MAGIC ROADSHOW #197
October 2018
Three more to go! Not that I’m overly excited about ending the Roadshow, but I AM excited to see what we’re going to do next. I know I’ll still be very
involved in magic.. and I know I’m going to try to involve all the Roadshow readers… but I’m not sure in what direction we’ll coalesce. It WILL be rewarding.. I promise.
I’ll be at the TRICS convention in Charlotte NC the first weekend in November. If you’re there.. look for me. I’d love to meet you. I’ll be hanging close to my friends from our Asheville NC club and a couple of great guys from the Greenville SC club. There isn’t an ego amongst us, and we’d be thrilled to share a few tricks, a bunch of funny moments.. and a meal if you’re up to it…
Politics? Anyone want to talk politics? I’m about as sick of politics as imaginable. Had to unfriend some friends on FB just to get away from the incessant chatter. So, if you’re one of those guys.. it’s nothing personal… just wanted to go in another direction. I wanted to talk about my favorite TV shows, Netflix, old cars, cats, dogs, the beach, the mountains, magic, music, the blues, new inventions I don’t need.. but want, sharp cutlery, really old checks and documents, the expanding or shrinking universe, religion, and food… Not in that order. I considered writing a small autobiography about myself to include in the final issue, just so you guys can see what a really boring guy I can be, but I think I just covered everything… aside from my loved ones and my friends.
Folks.. there’s a small wealth of information in this Roadshow. Free PDF’s, instructional videos, lectures, reviews, auction information, and magic on TV now available online. Hurry through it if you want.. it’s your loss.. my friend.
Questions or comments? Email me at: [email protected]
Download, Save or Copy as a PDF – MAGIC ROADSHOW 197
This issue is 42 pages (86 counting our PDF) and 11135 words..
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
-Metallic Attraction – An Effect by Paul Lelekis
-Eric Thompson – Magician, Comedian, Humanitarian… Article
-Mouth Coils by Opkoopjes – A Review by Rick Carruth
-Free 81 Page Mentalism ‘Sampler’ from Mentalistry – Free PDF
-Annie Abbott -The Little Georgia Magnet – David J O’Connor
-The Wealthy Magician: Manifesto for Professionals by Richy Roy
-Hobson’s Choice Magic Video Theater – Free Lecture Videos
-ROGUE Easy To Do Mentalism with Cards – Review by R. Carruth
-Pasteboard Revelations – by Paul Lelekis – A Review by R. Carruth
-Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 4 and 5 – Links
-40 Masters of Illusion shows. – Links
-This Month’s FREE PDF – Bunches of Effects
-18 Magic Tricks For Kids – Video Tutorial
-Make Money APPEAR From Nowhere – Video Tutorial
-David Copperfield’s ‘Deck In Balloon’ Trick Revealed – Video Tutorial
-Is Hypnosis Fake? Watch This TEDX Video – Video
-25 Most Terrifying Halloween Costumes – List and Photos
-Grate. Pair. Share – Ghoulishly Good Halloween Treats
-10 Real Photos That Have Left Skeptics Stumped
-Golden Arm: A Probabilistic Study of Dice Control in Craps – Free PDF
-The History Channel Presents: The Dice Dominator – Video
-Potter & Potter Auctions’ – Johnny Fox’s Freakatorium.
-2018 Potter and Potter’s Magic Memorabilia Reference eBook
-Other Important Stuff…
“There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.”
Norman Vincent Peale
“Logic only gives man what he needs… Magic gives him what he wants.”
Tom Robbins
“One man’s ‘magic’ is another man’s engineering. ‘Supernatural’ is a null word.”
Robert A. Heinlein
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METALLIC ATTRACTION
Paul A. Lelekis
EFFECT: Five coins are introduced – four half dollars and one copper British penny.
Two coins are placed into the left hand and two into the right. The copper coin is placed into the RH.
With a magic movement, the hands are opened to show that one of the silver coins has jumped from the left hand to the right!
