Two bag silks, Figure 13, and four
rainbows, Figure 67.
Preparation :
Tie silk No. 1 to the red bag,
Figure 14. Tie silk No. 4 to the blue
bag, Figure 14. Place the rainbows inside
their bags, Figure 16. Finally insert pins
thru the bags to
prevent the rainbows from escaping
prematurely, Figure 68.
Presentation :
The presentation is obvious.
The corners of the silks inside the two
bags are knotted together. Rainbow
silks 2 and 3 are vanished, one at a
time (or both at once if desired), and
they reappear tied between the two
bag silks, Figure 69. Of course the
pins are secretly removed just before
the rainbows reappear.
Effect :
Performer hands a red and blue silk to his assistant, Figure
70. A vanished rainbow silk reappears tied between the silks, as
does a second. A third and fourth reappear at one time, Figure 71.
Required :
Two silks made into bags as shown in Figure 72; eight
rainbow silks (2 each of 4 patterns), the corners of two having
dress snaps attached, Figure 73. The corner of one of these
silks is red, the corner of the other, blue.
Preparation :
Prepare the silks as in Figure 74. Now turn the bag silk
inside out, Figure 75, the rainbows going inside, Figure 76.
Presentation :
1. Show the two solid color bag silks, then hand them to
your assistant who holds them to your assistant who
holds them as in Figure 70.
2. Display a rainbow, then vanish it, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
During this action the assistant snaps the two corners
together, Figure 77.
3. Gripping the blue silk at the ring so the rainbows inside cant
come out, the assistant pulls the first rainbow from inside of
the red silk, Figure 78. As the second rainbow inside of the
red silk is the same length as the red bag, it cant come out,
Figure 79.
4. Now the assistant takes the
silks in Figure 80 position as you
prepare to a vanish a second
rainbow.
5. Vanish the second silk, assistant
pulling to the right on the ring,
the red silk turning inside out
and the second rainbow
reappearing, Figure 81.
6. Vanish the two remaining rainbows,
Chapter 8, Volume 1, then take the blue silk from the
assistant and move rapidly to the left, the two rainbows
reappearing as the blue silk is turned inside out, Figure 71.
Effect:
Two knotted solid color silks vanish,
then reappear between two others knotted
and given to a spectator to hold earlier,
Figure 86.
Required :
A purple silk bag, Figure 10 or 13; a special purple tipped silk,
Figure 82; a yellow, a green, and two red silks. All are 18 x 18.
Preparation :
Assemble the silks as shown in Figure 83, then place two inside
of the bag, Figure 84.
Presentation :
1. Ask a spectator to tie a
corner of the (unprepared)
red and green silks together
with a square knot.
2. Take the purple bag and the
unprepared yellow to
demonstrate. Now, tie a square
knot, using the VALUABLE AID
KNOT, Figure 22, which makes
it possible to hand the silks to a
spectator.
3. State your spectator assistant
isnt tieing his knot properly,
then exchange silks with him.
4. Have the assistant hold the prepared silks as in Figure 85.
5. Knot the spectators silks, then vanish them, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
6. Grasping the purple silk at X, Figure 85, pull sharply with the
assistant still holding the yellow corner. This releases the Valuable
Aid Knot and the hidden silks.
7. The vanished silks reappear between the yellow and purple silks,
Figure 86.
Triple Repeat 20th Century * 20
G E O R G E B A R N A
Required :
Two prepared 18 silks, Figure
87, and two of each of the 18 pattern
silks shown in Figure 88.
Preparation :
Join the silks to the bags as
shown in Figure 89. Place the yellow
rainbow in the bag and bring knots A
and B together, Figure 90. Now tuck
the knots down inside of the opening and
slip a small rubber band over them,
Figure 91. Next, place the red rainbow in
the green bag, Figure 92, Finally, place
the blue rainbow in the red bag, push
knot C inside, Figure 93, and add a
small band as shown in Figure 94. Note !
All knots should be made as small as
possible. The rubber bands should be
about , Figure 95. Double
them once or twice to reduce their
diameters, Figure 96, then roll or twist
then so they are twisted, rape like fashion, Figure 97.
Presentation ;
1. Display the prepared green and red bags, then knot the
protruding corners of hidden rainbows.
2. Hold the silks as in Figure 98, wrap the silks around the left
hand about three times, Figure 99, then lay them aside.
3. Show, then vanish, the duplicate red rainbow, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Take the red bag corner X, and allow the silks to unroll. The
hidden rainbow falls into view without any effort on the part of
the performer, Figure 100.
5. Lay the silks aside. Introduce the duplicate yellow rainbow
then vanish it, Chapter 8, Volume I.
6. Pick up the silks, holding them as shown in Figure 101.
7. Separate the arms. This causes the rubber band (Figures 91 and
92) to fly off a second rainbow comes into view, Figure 102.
8. To display the silks hold them as in Figure 103.
9. As you patter, stroke the tip of the red bag, secretly rolling the
rubber band down off of the red bag onto the visible red
rainbow, Figure 104.
10. Lay the silks aside.
11. Display the duplicate blue rainbow, then vanish it , Chapter 8,
Volume 1.
12. Pick up the silks at the tip of the red bag, and the blue rainbow
will fall into view, Figure 105.
Surprise Vanish * 21
G E O R G E B A R N A
Presentation :
1. Display the silk bags, holding one in each
hand.
2. Bring the silks together in the right
hand, secretly bringing snaps together.
3. At the same time, use free left hand to
obtain a chair.
4. Lay (do not roll) the silks on the seat of
the chair.
5. Vanish the red tipped rainbow in the
cone, Page 322, Volume 1.
6. Grasping the blue bag at the snap, raise
the silks to show the vanished rainbow
has tied (?) itself between the solids,
Figure 112.
7. Lay the silks on the chair again.
8. Vanish the blue tipped rainbow in cone.
9. Grasping the blue bag at corner X, Figure 112, raise the
silks and show both rainbows tied between the solids, Figure
113.
Effect :
A vanished silk appears at the
end of the chain of two silks instead
of between them, Figure 116. Then, in
a flash, it appears in its proper place,
Figure 117.
Required :
In addition to an 18 yellow
and an 18 red, the prepared 18
silks shown in Figure 114 are needed.
Presentation :
1. Holding the blue bag as in Figure 115, tie the red silk
to the tip B.
2. Bunch the silks and place then in a glass tumbler, end
A of the blue bag at the top.
3. Vanish the yellow silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Take end A and pull sharply, yellow silk No. 1 coming into
view, Figure 116.
5. Register surprise,
take corner X,
Figure 116, of the red
silk, in the right hand,
then release, corner
A as you swing the
chain of silks down
with a snapping action.
6. The yellow (No. 1) vanishes
from the end and reappears
(yellow No. 2) between the red
d h bl ilk Fi 117
Reverse Presentation 24
Effect :
Three silks knotted together are displayed as in Figure
121,when suddenly the center silk comes free of the other two,
Figure 122.
Required :
Two 18 silks prepared as in Figure 118, and an 18 yellow silk.
Presentation :
1. Show the two silks, Figure 119, then tie the yellow between
them, using the UPSET SQUARE KNOT, Figure 120. (See
Chapter18 for details of this knot.)
2. Holding the silks as in Figure 121, move the head upwards and
the hands downwards and outwards, causing the yellow silk to
pull free and the prepared silks to join, Figure 122.
5. Figure 123 shows the position of the two prepared silks at
the finish.
Reverse English * 26
B A L D W I N F. D A L Y
Effect :
A rainbow vanishes, Figure 127, from a string of silks held
by an assistant, Figure 126, then reappears at the other end of the
string of silks, Figure 129.
Required :
Two duplicate 18 rainbows, a solid 18 orange, and a purple
purple bag, Figure 13. A Palmo Ball, Chapter 13.
Preparation :
Tie the silks as in Figure 124. (Note : the first rainbow is
tied with the Upset Square Knot, Figure 120, which is fully explained
in Figure 2-7, Chapter 18.) Now place the second rainbow in the bag,
Figure 125.
Presentation :
4. Assistant holds silks as in Figure 126.
5. With Palmo ball palmed, show hands empty, then get
the ball in the left hand, Chapter 13.
6. Approach assistant, tuck rainbow into left fist (and
ball), secretly slip silk free of orange silk, steal ball in
the right hand, Chapter 13, and retain orange corner
in the left hand, Figure 127.
7. Noticing the assistants left hand is in your way, slide
his hand along the orange silk about 6 to the right,
using your right hand, Figure 128. At the same time
secretly slip the palmed ball into the assistants left
hand.
8. Now open your left hand, dropping the orange corner, and
Required :
In addition to the apparatus
shown in Figure 131, 6-12 silks (2
each in red, white and blue) are
needed.
Preparation :
Roll a white silk (Chapter 3,
Volume 1), then hold it in place inside of cover No. 2, with a pin,
Figure 132.
Presentation ;
1. Display cylinders and covers, holding them as in
Figure 133.
2. Into cylinder No. 1 tuck three silks, Figure 134.
3. Into cylinder No. 2 tuck a red and a blue, leaving the
center open, Figure 135. (Note : the red is forced
well to the front of the cylinder.)