The coins are returned to the beginning positions and this time BOTH silver coins jump from the left hand to the right! Five coins in the RH and none in the left! You’re left completely clean!
METHOD: Some may know this immediately as two of the best sleights in coin magic – Han Ping Chien and the Gallo Pitch. Both sleights have the same basic function – but with different outcomes. KNOW THE DIFFERENCES between these two sleights!
Place the two silver coins from the left side into the LH. Then pick up the other two silver coins into your RH.
The LH now picks up the copper coin with your left fingers and “suspiciously” places it into the RH fist to join the other two coins. You want a reason to “re-show” the coins ala Han Ping Chien!
Mechanics of Han Ping Chien:
Begin by secretly maneuvering one of the silver coins in your RH, into Classic Palm.
Pretend as if you need to show the coins again. Open your LH and turn it so that the two coins are dumped onto the working surface.
Pick up the two coins with your LH and arrange them so that one of the two coins is close to the edge of your palm (nearest the table).
Now bring attention to the RH by pointing to it with the left index finger. Display the three coins on your open RH.
Now turn your RH over and dump two of these coins (one silver and one copper coin – the third coin remains in Classic Palm) as you secretly release the silver coin in the LH that is closest to the table. It should appear as if you dumped the 3 coins in the RH onto the table.
There will now, secretly, be one silver coin in each hand!
Pick up the 3 coins with your RH being certain that you don’t “flash” the silver coin palmed there.
Do the magic and show that one silver coin has jumped from the LH into the RH! Claim that the copper coin caused the attraction.
Replace all of the coins back onto the table, exactly as they were in the beginning.
Begin by picking up two silver coins with the LH and then closing that hand. Then pick up the two silver coins – only – with RH.
Secretly place the two silver coins in the RH, into Classic Palm. Bring attention to the copper coin on the table. Repeat your patter that the copper “attracts” silver. Pick the copper coin up with the LH and insert it suspiciously, into the closed right fist. Act as if the spectators are suspicious of your actions!
Now you will “re-show” all of the coins via The Gallo Pitch.
Mechanics of the Gallo Pitch:
With the palm down LH, toss the two silver coins in the LH onto the table at a 45 degree angle, to your right.
As your LH retrieves the two coins, your RH begins the toss of its “three coins” (actually just the copper coin!). These two “tosses” should form the letter “X” on the table. The point where this imaginary “X”, intersects is where the “dirty” part occurs.
The LH hand (having just retrieved its coins), pulls back to its starting position and turns palm up as it secretly tosses its two coins off to its left, in line with the tossing RH. It should appear as if all 3 coins in the RH were tossed.
Reality check: After this toss, there will be no coins in the LH and two silver coins Classic Palmed in the RH!
There will now be three coins (one copper and two silver coins) on the table that have apparently been tossed from the RH.
Pick up the 3 coins on the table with the RH, without exposing the two Classic Palmed coins! Do the magic and show that the RH now holds all five coins and no coins in the LH.
This is very strong magic – you can tell by the “blank looks” on your spectators’ faces. Simple yet effective!
NOTE: I have been performing this particular routine for about 25 years now and it never ceases to amaze the spectators. It is sort of an assembly routine, but without the extra displays, shuttle passes, loads, etc. It is actually quite simple to perform and accentuates two of the most powerful (and unknown sleights) in coin magic. When I say “unknown”, I’m talking about unknown to lay people.
These two sleights are not difficult to master! They don’t require extensive “knuckle-busting” sleight-of-hand – but, instead, require finesse and fairly careful “routining”. A little bit of practice will show that this routine is pretty easy to perform – yet packs a BIG punch..
Paul Lelekis
** All of Paul’s ebooks can be found on Lybrary.com .. Please check ’em out. ( I lost count of how many ebooks Paul has authored.. 53 is my best guess! and they’re ALL listed here.)
https://www.lybrary.com/paul-a-lelekis-m-163788.html
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Eric Thompson – Magician, Comedian, Humanitarian… Article
Some of you may not know Eric. All of you should..