4. Place cover No. 1 over cylinder No. 1, Figure 136.
5. Now place cover No. 2 over cylinder No. 2, fingers
which palm white silk fixed to the pin pressing the
red silk to the front to allow the white silk to fall
behind it and into the center space of the cylinder,
Figure 137.
6. Pick up assembly No. 1 (Figure 136), pull red and blue
silks into view, Figure 138, then tuck them back
inside.
7. Take the assembly away with the left hand, palming
th hit silk i th i ht h d Fi 139
9. Lift the cover of the assembly No. 2 slowly,
disclosing the white silk in the center, Figure 140.
10. Now lift the cover of the assembly No. 1 to show the white
silk missing, Figure 141.
Silken Flight 28
F R E D E R I C K M O N T A G U E
Effect :
A white silk tied between
orange and green silks and sealed in
a glass cylinder, Figure 144, vanishes
and reappears between a red and blue
silk in a box, Figure 149.
Required :
In addition to the apparatus in
Figure 142, 8-18 silks (2 each red, white
and blue, and an orange and a green ),
tissue paper, rubber bands, and a
borrowed linen hank are needed.
Preparation :
Tie a red, a white, and a blue silk in a chain and deposit
them in compartment B of the box, Figure 143.
Presentation :
1. Tie the remaining white silk between the orange and green
silks, using two Upset Square Knots, Figure 120.
2. Place silks in the cylinder, Figure 144, then put tissue and
bonds in place, Figure 145.
3. Knot the red and blue silks together, drop them into
compartment A, Figure 143, then press the flap to allow
part of the silks in compartment B, to come into view,
Figure 146.
4. Toss the borrowed hank over the cylinder, Figure 147.
5. Command the white silk to leave the cylinder and pass into
the box.
6. Pull the linen hank and the hidden white silk away, Figure
148, showing the white silk has escaped the cylinder.
7. Pull the string of silks from the box, Figure 149.
Fly-Silk * 29
A R N O L D D E S E I V E R
Presentation ;
1. Cover glass cylinder (Figure 145) as in Figure 151.
2. Transfer covered cylinder to the left hand, secretly
stealing and palming the center white silk in the right
hand under cover of the linen hank.
3. Pickup the gun, secretly dropping the palmed white silk
on your table.
4. Fire at the covered cylinder, trigger finger pushing
elastic from under the trigger, Figure 152.
5. Lay the gun aside, then remove the hank to show the white
silk has vanished, Figure 148.
20th Century In Reverse * 30
G L E N N G R A V A T T
Effect :
Three silks knotted together are
placed in a glass, Figure 154, sealed in a
can, Figure 155, and covered with a bandana,
Figure 156. When the glass is removed the
center silk has vanished, Figure 158.
Required :
A prepared drinking glass, a prepared
can, Figure 153; and a red, a white, and a blue
18 silk.
Presentation :
1. Tie the white silk between the red and
blue silks using the Upset Square Knot,
Figure 120.
2. Place the silks in the glass, white protruding thru hole, Figure 154.
3. Place the glass in the can and put the lid in place, Figure 155.
4. Cover the can with the bandana, Figure 158.
5. Withdraw the bandana, pulling the white silk with it, Figure 157.
6. Remove the glass from the con and display the two silks, Figure
158.
Silk In Chancery * 31
L E N B E L C H E R
Effect ;
A yellow silk, tied between
a red and a green, vanishes then
reappears, tied to a blue.
Required :
Tie the yellows to the blue,
Figure 160, then roll the yellow
(Chapter 3, Volume 1) into the blue,
and hold it in place with a pin, Figure
161. Place the fake, Figure 159, over
the edge of the glass.
Presentation :
1. Display the yellow
attached to the blue,
Figure 162, then remove
the yellow. Place the
blue back on the table.
2. Tie the yellow silk to
the red and green with
the Upset Square Knot,
Figure 120.
3. Holding the glass containing
the fake in your left hand, tuck
the red into the glass with
i ht N tl li
the yellow into the glass and fake. Finally, push the green
into the glass.
4. As you set the glass on the table with your left hand,
steal out the fake and yellow silk in your right, Figure
163.
5. As you reach for the blue (and yellow) silk, leave the
fake on the tube.
6. Display the blue, then place it in the empty tumbler,
secretly withdrawing the pin, Figure 164.
7. Remove the red and green silks, showing the yellow
gone.
Chancery Impromptu * 32
D E N N I S H. V I C K E R Y
Effect :
A yellow silk, tied between a red
and a green, vanishes then reappears, tied
to a blue silk.
Required :
Two 12 yellow, a red, a green, and
a blue 12 silk, and an Ideal Color Change
tube, (Figure 2, Chapter 13) are needed.
Preparation :
Tie a yellow to the blue, Figure 166, then roll the yellow into
the blue, Figure 167. Wrap a thin thread around the ball once,
Figure 169.
Presentation :
3. Taking the blue silk in the right
hand, place it in the left, knot in
palm, Figure 169.
4. Display the balance of the silks one
at a time; place them in the left
hand, Figure 170.
5. Take the prepared blue in the right
hand, palming the yellow knot.
6. Ball the blue silk one-handed,
secretly slipping off the thread.
The rolled yellow should be
securely wrapped within the balled
blue. This move sounds difficult
but is very easy.
7. Place the balled blue (containing
yellow) in the palm of a spectator,
then ask him to close his and
around the silk, forming a fist.
8. Now tie the duplicate yellow
between the red and green silks
with Upset Square Knots, Figure
120.
7. Display the chain of silks with your left as you steal the
Ideal Color Change tube from your right pocket.
1. Transfer the tube to your left hand (Chapter 13) as you take
the silks in your right.
2. Now tuck the red silk into your left fist beside the tube,
Figure 171.
10. Secretly slip the first knot, the tuck the yellow silk into the
tube.
11. Slip the second knot, then tuck the green silk on the other
side of the tube, Figure 172.
12. Steal the tube in the right hand, then immediately pull a
corner of the red and green silks into view, Figure 173.
13. Put the right hand in your pocket to obtain Woofle Dust ,
leaving the tube behind.
14. Open the left hand, showing the yellow silk has vanished.
15. Whip the blue silk from the spectators hand and show the
yellow attached, Figure 165.
Switch Reverse * 33
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Century-Twentieth * 34
Here is another changing bag
method.
Effect :
A blue silk, tied between two
reds, vanishes.
Required :
A changing bag (Figures 182,
Page 334, Volume 1), two 18 red and
one 18 blue silk.
Preparation:
Knot the reds to gether,
Figure 177.
Presentation :
1. Display the silks, Figure 178.
2. Tie the blue silk between
the reds, Figure 179,using
the Upset Square Knot,
Figure 120.
3. Drop part of the silks into
the Changing Bag,
secretly releasing the blue silk, Figure 180.
4. Grasp one of the corners B and display the red silks
knotted, blue silk missing, Figure 181.
5. Turn the handle of the bag, then show the blue silk has
vanished.
Unprepared Silks 35
Required :
An ALBaker Dye Tube, Figure 30,
Chapter 14 ; Seven 18 silks (2 each, red,
white and blue ; one orange ); A sheet of
stiff paper.
Preparation :
Tie a white silk between a red and a blue. Load the white
(center) silk into the tube, Figure 194, then the red and blue
together.
Presentation ;
Baker usually used a small boy and girl to assist him. As
this routine makes use of No. 87 AL BAKERS ROUTINE, Chapter
14, refer to it as you study this effect.
5. Give the boy the red and blue silks, and the girl the white
one. Place the arrange silk in your right pocket.
6. As the boy ties the red and blue silks together Figure 191,
load the Baker Tube into the paper cylinder, Chapter 14.
7. Tuck the boys knotted silks into the bottom of the
cylinder. If the tube was properly loaded, its blue and red
(but not the white) will be ejected and appear at the top of
the cylinder, Figure 195.
8. Steal the tube in the right hand. Leave the tube as you
take the orange silk from your right coat
pocket, Chap 14.
1. Tie the orange silk around the
paper cylinder, Chap 14.
2. Take the girls white silk, then
vanish it. Chapter 8, Volume 1.
3. Have the boy and girl pull the
three silks from the cylinder,
Figure 196.
4. Unroll the empty paper cylinder.
Effect :
The performer places in his mouth the knot of two silks
tied together, Figure 202. Then a rainbow silk is vanished. The
silks are withdrawn from the mouth, Figure 203, and the rainbow
appears tied between them, Figure 204. Stroking the silks, the
performer produces a billiard ball, Figure 205, which he vanishes.
Finally the ball reappears in the performers mouth, Figure 206.
Required ;
Two 12 duplicate rainbows, Figure 197, two 1 hollow
billiard balls, and an 18 green and an 18 blue silk.
Preparation:
Tie the corner of a rainbow to the blue silk, Figure 197,
then tuck the rainbow into one of the balls, the blue corner
protruding, Figure 198. Place the green silk over the prepared ball
and the second ball under the duplicate rainbow.