Aside from being a first rate magician and comedian, Eric is a full-time business owner and the proprietor of two comedy clubs in Ohio. If that doesn’t
keep him busy, he has served on various committees in and around Warren, Ohio, served as an elected official, serves as a fireman and paramedic, performed across the United States as a comedian in comedy clubs and as a magician for corporate events and parties. Headlined shows with the like of Engelbert Humperdinck and George Carlin. Performed with Michael Stanley, Kenny Loggins, Peaches and Herb, Sly and the Family Stone, Peter Yarrow, and The Spinners.. among others.
I have to mention Eric was also listed in Who’s Who in The Midwest and Who’s Who in America, He’s in the Youth Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as an umpire, recognized by U.S. Congress for community activism and business activism, and the list goes on…
But that isn’t Eric’s MOST important work…
Briefly, here is the story that earns Eric a big salute from the Magic Roadshow…
( Taken from his website at: http://www.EricThompsonMagic.com )
While traveling abroad many years ago, Eric Thompson recognized that many families, especially those with children, lacked basic necessities that are often taken for granted in the United States. Hearing about the impoverished nations and actually seeing the suffering are two different perspectives.
The seed was planted when Eric thought about the people he saw who were lacking consistently clean water, basic nutritional needs, and access to any medical treatment, schools, and jobs. He continued to search for a way he could help when a long-time friend approached him and offered a seat on a plane heading to meet up with a missionary group in Latin America. Eric jumped at the chance and the group decided the best way to use Eric’s skills as an entertainer would be to organize shows in each of the many villages they would visit. The news of a professional American entertainer coming to perform for them brought out large crowds and anticipation in every village they visited.
The children fell in love with his humor and the magic tricks. In many villages he quickly became known as “Senor Mago Loco,” translated that’s Mr. Crazy Magician. The children would see his show at their school during the day and bring their entire family to the village center or a large church for a second show that evening. It was here that Eric had the opportunity to meet and talk at length with many of the people. He learned of their plight and how they worked to combat the problems associated with poverty and hunger.
Needless to say, these people touched Eric in a way that no one else could. Having shared their homes, food and fellowship, Eric knew what he would do to help. Upon returning to the United States, he began a campaign to raise money to buy not just a handout for his new friends in Latin America, but an opportunity to grow their own food, more than they could possibly consume and be able to sell or trade the extras at the market.
Eric quickly decided that this would become an obsession, and he named his program MILLION MILES MILLION SMILES. He made his promise to the world to visit as many remote and distressed destinations where people were void of joy and hope. Bringing his ability of magic and comedy performance, Eric helps them learn to laugh and forget their problems, even if just for a little while. At many of his MILLION MILES MILLION SMILES destinations he tries to arrange a donation of food for the families in his audiences to take home.
Eric raised thousands of dollars by performing benefit shows where portions of the proceeds went to the charity. These donations were surpassed by the many fraternal, religious and community organizations who have continued to support this cause with donations. Many of Eric’s oldest friends and clients have generously made private donations to some of Eric’s favorite mission groups.
Much of the money has gone to purchase pairs of chickens for families in Guatemala and West Africa. The families take care of the chickens, harvesting some of the eggs for food and allowing the others to hatch. Within a few months to a year, they have a flock that gives them an endless supply of protein via eggs and meat to feed their family as well as selling the other birds and eggs at the market. Eric’s passion and generosity has created dozens upon dozens of entrepreneurs in several nations around the world. This action is helping to eliminate poverty in many villages, one family at a time.
Eric has taken his talents to communities on several continents around the world in such far reaching places as Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, The Bahamas, Martinique, Burkina Faso, West Africa and more.
Eric has also spent untold hours raising money and awareness for the less fortunate in the United States, too. He regularly performs in homeless shelters, churches and charities raising money and awareness for countless charities.