Presentation:
1. Pick up the blue silk in your right hand, Figure 199, and the
green in your left, Figure 200.
2. Tie the silk together, Figure 201, then place part of the silk
(and the ball) in your mouth, Figure 202.
3. Pick up the second ball and rainbow, keeping the ball palmed
in your right hand as the silk is freely shown. Work the
rainbow into the ball, Figures 5-9, Page 363, Volume 1.
4. Pretend to pass the silk (ball) into the left hand, dropping
the right hand (containing the palmed ball) to you right side.
5. Strike the top of your head with your left palm, then lift
your hand and show it empty. It appears the silk passed
thru your head.
6. Taking the silks as in Figure 203,slowly pull the rainbow into
view, then display it, Figure 204.
7. Holding the silks as in Figure 205, stroke them with the
right hand, producing the palmed ball, Figure 205.
8. Lay the silks over the left shoulder.
9. Take the ball in your right fingers, then execute the
FRENCH DROP, Figures 13-16, Page 293, Volume 1.
10. With the ball palmed in your right hand, strike the top of
your head with your left.
11. Open your empty left hand.
12. Open your mouth and disclose the ball, Figure 206.
13. Remove the ball with your left hand.
14. Take the silks from your shoulder with your right hand.
15. Lay the silks and palmed ball (in your right hand) aside as
you display the ball in your left hand.
Note: Some performers use solid color silks (with the center one
prepared as in Figure 193) and ping-pong balls (with holes cut in
them) instead of the hollow billiard balls.
Spaldings 20th Century* 40
S P A L D I N G
Preparation :
Tie a red , yellow, and green silk
together and place them in the Baker tube,
FIGURE 194. Place the tube on the table,
paper over it. Put the thumb tip on the left
thumb. Accordion pleat the red silk and place
it in the left sleeve, Page 373. Place
accordion pleated green silk in right sleeve
and yellow in coat pocket, Figure 207.
Presentation :
1. Borrow a cigarette, light it,
then change it to red silk, SPALDINGS CIGARETTE TO SILK, Page
373, Chapter 9, Volume 1.
4. Holding the red silk in the right hand, Figure 208, pull it down
through the right palm, Figure 209.
5. Holding corner B of the red silk with the right hand as in Figure
209, steal corner C of the sleeved green silk, Figure 210, with the
first two fingers of the left hand.
6. Close the right fist as the green is added to red, Figure 211.
7. Extend your arms in opposite directions, bringing the green silk
behind the red, Figure 212.
8. Holding the two silks as one, Figure 212, but parallel to the floor,
drop corner B, then C, disclosing you have two silks, Figure 213.
9. Hand the two silks to a spectator; requesting him to tie two corners
together, Figure 191.
10. As he does, form the paper into a cylinder with the due tube inside
(No. 28, Holden Method, Chapter 14) but further up inside than
ordinarily handled in this method, Figure 214.
11. Ask the spectator to crumple his silks, then to tuck them up into the
end of the cylinder, Figure 215.
2. Now allow the dye tube to drop down in the cylinder as you
push the silks up and into the tube, Figure 216.
3. Show the right hand empty, then transfer the cylinder to
the right hand as you show your left hand empty.
2. Hand the cylinder to the spectator. As he takes it away,
the dye tube drops into your right hand, Figure 217.
3. Take the yellow silk from your right pocket, Figure 207,
leaving the dye tube in your pocket.
4. Vanish the yellow silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
5. Ask the spectator to blow thru the cylinder.
6. The vanished yellow appears tied between the spectators
silks, Figure 218.
Effect:
A vanished silk reappears
between two knotted together
earlier, Figure 224.
Required :
Six 12 silks ( 2 each, red,
yellow and blue) and a goblet.
Preparation :
Tie a red, a yellow, and a blue in a string, Figure 224. Roll the
silks into a ball, the red silk on the outside. Place the silk behind
some object and beside the goblet, Figure 219. Place the yellow
silk in your right coat pocket.
Presentation :
1. Tie a red one a blue silk together, roll them, red to the
outside, then place them in full view, Figure 220.
2. Standing to the right of your table, reach for the goblet
with your right hand.
3. As you pass the three silks, palm them, then pick up the
goblet, Figure 221.
4. Show the goblet, then transfer it to the left hand.
5. Pick up the two silks in your right hand, Figure 222.
6. Appear to drop the two silks into the goblet. Instead,
deposit the three, Figure 223.
7. Place the goblet (containing three silks) on the table and
reach in your right coat pocket for the remaining yellow
silk, secretly leaving the palmed ball of two silks behind.
8. Vanish the yellow silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
9. Remove the three silks, Figure 224.
Hat And Silks Combination * 42
H A R L A N T A R B E L L
Effect :
A vanished silk reappears between two single silks dropped
into a hat earlier. The three silks are untied and vanished. They
reappear in the hot.
Required :
Six 12 silks (2 each, green, red, and blue) , and a felt hat.
Preparation :
Prepare 3 silks as in Figure 225. Starting with corner A,
accordion pleat the silks, Figure 226. Wind corner B around the
bundle, then hold it in place with a piece of tape, Figure 227. Drop
the silks into a felt hat, Figure 228. Place the remaining 3 silks on
your table.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the hat with your left hand, stealing the silks in
your right, Figure 229.
2. Take the hat in your right hand, brim hiding the silks.
3. Release the brim held in your left hand, then turn to your
right, showing the inside of the hat to the audience,
Figure 230.
4. Reverse these moves, getting the silks back into the hot,
Figure 229.
5. Set the hat on the table, Figure 228.
6. Pick up the green silk in your left hand, the blue in your right.
7. Drop the silks in the hat, one at a time.
8. Reach in the hat, remove the tape from the bundle , Figure
228, and loosen the silks.
9. Take the remaining red silk in your left hand, roll it into a
ball, and pretend to hold it in your left fist, actually palming
it in your right, Figures 3-6, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
10. Keeping the left fist closed, reach into the hat with the
right, leaving the palmed red in the hot. Take corner B
(Figure 227) in your right hand.
11. Whip the silks from the hat and into view, Figure 224, as you
open the left hand to show it empty.
12. Untie the silks, then vanish them in a Tarbell Cone, Figures
121-133, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
13. After showing the hands empty, reach into the hat, produce
the three single silks one at a time, and finally show the hat
empty.
New Silk Cabby * 43
H A S K E L S C H W E I D E L
Effect :
Vanished silks reappear tied between
silks in a box, Figure 235.
Required :
A silk cabby (Chapter 14, Figure 212)
equipped with a Haskel fake. Figure 231; 12
-12 solid color silks (2 each green purple,
yellow, blue, red and orange ) and 4-12 white.
Preparation :
Knot 8 silks into a string, Figure 232.
Tuck the silks into compartment B, a white
silk at each end.
Presentation :
1. Show the empty cabby, Chapter 14, Figure 212,then close
doors.
2. Tie two white silks together, then insert them in a hole at
one end of the cabinet, and into small compartment A,
Figure 231.
3. Reach thru the hole at the other end of the cabby and
pull on end of the duplicate white from compartment B into
view. Now pull end of remaining white duplicate into view.
Set the cabby on a table, Figure 233.
4. Vanish a green silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
5. Pull the green silk into view, Figure 234.
6. Continue, vanishing another silk, then having it reappear tied
to those pulled from the cabby, until all the silks have
vanished and reappeared, Figure 235.
7. Show the cabby empty, Chapter 14, Figure 212.
Fantasy In Silks * 44
O L A F C O R S E N
Effect :
A vanished blue silk reappears
tied to another blue silk in a cabby.
The two blues are placed back in the
cabby, and a vanished red silk
reappears, tied between them.
Required :
A silk cabby with Figure 231
fake ; Five blue and two red 12 silks.
Preparation :
Prepare two blues as in
Figures 23-239, and two blues and
a red as in Figures 240-244. Place
the ball of three (Figure 244)
behind some object on table.
Presentation :
1. Show the cabby empty (for details, see Effect No. 83, Ch. 14).
2. Pick up the two blue silks as one, Figure 239, and place
them in the cabby, corners A-C thru the holes, Figure
245.
3. Close the doors.
4. Vanish the unprepared remaining blue silk, Chapter 8,
Volume 1.
5. Pull A and C, open the doors to show two blue silks
joined, Figure 246, then remove the silks.
6. Set the cabby on table and in front of the ball of three
silks, Figure 244.
7. Close the front door, push the ball of silks inside, then
close the back door.
8. Pick up the cabby, raising the secret compartment, and
tuck the blue silks into the cabby and compartment.
9. Lower the compartment, then ready thru the holes in the
ends of the cabby and pull corners A-D (Figure 244)
thru the holes, Figure 247. This forces the pin out of
the ball of silks.
10. Vanish the red silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
Cream of the Jest * 45
P E T E R W A R L O C K
Effect :
A strip of tissue and a silk change
place between two knotted silks, Figure
261.
Required :
Six 18 silks (two each, red, yellow
and green) ; a box of safety matches; a
goblet and a tumbler two round table mats
a; cigarette box; two rubber bands ; a
chair servante ; black tissue paper ; and
black flash paper.
Preparation :
1. Thru holes in a strip of tissue,
Figure 249, tie two silks, Figure 250.
2. Prepare the tissue-flash paper strip, Figure 251.
3. Coil-fold a yellow silk, Volume 1, Chapter 3, page 35.
4. The silk is to be produced from the match box later.
Load the silk in the box as explained in the favorite
method you select, Chapter 5, page 96-100, in
Volume 1.
5. Place the loaded match box and folded tissue flash paper
6. Arrange the apparatus on the table as in Figure 252,
hinge edge of the box to the audience.
7. The three remaining silks and goblet are on the chair with
a servante, Figure 253.
Presentation:
1. Standing between the table on your left and the chair
on your right, take the three silks and knot them
together, Figure 240, roll them into a ball, and place a
rubber band around them.
2. With the silk ball in your left hand, pick up the two mats
and hidden ball in your right.
3. Appear to transfer the silk ball in your left hand into
your right as you pass the mats from your right into
your left and in front of the silk, Figure 254.
4. Instead, merely palm the ball in your left as it takes the
mats,
and bring the second ball into view in your right, Figure 255.
5. Now move to the chair and drop the silks into the goblet as you
drop the palmed silks behind the mats into the servante, Figure
256.
6. Place a mat on top of the glass, then one under base, Figure 257.
7. Return to the table and open the cigarette box. Remove the
strip of tissue-flash paper, show it , fold it, Figure 258, then
drop it upright into the tumbler on the table.
8. Remove the matchbox from the cigarette box with your right
hand. Remove a match; close the box, forcing the silk into your
right hand, Chapter 5, Volume 1.
9. Take the paper in your right hand and light the end with a
match, Figure 259. Palmed silk is in correct position for
production.
10. Tissue will burn slowly. When flame reaches the flash paper,
shake the yellow silk into view, Figure 260. Lay the silks aside.
11. Take the ball of silks from the goblet, remove the rubber band,
and show the tissue paper tied between the two silks, Figure
261.
Effect:
A white silk vanishes and
reappears tied between a red and a
blue silk, Figure 265.
Required:
A frame with a weighted false
bottom, Figure 262, with two half
silks attached; a red, a blue, and two
white 18 silks; a Joseph silk gun.
Preparation :
Thread the ends of three knotted silks thru the holes,
Figure 265. Now move the fake bottom up to the top where it is
held in place with a catch. The white and parts of the red and blue
silks are hidden from view, and the fake ends, Figure 262, now
appear, Figure 263.
Presentation:
1. Calling attention to the red and
blue silks, Figure 263, show
the frame on both sides.
2. Set the frame on a table, then knot
the false silks together, Figure 264.
3. Produce the remaining white silk,
Ch. 4 or 5, Volume 1.
4. Vanish the white silk in a Joseph
gun, page 313, Volume 1.
5. As the gun is fired, release the catch,
allowing the false bottom of the
frame to fall, and the vanished white
silk visibly appears, tied between
the red and blue, Figure 265.
Effect :
A silk various, then reappears tied between two other silks,
Figure 273.
Required :
Four 24 solid red silks.
Preparation :
Knot three of the silks at B as in Figure 266. Tie a small
knot in corner C of the fourth silk, Figure 267.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the silks in the right hand,
Figure 268.
2. Take C in the left hand, Figure 269,
and count one.
3. Place C under the right thumb
as you take AAA in the left
hand, Figure 270.
4. Carry the three silks away as
two, and count two, Figure
271.
5. Then add the last silk, and count
three, Figure 272.
6. Now reverse the action. Take the
single silk C into the right hand
and count one, Figure 271. In
taking a second silk, leave C in
the left hand and take AAA in
the right, Figure 269.
7. Lay AAA aside, then vanish the
single silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
Paces 20th. Century Silks 48
L. A. P A C E
Effect :
A vanished rainbow reappears tied between two solid
colored silks fastened to a fishing pole, Figure 283.
Required :
A 5 casting rod, and four 24
silks (a red, a blue, and two duplicate
rainbows with blue borders).
Preparation :
With a square knot tie the blue
silk to the rainbow, about 1 of corners
C-C protruding, Figure 274. Place the
rainbow on top of the blue, Figure
275, then fold corners A-A to the
center, Figure 276.
Continue folding until the rainbow is in
a narrow strip, Figure 277.
Now lay tip B about 2 to the
right of the knot, Figure 278. Next, tie
a FAIRLY LOOSE single knot around the
rainbow with corners C-C, Figure
279. Finally, fold the blue silk and
hold it together with magicians wax
at points X, Figure 280.
Presentation :
1. Tie corner B (Figure 280) to a
corner of the red silk, Figure 281.
2. Tie red corner D to the end of
casting rod, Figure 282.
3. Have a spectator hold the rod
while you vanish the duplicate
rainbow silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Take the rod, snap it sharply over
the heads of the spectators, and
the knot C-C (Figure 279)
unties, allowing the rainbow to
fall into view, Figure 283 !
Effect :
A vanished rainbow (or flag)
reappears, tied between two solid
colored silks.
Required :
Four 18 silks (a red, a blue,
and two duplicate rainbows with a
blue corner).
Preparation :
Tie a folded rainbow to the
blue silk, Figure 284. Fold the
rainbow over the knot, Figure 285.
Now, bring corner C of the blue
silk over the rainbow, Figure 286.
Finally, roll the blue silk loosely around the rainbow, Figure 287.
Presentation :
1. Show the red and (prepared) blue silks and knot
them together, Figure 281.
2. Tuck the silks into a drinking goes held by a
spectator.
3. Vanish the duplicate rainbow, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Produce the three silks from the glass, Figure 273.
Required :
Four 18 silks (a red, a blue, and two
duplicate rainbows with a blue corner) and
a small rubber band.
Preparation :
Prepare two silks as shown in Figures
284-287. Encircle the right thumb and the
first finger with the rubber band, Figure 288.
Presentation ;
1. Take the red silk in the left hand
and the prepared blue in the right.
2. Transfer the red to the right hand,
Figure 289.
3. Drop the silks to a chair, allowing
4. the rubber band to slip off the
fingers on to the silks, Figure 290.
5. Pick up the duplicate rainbow
and tie a knot in each of two
diagonally opposite corners,
Figure 291.
6. Vanish the silk, Chapter 8,
Volume 1.
7. Cause the vanished silk, and its
two knots, to reappear between
the two silks on the chair as you
display them, Figure 273.
Required :
A red and a blue 18 silk; two 12
x 18 American flags; an envelope.
Preparation :
Tie a flag to the red silk, Figure
292. Fold the flag as in Figure 293.
Presentation :
1. Take the prepared red silk (and
flag) in your left hand, Figure 294.
2. Knot the blue silk to the red (flag)
corner.
3. Ask a spectator to examine the envelope, then to
push a hole thru its center with a pencil, Figure 295.
4. Put the knotted silks in the envelope, Figure 296,
then pull two diagonal corners thru the holes, Figure
297.
5. Seal the envelope, then hand it to a spectator, asking
him to hold the two silk corners between his hands.
6. Show the duplicate flag, then vanish it, Chapter 8,
Volume 1.
Presentation :
1. Show the envelope empty, then lay it aside.
2. Remove the red and green silks from your inside pocket
with your left hand. Hold the silks at their top corners,
allowing the silks to unfold.
3. Take the green silk in your left hand, keeping the small
rainbows hidden within the folds.
4. Tie the red corners to A of the green (rainbow, Figure
303).
5. Crumple the two silks and place them in the empty
envelope, free corner of the red resting in a corner of the
envelope, Figure 305.
6. Seat the envelope and lay it aside.
7. Take the two rainbows from your breast coat pocket in
your left hand.
8. Tie the two rainbows together.
9. Holding the two silks in your left hand, steal the pull
in your right.
10. Take the two silks at their knot in your right hand,
Figure 306.
11. As you patter, work the silks into the pull with your
right hand.
12. Close the right fist and allow the pull to go under coat.
13. Open your empty right hand as you toss the silks
invisibly into the envelope.
Effect :
A vanished red silk reappears
tied between a blue and a green.
Required :
Four 18 silks (a blue, a green,
and two red).
Preparation ;
Tie a red silk securely between a
blue and a green, Figure 273. Roll the
red silk into a ball around the tip of the
left forefinger, then tuck
the last corner of the silk into the center
of this ball, Figure 308. Take the blue and
green silk at corners X-X, and lay the silks
on a table, the rolled silk hidden from view.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the blue and green
silks at X-X (red hidden
from view).
2. Tie a fake knot, Figures 309-
311, with corners X-X.
3. Lay the silks over the left
palm. As you do, free the
fake knot with a finger of the
right hand, Figure 312.
4. Show right hand empty.
5. Now drape the silks over the
left arm, rolled red hidden,
Figure 313.
6. Display the red silk to be
vanished, then lay it aside.
7. Roll the green and blue (with
rolled red between) and ask a
spectator to hold them.
8. Vanish the duplicate red, Ch.
8, Volume 1.