This past Christmas season, Eric wanted to send a few pairs of mating chickens to the families in Burkina Faso and Guatemala that befriended him during his time in their countries. Setting out to raise enough money to send two dozen pairs of chickens to each nation, Eric put the word out at a handful of his performances and via social media. Within a couple of weeks, he and his friends had collected enough money to purchase more than 220 chickens to help hundreds of people in the villages in Africa and Latin America where Eric spent time performing and making friends.
Eric continues to work with his old friends while he works to visit more countries. Over the next several years his plans include visits to perform and offer food assistance to people in China, South America, and India.
All of this travel and travel related expenses are done without donations or grants. Eric and his family pay for the trips and use any donations or offerings to directly benefit the people who need it most. There is ZERO administration cost deducted from the money Eric collects. MILLION MILES MILLION SMILES is an idea, a groundswell of compassion and generosity of Eric Thompson and a wide circle of his friends and family who want to help those who need it the most.
You can read more, see news articles, bios, press kits and videos, and contact Eric at:
http://www.EricThompsonMagic.com
News Stories… https://www.ericthompsonmagic.com/news-stories/
[email protected]
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Mouth Coils by Opkoopjes
Review by Rick Carruth
Hand made in Holland by Jan Kosters, Opkoopjes mouth coils are made by a professional, for the professional. Those of you who use mouth coils on a regular basis are probably familiar with the problems of typical inexpensive coils. Many tear. Some are so tight they refuse to extend properly. Others are only a fraction of the length of Opkoopjes.
These are made for performers who want to give their audience the ultimate effect. Each coil cost the performer roughly $2.50 to $2.90 per use, depending on which length they use. Opkoopjes coils come in 46 foot and 62 foot length, so you have a choice based on venue and stage size, as well as the size and age of your audience.
Each package comes with 12 coils.. ready for your performance. Jan has provided a PDF download for anyone not familiar with the use of coils. He also includes ten videos to help familiarize you with the use, care, personalization, color usage and specific do’s and don’ts of his product.
I understand the price will be a turn-off for some performers.. just as the price of a Vernet thumb tip or quality playing cards. Lets face it, some performers are willing to make do with lower quality products. I’m not being critical. Everyone is responsible for their own expenses and keeping their performances profitable. But… and those of you who have read this far probably already understand, there are a group of performers who insist on using quality products, as they feel it will reflect on their performances. I don’t think I have to sell you guys. You are probably already thinking of the possibilities and understand the importance of a quality product.
All coils are available in white, plus Christmas coils, Halloween, Patriotic and Rainbow. Jan will make your coils in custom colors with a minimum order of approx. 5 dozen. Also, any order of $50.00 or more will get free shipping from Jan -if- you are unable to find the coils through your favorite Murphy’s Magic dealer.
These coils are perfect for children’s shows and school assemblies. They are also perfect for that moment when you want to make a lasting impression on your audience, regardless the venue.
Comparing the quality of Opkoopjes Mouth Coils to competitor’s coils is sort of a no-brainer. Honestly, you get what you pay for.. and Opkoopjes is a perfect example.. If you google ‘mouth coils’, you’ll find most are listed for sale in the ‘toys’ section of large online stores. Opkoopjes are NOT toys. They are serious coils for serious performers. Nuff said…
46 Foot.. $29.95
64 Foot.. $34.95
https://www.murphysmagic.com/Search.aspx?q=mouth+coils&cm=839d7b9d13
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Free 81 Page Mentalism ‘Sampler’ from Mentalistry – Free PDF
A new online Mentalism store called “Mentalistry”, as an introduction, is offering a free 81 page Mentalism PDF sampler involving their core authors. The book has a nice variety and gives a small taste of the creators involved. If you are a fan of mentalism, this will be one of your favorite, if not most favorite, free ebook of the year. I highly recommend it.. To quote from their site….
“Within these pages lies simple, direct, impactful, published and unpublished mentalism material written by a selection of authors who are considered, by many, as experts in their respective fields. These authors each have their own style; their own outlook on the art form and so, in theory, there should be at least something for everyone contained here.
Please take your time to read each piece thoroughly, practice and put in the effort and you will most definitely reap the reward. The pieces, presentations and plots that
follow are not to be simply disregarded; while the cost of this collection is zero, the same cannot be said for its value…”
-Table of Content-
PREFACE by Tom Wong
DIVERGENT by Craig Logan
NO LUCK NEEDED by Ever Elizalde
THE EYES OF THE SEER by Paul Voodini
NUMBER STEAL MIND READING by Nico Heinrich
MNEMORPHING by Nico Heinrich
BINOCULARS (Whisper In My Ear) by Steve Wachner
FLASH PIN by Adrien Lochon
All you need to do is go to their signup page and leave your email. In a flash, or two, the download link will magically appear in your inbox… Enjoy!
Signup here: http://eepurl.com/drqZTz
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THE MAGIC OF ANNIE ABBOTT – The Little Georgia Magnet – Article
David J O’Connor
When we think of magic it often conjures up brightly decorated tubes, boxes, rabbits, doves and the usual magic tricks and paraphernalia that 
magicians normally use. However over the years there have been some performers who have resorted to other forms of magical entertainment.
And so for Dixie Annie Haygood (Nee Jarrett) born in 1861 in Baldwin County, Georgia U S A, she too was to become a magician who never used the traditional magicians props. Little Annie was to soon become known as,” Annie Abbott the Georgia Magnet” with an act that would take her right around the world.
While she never disclosed how her powers worked, she became known as a magicienne and top vaudeville entertainer. During this time there were a number of other imitators or magnetic performers, each copying the other. Hypnotism and electricity were new phenomena that offered the opportunity for performers to capitalize on these new found realities by suggesting that their powers were somehow related to electrical forces and hypnotic suggestion and magnetism.
In 1884 Annie and her husband witnessed a strange act on their local town hall stage by a woman named Lulu Hurst. Lulu it appeared could cause a group of men to lift her up when she wanted them to, and then when the men tried to lift her again, they were unable to do so. It was this performance by Lulu that triggered Annie to work out how it was done and then by 1884 she presented her own version to the public.
Being such a petite lady only 5ft tall and weighing less than 100 lbs, she immediately made a hit, as Lulu Hurst was a much heavier lady. Annie’s act consisted of holding a billiard cue in one hand while a group of men tried to force the billiard cue to the ground but were unable to do so. Somehow Annie had developed above-normal strength. Four men would try to lift her off her feet but again were unable to budge her. Again the four would try to lift her and failed but when Annie willed it, they then found they could. Then by placing her hand on a man’s head she was able to lift the man off his feet seemingly with no effort at all, yet four men could not do the same with her. Holding a billiard cue out in front of her, the same group of strong fellows were unable to move her backwards.
After her husband was shot dead Annie decided to perform her new found skill in order to support her 3 children and became a master of self-promotion. She began to tour around the U S A and soon became sought after on the vaudeville circuit.
With a good manager and agent, she was invited to demonstrate her powers in England. After a very successful 6 week run at a London theatre, she began a 2 year tour of Europe performing for royalty and heads of state. Harry Houdini who witnessed her act said “Annie Abbott was one of the greatest vaudeville acts in England”, while the renowned British illusionist John Nevil Maskelyne also praised her act highly.
After Annie was introduced on stage, her manager would at great length describe her strange powers whereby she could overpower the energy of any strong men in the audience. Claims were made and then shown how she could lift as many as 4 or 6 men at the same time, yet they were unable to lift her. She was repeatedly often examined by doctors on stage who were quite mystified at her supposed powers. She even knew how to slow and stop her pulse, (a common magician’s trick) but one that fooled the physicians. In reality Annie Abbott had an uncanny knowledge of physics and how it related to leverage, balance, force and a person’s centre of gravity.
After her European tour she performed all over Japan and New Zealand. She had some bad press in New Zealand when some newspapers tried to discredit her act by disclosing how some of her performance was done but this did not deter her ongoing success. Annie’s magnetic act was quite novel and unique for the period. Dynamo has succeeded recently in performing one of Annie Abbott’s feats where a very strong champion boxer failed to lift him off the ground. If this whole act was performed on stage today, it would hold little interest for an audience, because it is by its nature, is a long winded performance and quite drawn out, despite what the Georgia Magnet could do.