Silks Of Mephisto * 54
A F T E R L E E G R E Y
Required :
A red and a blue 18 silk ; two 12 white silks; a small bead.
Preparation ;
Tie a small bead in a knot very close to corner A of a white
silk, Figure 314. Now tie white corner B to blue corner C with a
square knot, Figure 315. Fold the white silk into a narrow strip, them
place it on the blue silk, Figure 316. Now roll the blue silk around
the white, Figure 317. Roll the red silk to resemble the blue. Place
the two silks on the table. Finally, tuck the remaining white silk in
your coat breast pocket.
Presentation :
1. Take the red silk in one hand, the blue in your other, and tie
a loose square knot, Figure 318.
2. Pull the blue corner D to the left, upsetting the square
knot, Figure 319.
3. Now slide the loose upset knot as near corner D of the
blue silk as possible, Figure 320.
4. Drape the red silk over your right hand, Figure 321, place
your right hand thumb on the loose upset knot X, and pull
the white knot A up about 1 with your left hand, Figure 322.
5. Remove the white silk from your breast pocket with your left
hand as you tuck the upset knot in your pocket with
6. your right, Figure 323.
7. Vanish the white silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
8. Leaving the silks in their Figure 323 position, take the
red silk at h in one hand and the blue at
E in the other, and separate the hands sharply.
9. The white appears between the red and the blue,
Figure 324.
Note : If blue corner D (Figure 322) doesnt slip out of the upset
k t X it ti d t ti ht t t N 1 (Fi 318 d 319)
Roped In * 55
W I L L A R D S. S M I T H
Effect :
A vanished white silk reappears,
tied on a rope between two other silks,
Figure 336.
Required :
Four 12 silks (two white, a red,
and a blue) : a prepared rope 3 long,
Figure 326.
Preparation :
Replace the core removed from half
the length of the rope with a piece of round
rubber elastic, Figure 325. Stretch the
elastic, knot both ends of the rope, then clip
the elastic close to end A, Figure 326.
Elastic is taut.
Knot a white silk around the elastic
at B, Figure 327. Fold the white silk,
accordion fashion, Figure 328, roll it into
a ball, then tie it loosely with a weak thread,
Figure 329. Place rope and silks over the
back of a chair, Figure 330.
Presentation :
3. Show the three silks, then
toss the duplicate white over
your left shoulder, keeping
the other two silks in your
2. Pick up the rope at its center, palming rolled silk in right hand.
1. Give a silk to each of two spectators.
2. Take elastic end A (Figure 327) of the rope in your left hand.
5. Have a spectator tie his silk at point X, Figure 331.
6. Turn to the second spectator, dropping end A and
taking C in your left hand.
7. Have assistant tie his silk to rope at Y, Figure 332.
8. Drape rope over the back of the chair, Figure 333.
9. Take duplicate white silk and vanish it, Ch. 8, Vol. 1.
10. Step behind chair, pick up rope again, rolled silk in your
right hand, elastic end A in your left.
11. Keeping rope taut, raise the left hand so rope is vertical.
The two silks hang down, hiding the rope from view.
12. Still holding the rolled silk, reach down and take end C
of the rope in your right hand, stretching elastic as you
do, Figure 334.
13. Now bring the rope to a horizontal position, Figure 335.
14. Rope taut, release the palmed silk. It will fly to the
center of the rope, the sudden snap throwing of the
thread, Figure 336.
15. Center silk may appear behind the rope. If so, give rope
a half turn with the fingers.
Silk Epic * 56
H E N F E T S C H
Required :
Six 12 silks (2 eachred, yellow, and green).
Preparation :
Knot four of the silks, Figure 336, then accordion pleat
three of them, Figure 337, and wrap end A around the bundle,
Figure 338. Place the bundle in the right coat pocket, the yellow
silk in the inner match or coin pocket, Figure 339. Tuck the
remaining red and green silks in the left coat pocket.
Presentation ;
1. Remove the red silk, displaying it on both sides, then
repeat with the green.
2. Knot the two silks, and hold them in your left hand,
Figure 340.
3. Reach in your right coat pocket, palm the bundle X of
silks, displaying the yellow, Figure 341.
4. Take the red and green silks at knot B (Figure 341) in
the right hand, Figure 342.
5. Taking the bottom corners of the three silks with the
left hand, the right (containing bundle X) winds the
silks (in a circular motion) into a small ball in the left
hand. The left secret bundle X in the left hand,
Figure 343.
6. Snap the left hand downward sharply, allowing bundle
X to unroll, Figure 344.
Go-Between Silk * 57
M I L BO U R N E C H R I S T O P H E R
Effect :
A vanished rainbow reappears tied
between two red silks, Figure 345
Required :
Two 18 red silks and two 18
duplicate rainbow silks with a corner
matching the silks.
Preparation :
Knot a rainbow to a red silk,
Figure 346. Roll the rainbow, Figure 347,
then wind all but about 2 of end A
tightly around the red silk, Figure 348.
Finally tuck all but an inch of corner A
into the folds, Figure 349. (use a rubber
band to hold the rainbow if you prefer).
Presentation :
1. Take the two red silks and the
duplicate rainbow in your left hand.
2. Take the rainbow in your right hand,
display it, then toss it over your
right shoulder, Figure 350.
3. Take the unprepared red silk at C
in your right hand and tie C to A.
4. Right hand covering the knot and
the rolled rainbow, place the silks
across the bend of your left elbow,
Figure 351.
5. Take the rainbow form your
shoulder with your right hand,
bring your hands together, and roll
the silk between them, palming the
rolled silk in your right hand as you
pretend to have it in your left. (Figures
3-7, Page 291, Chapter 8, Volume 1)
6. Point to closed left fist with the index
finger of your closed right hand.
7. Place corner X in left hand, Figure 352
8. Take corner X in your right hand and pull the red
silk thru the left fist, continuing until the rainbow
(Figure 353) and most of the second red silk pass
thru the left fist.
9. It appears the rainbow (which supposedly was in the left
hand) becomes tied between the two reds as they pass thru
the left hand. Display the silks, Figure 345.
Tri-Tie * 58
H E N F E T S C H
Effect :
All but three silks held by the performer drop to the floor.
The remaining silks are knotted together and match the colors in a
flag imprinted on a card selected by a spectator.
Required :
Fourteen 12 silks (2 each of 7 colors, including red, white,
and blue). One silk is special, Figure 354. A quantity of flag cards.
The Secret :
Few people know the flags of 18 nations are colored red, white,
and blue. Thus, regardless of which card a spectator freely selects, its
flag will be red, white, and blue ! However, if you prefer to include
flags with other colors, you must force a red, white, and blue flag card.
Preparation :
Place a rubber band around the pocket of flag cards. Knot
three of the silks as in Figure 355. Place the white and blue silks on
the red, Figure 356, then roll the red silk, Figure 357.
Presentation :
1. Without removing the rubber band, call attention to the pocket
of cards, explaining each has a different flag imprinted thereon.
2. Toss the packet to a spectator.
3. Pick up the silks one by one, holding them in the left hand,
Figure 358.
4. Tell the spectator to remove a card from his packet (with out
removing the rubber band) and return the balance to you.
5. Ask the spectator to name the flag and its color.
6. When the colors are named, drop all of the silks but the
prepared red corner, and the three seem to join in color
harmony, Figure 359.
A Good 20th. Century Effect 59
V E R R A L L W A S S
Effect :
A vanished silk reappears, tied
between two other silks dropped into a
hat earlier.
Required:
Four 12 silks (two white, a red, and a
blue); a vanishing hank wand (Figure 96, Page
315, Volume 1); a fake which clips over the
wand, Figure 360. A sheet of newspaper.
Preparation :
Tie a white silk between a red and a
blue, Figure 266. Roll, the fold the center
white silk, and place it in the metal fake,
Figure 361. Clip the fake to the center of
the wand, draping the silk as in Figure 362.
Drop the white silk over the center of the
wand, Figure 363.
Presentation :
4. Borrow a hat.
5. Display the silks on the wand, remove
the center white silk, and
place it in your breast pocket.
1. Slide the silks and fake down the wand and
into the hat, palming the fake, Figure 364,
in the right hand.
2. Transfer the wand to your right hand,
then lay wand and fake aside.
3. Place the red and a blue corner of the
silks in view, Figure 365.
6. Form the newspaper into a cone, then vanish the duplicate
white silk with the handkerchief wand, Page 315, Volume 1.
7. Produce the three silks from hat, Figure 273.
Effect:
A vanished wide border silk
reappears tied between two others
of different colors, Figure 28.
Required :
Four wide border 18 silks, Figure. 366.
Preparation :
Tie a yellow silk to the green, Figure
367. Roll the yellow silk, turn back corner B
of the green silk, Figure 368, and replace it
with A of the yellow, Figure 369. Starting at
the knot C, roll the green silk around the
yellow. Use a paper clip to hold everything in
place, Figure 370.
Presentation :
The presentation is the same as given in this chapter for
No. 36, Carlyles 20th Century.
Effect :
A knot, then an orange silk vanish.