She also by suggestion implied that she could transmit her power to children and this she demonstrated. Then began a series of disclosures made by a few different newspapers, all claiming how her effects were done. Yet despite these bold disclosures her popularity increased, as even men of science had no explanation for how she could resist the strength of heavier, stronger men, yet was able to lift a man by placing her hand on his head. When the occasion arose Annie Abbott would sometimes infer that she was also a spirit medium and thus had a great following from among spiritualists.
Some of you may have tried those party tricks where a person stands near a wall with their arms outstretched against the wall. A group of people are then invited to push that person from behind, as hard as they can, yet the person will remain firm and unable to be pushed against the wall. Another trick is to have a person sit on a chair surrounded by four others who place their hands on top of the seated persons head, all pushing downwards on their head. After a few minutes each person places just their fingers under the seated person legs and lift upwards. The seated person will be lifted up effortlessly.
In 2003 the International Brotherhood of Magicians wrote a fascinating article in their magazine The Linking Ring with Annie’s photograph on the cover, thus giving her full recognition as a successful, magical performer. In Annie’s case she did not use magic tricks we are familiar with but instead men and children from her audiences. She will be long remembered as an unusual act that never the less caught the attention of the Victorian age she lived in.
Recently well-known author Susan J. Harrington (PhD) has written the book, Annie Abbott “The Little Georgia Magnet & the True Story of Dixie Haygood” (ISBN # 3781452847306) A book I highly recommend. It’s about women in magic and vaudeville, spiritualism, theatre and the difficulties associated with being on the road to bring their entertainments to the world.
Annie Abbott the little Georgia Magnet lies at rest in the town of Milledgeville Georgia, the same town she was born in. Her act is acknowledged by the magic fraternity to be worthy enough to be remembered in our magic archives. She died on November 21st 1915. One lesson we can learn from Annie was her enormous success at self-promotion and having an act that was so different became successful. Is your act different?
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Article from.. “A Journey Through A History of Magic“, by David J O’Connor
Most of you are familiar with the articles I’ve published on the history of various magicians. I’ve received many great comments from readers who both enjoyed and appreciated the articles and pictures. Now, David J O’Connor, the author of all the articles, has compiled them into one ebook featuring about 60 different present and past performers. I have the ebook.. and I highly encourage you to spend the ten dollars and buy the entire collection… Now available at Lybrary.com for instant download……
https://www.lybrary.com/a-journey-through-a-history-of-magic-p-922428.html
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The Wealthy Magician: Manifesto for Professionals by Richy Roy
Master the Business of Magic
Review by Rick Carruth
I’m a marketing junkie. I’ve published articles and newsletters for years detailing marketing techniques. That said.. when I received The Wealthy Magician, I couldn’t wait to dig in and see what Mr. Roy had to say about marketing and magic. Here is the ad copy…
“Start living your dream as a professional entertainer by learning the strategies and tools used by leaders all around the world, as it applies specifically to magicians of all types. The skills and abilities gained from this book will give you the edge over your competitors and bolster your finances.
The best part is, you don’t need to be a grand illusionist or have to travel the world to become a full-time working professional magician. Also, you certainly don’t need to perform in cruise ships, casinos, or sold-out theaters to earn a six-figure income as an entertainer. You can take these developed strategies to start building your sustainable business in your own hometown, regardless of its size or how much competition works in your area. Learn what you are truly worth and why you’re not charging nearly enough for your services, regardless of what type of magician you are.”
You will learn:
– What your price tag should be
– Why you’re not charging enough
– Why you’re worth every dollar
– How to add value to your services
– How to master social media marketing
– The best way to negotiate higher prices
– And so much more!
My Take….
At 331 pages and 85 chapters.. THE WEALTHY MAGICIAN is quite an undertaking. Then again, marketing is quite the subject. Richy is determined to help everyone, and willing to tackle almost every subject you can think of concerning our art.
I’ve read many a book on marketing, whether it was marketing yourself, a product, or a cause. Many of the same techniques that apply to selling a product, for example, apply to selling yourself. And, as magicians, that’s exactly what we do. Why should someone hire me over the magician on the other side of town? What can he offer that I can’t? Unfortunately, many magicians think it comes down to price and who is more affordable? That could be true, but if you know anything about marketing, you understand that good marketing takes price out of the equation. Our ‘goal’ of offering the best price is perhaps our biggest downfall.
The Wealthy Magician is divided into three parts: (1) Pricing your Act. (2) Marketing your Act. and (3) Selling your Act.
Richy is a firm proponent of getting the highest price possible for your act. He spends page upon page guiding you in how to value yourself. Unfortunately, most magicians undervalue themselves out of fear. They are afraid of asking for what they want.. and instead ask for what they think they can get. Richy feels the typical magician is caught in a mindset of what he thinks he should be worth, as opposed to what he’s actually worth. Unfortunately, many magicians arrive at the figure of what they ‘think’ they’re worth based on what lesser magicians charge for their services. Richy goes into great detail with examples and real life stories to prove his points.
The marketing portion is equally as detailed. Once you determine your true value, it’s time to put yourself out there and get recognition. There are so many ways to market yourself, and I know from experience Richy hits the nail on the head with many of his chapters… particularly ” Be Uncommon” and “Create realistic, specific, and demanding goals..” You aren’t David Copperfield.. but you also aren’t the magician down the street anymore. You’re a special performer.. a professional.. and you deserve to be treated like one.
Probably the one area magicians don’t understand most is.. selling. You HAVE to sell yourself. You have to set yourself above other locals. You have to show your clients why they should contract with you. What’s in it for them? Why are you worth your fee?
I’m so glad Richy Roy took time to go deep. At $49.95 THE WEALTHY MAGICIAN isn’t cheap, but he has made it worth the price. If you can learn to raise your fee even ten to twenty percent.. how much more will you make next year? This isn’t an investment in your magic library, it’s an investment in yourself and your future.
Honestly, if you can’t profit from this book, I don’t think you’re intended for the world of magic. Continue to give free and/or inexpensive shows and be happy. Don’t think about money. Not everyone should be a professional performer. But, if that’s your goal, and if you’re not going to rest until you’re making a good living as a magician, invest 50 bucks in your future. Don’t think twice…
$49.95 from dealers who carry the Murphy’s Magic line of products..
http://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=62387
Promo video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MdMlmaZ3TI
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Hobson’s Choice Magic Video Theater – Free Lecture Videos
Jeff is a friend of the Magic Roadshow, having provided several wonderful effects for Roadshow readers. ( See this month’s free PDF for several of the effects..) Aside from being a highly popular guy who tours the world with The Illusionists, Jeff sells a few very personal items, like egg bags for example, that he uses, or has used, for years. He also provides detailed, sometimes hour long, video on their use. He also publishes a private video theater on his site that is only accessible to folks like yourself who sign up for his once-a-blue-moon emails.
“Become a member to receive your password to access Jeff Hobson’s private video theater FREE OF CHARGE! Many videos you will never see anywhere else PLUS all of the classic Lecture Network interviews and lectures by magic’s biggest names (we are currently adding videos). You’ll also get special offers and discounts only available to members.”
His latest add is a lecture by David Shimshi.. a very good lecture at that.. particularly if you enjoy card magic.. All the lectures and videos are published on his site, and you do not need to download anything. Just scan the lectures and click on what you want to watch. Most of the lectures are an hour to an hour and a half. Some of the other lectures and/or interviews include:
Walter Blaney
Stan Allen
Daryl
Ali Bongo
Losander
Gerry McCambridge
Cyril Takayama
Channing Pollock
Jimmy Grippo
Peter Reveen
Hans Klok
John Calvert (full show)
..and more –
Everything is FREE. All you have to do is sign up. Jeff will send you a follow-up email about once every two or three months.. I look forward to them…
http://www.hobsonschoicemagic.com/ Look for the blue box near the top.