The orange silk is found knotted to a
previously shown single green silk.
Required :
Three 27 silks (2 orange and a green).
Preparation :
About 2 from a corner of the orange
silk tie a corner of the green silk with a very
small knot, Figure 371. Holding the green
silk as in Figure 372, wrap corner A
around the left thumb, Figure 373. Now
wrap about half of the orange silk tightly
around the thumb. Continue, winding all
but 1 of the silk at right angles, Figure
374. Finally, holding the orange ball tightly,
gently pull on the green silk until the knot
emerges, Figure 376. Add the second orange
silk, Figure 377, then place the silks on the
table, Figure 378.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the silks in your left hand, Figure
377, as you show your right hand empty.
2. Place the silks in your right hand, Figure
379, and then show your left hand
empty.
3. Take the orange corner X in your left
hand, and throw the silks over your left
shoulder.
4. Take the orange ball in your left hand,
Figure 380, slide the right hand along an
edge of the green silk, and display the
silk on both sides, Figure 381.
5. Roll the green silk into a loose ball
(around the orange silk), then lay it in a
table. As you do, pull on the greens ilk
to remove the center of the orange silk.
6. Tie a VANISHING knot, Chapter 13,
Figures 128-131, in the orange silk. Toss
the (fake) knot invisibly to the green
silk on the table.
7. As invisible knot is thrown , steal the
pull and vanish the orange silk. (Chapter
8, Volume 1).
8. Jerk the green silk from the table
smartly, showing orange silk tied to it,
Figure 382.
A New Presentation * 62
M I L B O U R N E C H R I S T O P H E R
Effect :
Performer presents the standard 20
the century, but with invisible silks. Then, at
the finish, the silks materialize, Figure 192.
Required :
Three 12 silks (red, blue and rainbow).
Preparation :
Tie the rainbow between the solids,
Figure 192. Roll the chain of silks into a ball,
then tuck the end under the fold, Figure 383.
If an opening effect, conceal the silks well
under the right armpit, Figure 384. (If used
later in your program, conceal the silk in a
clip along the edge of your coat, Page 124,
Volume 1).
Presentation :
1. Pretend to produce a red silk, then a blue.
2. Tie the invisible (imaginary) silks together, then deposit them in an
invisible glass.
3. Pull two corners of the invisible silks over the edge of the glass
starting in Fuller view !
4. Pretend to produce the invisible rainbow, then vanish it.
5. As you do, turn to the right, raise your right arm slightly, allowing
the silk ball to fall into the cupped right hand, Figure 385.
6. Get corner A (Figure 383) between right thumb and first finger.
7. Reach into invisible glass, shake the palmed silks into view, Figure
192.
Note : (Rehearse the pantomine part of effect with actual silks.)
M. C. 20th Century Silks * 63
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Required :
Two 18 (a red and a blue) silks; a thin
black thread.
Preparation :
Fasten the ends of the thread to the
silks, Figure 386.
Presentation :
1. Display the silks, Figure 387.
2. Lay them aside.
3. Pretend to produce a silk.
4. Now vanish the invisible silk.
5. Pick up the red silk at corner C,
announcing the vanished silk is now tied
between the two silks, Figure 388.
6. Explain that the center silk cant be
seenas it is invisible !
Unprepared 20th Century * 64
P R I N C E H A R A .
Effect :
A vanished solid color silk reappears
between two knotted rainbows.
Required :
Three 18 silks (solid orange and
two rainbows).
Preparation :
Tie one rainbow to the other with
a loose square knot, Figure 318, then upset
the knot, Figure 120 or 319. Place the
prepared silks on the table or a chair as
in Figure 389. Place the orange silk in a
convenient place.
Presentation :
1. Display the orange silk, then vanish it (French Drop),
Figures 9-16, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
2. With the vanished silk palmed in the right hand, pick up the
two knotted rainbows at X (Figure 389) in the right hand,
Figure 390.
3. Take the second rainbow at Y and corner A of the
orange silk in the left hand, Figure 391.
4. Now separate the hands, displaying the orange silk between
the two (supposedly tied) rainbows, Figure 392.
One More 20th Century * 65
R U S S W A L S H
Effect :
A yellow silk vanished in the performers pocket reappears
between two purple silks, but changes to red. Expecting to find the
yellow silk back in his pocket, the performer finds a red ! Now the
red silk which appeared between two purples is yellow !
Required :
Ten 18 silks (6 purple, 2 red, and 2 yellow).
Preparation :
Replace your regular breast coat pocket with one with three
compartments shown in Figure 393. Tie a yellow silk between two
purples, Figure 266,and tuck the three in pocket B. Tie a red
between two purples and tuck the three in pocket A, Figure 393.
Roll the remaining red and place it in the top of the left trouser
pocket, Figure 357, Page 514, Volume 1.
Presentation :
1. Tie the two purples together, tuck them into pocket C,
Figure 393.
2. Pull two corners of the purple silks from pocket A into
view, Figure 394.
3. Show the trouser pocket empty, Figure 359, Page 515, Volume
1.
4. As you replace the pocket, push the hidden red silk down into
the bottom of the pocket.
5. Show the yellow silk, roll it, and in placing it in the left trouser
pocket, force it up into the top corner with your thumb, Figure
395.
6. State yellow silk has left your trouser pocket and is now tied
between the two purples.
7. Take A in one hand and B in the other (Figure 394),
displaying the red silk between, Figure 396.
8. Being perplexed, roll the silks and place them back in pocket
A. Call attention to your left trouser pocket, them pull the
purple ends of silks from pocket B into view, Figure 394.
9. Reach into your trouser pocket, expecting to find the yellow.
Instead, you produce the red! Show the pocket now empty,
Figure 359, Page 515, Volume 1.
10. Taking corner A and B, Figure 394,pull the silks into view,
and the yellow silk is now between the purples, Figure 396.
Effect :
A vanished white silk reappears tied between a red and a
blue, Figure 396.
Required :
Six 12 silks (2 each red, white, and blue); a rubber band.
Preparation :
Tie a white silk between a red one a blue, Figure 396.
Starting with the red, roll the silks into a ball, Figure397. Place
the rolled silks and the rubber band in the right coat pocket, the
white silk in the breast coat pocket, and the remaining red and
blue on the table.
Presentation :
1. Have a spectator tie the red and blue together.
2. Starting with the red, roll the silks into a ball, Figure 397.
3. With the ball in your left hand, Figure 398, reach with your
right into your pocket for a rubber band.
4. Bring out the rubber band (and the three silks), Figure 399.
5. Place the ball of two silks in your right hand, Figure 400, so
you can have the left free to stretch the rubber band,
Figure 401.
6. Release the band from the right hand, then work the ball of
three silks up into view with the right fingers, Figure 402.
7. Place the band around the three silks, then give them to a
spectator to hold.
8. Reach into the breast pocket for the white silk, leaving the
ball of two silks in the pocket, Figure 403.
9. Vanish the white silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
10. Have the spectator remove the band from his silks, then
display them, Figure 273.
Effect :
A vanished white silk reappears tied between a red and a
blue silk placed singularly in a paper cone.
Required :
Five 18 silks (2 red, 2 white, and a blue); a wand, and a
sheet of newspaper.
Preparation :
Tie a white silk between a red and a blue, Figure 396. Fold,
then pleat the red silk and part of the white, Figure 404. Now
wrap the balance of the white silk tightly around the pleated
portion, Figure 405. Finally, the packet is placed under the corner
of the blue silk and laid on your table with the remaining red and
white silks.
Presentation :
1. Form the newspaper into a large cane, fastening it with a pin
so it cant open.
2. Display the red silk, then drop it into the cone.
3. Using the wand, force the silk into a small ball deep in the
cone, Figure 406.
4. Now pick up the blue silk, palming the prepared red & white.
5. Drop the ball of silks and part of the blue silk into the come,
Figure 406. The red and white will unroll.
6. Stand the cone upright in a large glass.
7. Vanish the white silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
8. Pull the silks from the cone, Figure 407.
9. Turn the cone upside down (red silk wont fall out), then tear
it to bits and toss it aside.
Spectator 20th Century * 70
J E A N H U G A R D
Preparation :
Tie a red, a white, and a blue together, Figure 396. Accordion
pleat, then roll the silks into a ball, the blue on the outside, Figure
397. Place the ball of silks under your vest, Figure 8, Page 61, Volume
1, and the rubber band in your right coat pocket.
Presentation :
2. Give the red and blue silks to a spectator, asking him to knot
them together.
3. Next ask him to roll them into a small ball, red inside blue.
4. White he does, palm the ball of three from under the vest,
Figure 9 and 10, Page 61, Volume 1.
5. Take his bundle in your left hand, saying, The silks must be
pressed in to a small ball, like this.
6. Bring the hands together to squeeze the silks, allowing the
audience to see the two balls as one, Figure 408.
7. Take the ball of silks (3) into your left hand, toss them into
the air and catch them as you reach into your right pocket to
get the rubber band (and leave the two silks).
8. Put the rubber band around the 3 silks, then hand them to the
spectator assistant to hold.
9. Vanish the white silk, Chapter 8, Volume !
1. Have the spectator remove the band and discover the
white silk tied between the red and blue, Figure 396.
Required :
Six 12 silks (2 each red, white, and
blue) ; a bottomless glass, Figure 164, Page
328, Volume 1; a table with a black art well;
several rubber bands, and a linen hank.
Preparation :
Tie a red, a white, and a blue silk
together, Figure 396. Starting with the red
silk, roll the three into a ball, Figure 397.
Put the rubber band around them, then
place the ball under the vest, Figure 8,
Page 61, Volume 1. Place the glass and
the other three on your table.
Presentation :
1. Tie the red silk to the blue, roll
them into a ball, Figure 397, then put a rubber band around
them and drop them into the bottomless glass.
2. Cover the glass with the linen hank, holding it in place with a
rubber band.
3. Slide the glass over the black art well, allowing silks to
secretly fall out of the glass into the table, then pick up
the glass in your left hand, Figure 409.
4. At the same time steal the ball of silks from under your vest,
Figure 9 and 10, Page 61, Volume 1, into your right hand.
5. Transfer the glass to your right hand, sitting it over the
palmed silks, Figure 410.
6. With the left hand twist the bottom of the hank around the
glass, Figure 411, then hand the glass to a spectator to hold.
7. Vanish the white silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
8. Take the covered glass from the spectator, remove the hank,
and pour the ball of silks into the spectators hands.
9. Have the spectator display the string of three silks, Figure
396.
Pass-It * 72
H A R O L D R. R I C E
Effect :
A silk vanished by the performer reappears tied to a silk
held by a spectator, Figure 419.
Required :
Three 18 silks (2 yellow and a purple).
Preparation :
Tie a yellow silk to the purple, Figure 412. Fold the yellow
silk, Figure 413, then roll it into the purple, Figures 414, 415 and
416.
Presentation :
1. Pick up the purple silk as in Figure 417, holding it taut.
2. Hand the silk to a spectator, asking him to hold it taut at
the extreme tips and in a vertical position, Figure 418.
3. Vanish the remaining yellow silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Take corner X of the purple silk, Figure 418, in your right
hand.
5. With a sweeping motion pull the silk from the spectators
hand and display the two silks, Figure 419.
Effect :
A vanished silk reappears tied
to four silks, Figure 432.
Required :
Five 18 silks prepared as in
Figure 427, plus an additional purple
silk.
Preparation :
Starting at the center of the
purple silk, Figure 428, roll the purple
silk and place a rubber band around
it, then add the remaining purple
silk, Figure 429.
Presentation :
1. Holding the silks as in Figure
430, lay the silks one by one
back over the hand, Figure 431.
2. Remove the free purple silk,
then tuck the bundle into a
glass.
3. Vanish the purple silk, Chapter
8, Volume 1.
4. Taking the red and blue silks at
corners, pull the silks from the
glass. The rubber band flys off
and the silks are displayed as in
Figure 432.
Appearing And Self-Tieing Silks * 75
K E I T H C L A R K
Effect :
A vanished rainbow silk reappears tied between two silks
previously shown separately.
Required :
Four heavier than usual (8
momme) 18 silks (a red, a green, and
two rainbows with green corners), a 1
oz. pear shaped lead sinker, Figure 433,
and a block nylon thread.
Preparation :
Sew the green silk into a bag,
Figure 13. Cover the sinker with black
cloth, then pass the black thread thru
the hole in its center, Figure 433.
Fold a rainbow, sewing the sinker firmly in place, Figure 434. Knot
corner C and thread end A to the green bag, Figure 435. Now
cut the thread so it is just slightly shorter than the diagonal of
the rainbow (about 28 long), then knot end B of the thread to
the red silk. Finally, tie a small knot in corner D of the rainbow,
Figure 436. If properly constructed, the rainbow will appear to be
tied between the two solids when held as in Figure 437.
Place the rainbow inside of the green bag
silk, knot D protruding. Place the two silks on a
table, the duplicate rainbow hiding the thread.
Presentation :
1. After showing and tucking the
rainbow in your breast pocket,
display the two solid color silks,
Figure 438.
2. Place the red silk on a chair, Figure.
439, then the green, corner X
falling on top, Figure 440.
3. Take the duplicate from your
pocket, then vanish it, Chapter 8,
Volume 1.
4. Take corner X, lift the silks, and
the rainbow will fall into place,
Figure 437.
N t Thi ff t i k t d d
Effect :
The middle silk of three separate silks is taken from a tray
and vanished. The tray is tipped, and two silks fall to the floor, the
vanished silk reappearing tied between them !
Required :
Four 18 silks (two yellow, a red, and
a green) and a special tray, as explained in
Figures 441-449.
Preparation :
Tie a yellow silk between the red and
green, Figure 345. Place the yellow silk and
the two knots in the velvet packet, Figure
450. Place the duplicate yellow between
the red & green, Figure 451.
Presentation :
1. Show three silks on the tray, then
remove the yellow and vanish it,
Chapter 8, Volume 1.
2. Tilt the tray, pulling the slide, and
the silks knotted together fall to
the floor.
Note : This tray can also be used in
presenting the Sympathetic Silks, Ch. 18.
Another Visible 20th Century * 77
E R I C C. L E W I S
Effect :
A rainbow draped over two
knotted silks, Figure 452, ties itself
between them, Figure 453.
Required :
Four 18 silks (two duplicate
rainbows with green corners; a red,
and a green), a small brass ring, a strong
silk card, and a loop of fine wire ; a small
lead weight.
Preparation :
Prepare the green silk into a bag as
shown in Figure 454. Sew a lead weight in
one corner of the remaining rainbow.
Presentation :
1. Holding the silks as in Figure 455, knot the red silk to the
green corner of the hidden rainbow.
2. Holding the silks as in Figure 456, drop the weight of the
rainbow thru the wire lop, Figure 457.
3. With the silks now in Figure 452 position, extend the arms.
The Figure 457 rainbow goes inside of the green bag, and
the duplicate appears as though tied between the two
solids, Figure 453.
There and Back 78
V E R R A L L W A S S
Effect :
A vanished white silk reappears
tied between a red and a blue, Figure 463.
Then the white silk vanishes again and
appears in performers breast pocket.
Required :
Six silks (2-12 red, 1-12 blue,
and 3-9 white)
Preparation :
Prepare the red silks as in Figure
458. To this add the white and blue silks,
Figure 459. Pull the white silk inside of
the red bag, Figure 460. Attach a black
thread to the corner of a white silk,
Figure 461, then arrange the thread
under the coat as in Figure 462.
Presentation :
1. Holding the silks as in Figure 460
position, place them on a chair.
2. Vanish a white silk, Ch. 8, Volume 1.
3. Taking corner A of the blue silk,
flick the silks into the air, the
white appearing between the red
and blue.
4. Take the bead in your right hand
and the large ring in your left,
waving the silks up and down
slowly.
5. Pull sharply on the bead which will
bring the white
silk inside of the red, Figure 463.
6. Display the two silks, Figure 460, then lay them aside.
7. Grasp the ring at the bottom of the coat (Figure 462) with
your left hand, pull down sharply, and the white silk will
reappear in the breast pocket.
Shot Silk * 79
F R E D D I E S H A R P E
Presentation :
1. Call attention to the silks attached to stand, Figure 465.
2. Vanish the remaining duplicate silk, Ch. 8, Vol. 1.
3. Release the ring at the rear of the stand, Figure 466.
4. The duplicate silk is pulled into place, Figure 470.
Newspaper 20th. Century * 80
J O H N N Y P E N R O S E
Effect :
One of three silks produced from
a newspaper vanishes, then reappears, tied
between the remaining two, Figure 472.
Required :
Four 12 silks (a red, a green, and
two yellow), a sheet of newspaper, and a
Silks From Newspaper Fake, Figure 127,
Page 220, Volume 1.
Preparation :
Tie a yellow between the red and
green, Figure 345. Place these into the
fake, followed by the remaining yellow.
Reread the Silks from Newspaper effect,
Page 219, Volume 1.
Presentation :
1. Show the paper front and back, Figures 128-136, Page 220,
Vol. 1, then produce the yellow silk.
2. Show the paper, front and back.
3. Move the fake into position to produce the first of the
three silks knotted together.
4. Move the fake to the left, producing the silk at the other
end of the chain, Figure 471.
5. Remove the yellow silk as you lay the paper and fake on the
table.
6. Vanish the yellow silk, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
7. Show the paper again, then turn it around, showing the
yellow silk tied in place, Figure 472.
The Calipks Colour * 81
M A R V I N R O Y
Effect :
Six small silks vanish and reappear
tied between the performers and a
spectators linen handkerchief, Figure 475.
Required :
Twelve 12 silks (two each of 6
different colors, including white) and a
double linen hank, Figure 473.
Preparation :
Tie six of the silks into a string,
attach them to a corner of the Figure
473 hank, and tuck them inside, Figure
474. Tie the remaining six into a string.
Presentation :
1. Borrow a linen hank and tie it to
the corner of the white silk in the
double linen hank.
2. Place the hanks in a glass.
3. Vanish the remaining string of 6-12
silks, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
4. Produce the six silks between the
linen hanks, Figure 475.
Satans Silks * 82
O R V I L L E M E Y E R
Effect :
A yellow silk visibly penetrates
a glass cylinder to join two other silks
therein, Figure 487.
Required :
Four silks (2-12 yellow, an 18
red and 18 blue); a glass cylinder ; a
strong Pand L sleeve reel (Chapter 15);
and a metal fake, Figure 484.
Preparation :
Place a yellow silk in the fake
and place both under the blue silk on your
table. To the end of your pull attach
a loop of flesh colored cat-gut. Place
the loop over your right middle finger.
Presentation :
1. Show the empty glass cylinder.
2. Place 18 red silk in one end.
3. Pick up the 18 blue silk, finger palming the loaded fake.
4. Place the blue silk in the other end, the fake hooked over the
end, Figure 485.
5. Lay the cylinder aside for a moment.
6. Take the remaining 12 yellow in the left hand, stroking it
several times with the right. Secretly pass the loop over the
silk.
7. Holding the silk in your right hand, take the cylinder in your left.
8. Drape the yellow silk over the center of the cylinder, a finger
pressing the thread of the pull against glass, Figure 486.
9. Insert the right finger into the fake, Figure 486, release
the pull, and at the same time force the yellow silk into the
cylinder.
10. One yellow silk vanishes as the other appears in the
cylinder, Figure 487.
Required :
Four 18 silks (two yellow, a red
and a blue); and a Massey Frame, Figure
488.
Preparation :
Raise the trap doors in the base,
Figure 489, then set one of the elastics
under the catch, Figure 490. Fold a
yellow silk into a strip about 2 x 6 and
lay it across the elastic and catch,
Figure 491. The coil spring hinges,
Figure 489, will pull the doors back in
place. Place a red, a yellow and a blue
between the two elastic, Figure 494.
Presentation :
1. Display the frame with three
silks in place, Figure 494.
2. Remove the center (yellow)
silk, Figure 493, then vanish it, Chapter 8, Volume 1.
3. Release the catch, Figure 490, and the yellow silk flies into
place, Figure 494.
Effect :
When presenting the 20th century the performer is
interrupted by a spectator who sees the vanished silk (?) hanging
out of the performers pocket, Figure 499. Following considerable
by play, the supposedly vanished silk is shown to be a pair of silk
bloomers, Figure 496. The spectator put in his place, the
performer finishes the effect without further interruption.
Required :
In addition to the four silks for the standard 20th century,
Figure 21, a silk of a solid color matching that of the center of
the rainbow is needed, Figure 495.
Preparation :
Cut the matching silk and prepare it to resemble a pair of
bloomers, Figure 496. Tuck the silk bloomers in your right pocket
as in Figure 497.
Presentation :
1. Tie the silk in the bag and the solid together, Figure 17.
2. Place the silks around your neck, Figure 18.
3. Roll the rainbow between your hands, pretending to palm it in
your left, but making it very obvious that you have it in your
right.
4. In a poor attempt to call the audiences attention to your closed
left, Figure 19, openly place your right hand in your right trouser
pocket, leaving the silk and taking corner A of the bloomers,
Figure 498.
5. As you withdraw your right hand, pull A into view, Figure 499.
6. As you continue with the effect, a spectator will cry out,
thinking he sees the poorly vanished silk protruding, Figure 499.
7. Try to convince the spectator he is wrong. Then pull the
bloomers into view and display them, Figure 500, saying .. you
pulled a bloomer, Mister !
8. Lay the bloomers aside and finish standard 20th Century.
Note : Rices Baffling Bloomers can be presented as an M .C. effect
using only the bloomers and the matching rainbow, or a silk of a solid
color to match the bloomers.
A Silk Combination * 86
O. M E Y E R
Effect :
A freely selected silk vanishes and reappears tied between
the two remaining silks. The string of three are layed aside, and a
fourth silk is displayed. Then, as if by magic, this silk changes
places with the silk in the center of the string of three.
Required :
Thirteen 12 silks (5 orange, 3 green, 3 blue, 2 white) ; a
mirror glass, (Figure 150, Page 325, Volume 1); a changing bag,
(Figure 182, Page 334, Volume 1) ; an Ideal color-change tube (Figure
2, Ch. 13); a felt hat, wand rubber bands, and a table.
Preparation :
The silks and apparatus are
arranged as shown in Figure 501.
Rubber bands in right coat pocket.
Presentation :
1. Show the changing bag empty
(Page 335, Volume 1).
2. Roll the green, orange and
blue silks into small separate
balls, FINGER FOLD, Pa. 40,
Volume 1.
3. Drop the green and blue silks
into the bag, then turn the
handle and drop the orange
silk in with the two other
orange silks already there,
Figure 502.
4. THE FORCE (Al Baker) Ask a
spectator to freely
select any one of the rolled silks from within the bag. He
selects orange (as all three available to him are orange) and
holds it. Turn the handle, then dump the blue and green silks
from the bag which is now shown empty.
5. Have another spectator unroll the two silks and tie the blue to
the green.
6. Roll the silks, pick up the mirror glass, and place the silks in the
empty front compartment.
7. Cover the mirror glass with a linen hank, turn the glass, Page
326, Volume 1, and sit the glass on the table.
8. Take the orange silk from the spectator, then vanish it Chapter
8, Volume 1.
9. Remove the hank, then take the string of three silks from the
glass and hand them to the spectator.
10. Ask the spectator to open his string of three silks and display
them, showing the orange silk in the center.
11. Have the spectator reroll the silks into a ball.
12. As he does, secretly obtain in the left hand the string of
green, white, and blue silks from the table.
13. Add the spectators silks to those palmed in the left hand, then
display the two sets as one with the right hand, Figure 503.
14. Place the green, white, and blue silks in the left hand, secretly
palming the green, orange and blue in the right hand.
15. Reach into the right pocket and obtain a rubber hand, leaving
the ball of silks behind.
16. Place the band around the silks, then hand them to a spectator.
17. Take the white silk and the ideal tube from the table.
18. Push the white silk into the tube, forcing the orange silk into
the closed left fist.
19. Steal the tube into your right hand, Effect No. 7, Chapter 13.
20. Reach for the wand on the hot, Figure 501, dropping the tube
into the hat.
21. Top the closed left fist with the wand.
22. Command the white and orange silk to change places.
23. Open your left fist, showing an orange silk instead of white.
24. Have the spectator unroll his silks to discover the center silk is
now white !
Visible 40th Century Silks 87
A L B E N I C E
Required :
Eight 12 silks (3 orange imprinted
Houdini, and 5 green imprinted Guard); a
prepared jail, Figure 509, and a fake to
hold the Houdini silk that appears on the
spectators back, Figure 513.
Preparation :
Study the figures carefully. There
are removable flaps in the sides, back, and
bottom, Figures 505 and 506. Two brass
guides are in the base, Figures 506 and 507.
Knot two green silks with a square
knot, Figure 510. Pass the end of one silk
thru the right hole, then under the right
brass guide, Figure 506. Now fasten the
end of a tape to the corner of the silk,
Figures 506 and 508. Next pass the tape
and silk under the left brass guide. Finally
fasten the card
loop under two metal clips in the left side, Figure 509. Now put
the side flaps back in place, Figure 505.
Bring corners B and X inside of the box, corner A
resting just inside of the hole in the right side, Figure 509. Now
tie a green silk to an orange with a square knot, Figure 510,
then tie the diagonal corner of the orange silk to corner B
(Figure 509) with a dissolving knot, Figure 511.
Replace the back flap, then attach the orange silk near its
dissolving knot on the pin, Figure 512. Then, put the front and top
on the box (Figure 504), hooking them in place with small latches
attached. Finally, insert the prepared orange silk in the fake,
Figure 513. Pocket the loaded fake.
Presentation :
5. Show the jail (box) on all sides.
6. Ask a spectator to die Houdini
(orange silk) between two Guards
(green) with square knots, Figure
504.
7. Lift the top, release the back
Flap, Figure 514, and drop one
green silk in the space behind Flap,
Figure 515.
8. Pull corner A (Figure 512) out into
view, then push the orange and green
silks into the space back of Flap.
9. Close the flap, then open the front
door, showing three silks, Figure
512.
10. Now pull the other green silk thru
the hole in the left side, Figure 516.
1. Show that the green silks actually pass thru the holes. To
do so, hold the left green silk at R-R and pull it right and
left. Repeat with the right silk by holding it at S-S.
2. Close the box and ask the spectator to hold it.
3. Steal the fake from your pocket and secretly hang the
orange silk on the spectators back, Figure 504.
4. Take the green corner of the silk in the hole of the right
side, pulling sharply. Two green silks emerge,
Figure 504. (The dissolving knot inside unties, orange silk
slips off the pin, and the orange and green silks are drawn
inside left side down into the base.)
11. Open the box and show it empty, Figure 505.
12. Turn the spectator to face the back of the stage, disclosing
the Houdini silk on his back.