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ROGUE Easy To Do Mentalism with Cards
Steven Palmer and Bigblindmedia
Review by Rick Carruth
A new product by Bigblindmedia, ROGUE, uses a unique set-up to create mental miracles with cards. Here’s the Ad Copy….
On ROGUE Steven Palmer teaches you how to use a pack of cards to perform absolute miracles. With Steven’s brilliant psychological chicanery and a handful of easily achievable moves you will be armed and ready to unleash what looks like REAL mindreading powers.
Central to this project is VOID – Steven’s acclaimed ‘thought-of-card’ revelation. This is a true POWERHOUSE of a trick. It might just be the fairest ‘think a card’ you will ever do with a normal deck. ‘Void’ gives you all the power of the ‘Koran Deck’ or the ‘Mind Power Deck’ but with a (slightly tweaked) regular deck of cards!
Key points to remember:
Easy set up
A regular deck with no gaffs or duplicates – just some simple tweaks!
Quick reset – ideal for strolling performers
Suitable for ALL skill levels
Looks incredibly fair
A reliable method!!!
You’ll also learn the DEVIANT SHUFFLE – Steven’s patented false shuffle that looks ridiculously fair but keeps everything exactly where you need it. AND then you’ll master the breather crimp with Steven’s ingenious touches and extra layers which take a great tool and make it indispensable.
And that is just the start – ROGUE features another SEVEN brilliant routines!
FEATURES:
Void (Version I and II)
Thought of Monte
Heroes & Villains
Technically Missing
Memorabilia
Out of My Sight
Medley
Deadcut
My Take:
I am such a fan of mental magic.. and I call this ‘mental magic’ as opposed to ‘mentalism’ in deference to a couple of friends who are full-time mentalists. Regardless, Steven has produced a well-thought-out video, almost 2 hours and 30 minutes long, full of fresh and original thinking. It’s difficult to be truly original, but I would say ROGUE is on the right side of that debate by leaps and bounds.
First.. Steven goes to lengths to help buyers understand the physical side of his effects. I do notice the ad copy states ‘no gaffs or duplicates’. That’s a slightly grey area, as a gaffed card IS used.. but it’s not a part of the 52 card deck. It’s a Joker that’s modified to help set up VOID. Not a big deal.. but it is something you’ll need to take a few minutes to create. Another card will be, as they say, ‘tweaked’. I think it’s fair to call a card with a breather crimp ‘tweaked’. I’m not being picky here. Just letting you know that a couple of small modifications are employed to achieve big effects.
Just as with other mind reading decks, a set-up is used. The set-up is what makes the impossible… possible. Steven’s Deviant Shuffle, a false shuffle, makes everything totally fair and disarms the spectator, allowing you to work your magic.
I really like the premise behind VOID, and VOID provides the set-up for the other seven effects. There is a common thread here, and it’s not complicated to learn or remember. Most important is a brief statement that subconsciously directs the spectator in a certain direction and makes your work so much easier. I wish I could tell you more, but…
The basis of VOID allows the performer to know the exact card selected by the spectator from a stack of approximately ten to twelve cards. Several of the effects expand on this premise, but use the same basic method. VOID also allows you to work with a stacked deck that has been ‘almost’ freely shuffled before the effect begins. The only bit of subterfuge on your part is being able to release a few cards from one stack before the cards begin to interlace.. Simple stuff.
MEDLEY is probably my favorite. It’s presented as a gambling demonstration, but still has the mental magic feel, plus a rapid fire presentation that keeps the spectator off-kilter and confused… in a good way. Everyone will have their own favorite.
As for the video, it’s typical BigBlindMedia quality… filmed in what appears to be a studio of some sort, with help from Liam and a few female spectators. Lighting is fine, camera angles are fine.. and multiple cameras are used.. and aside from a slight echo, audio is good. No complaints and no reason to NOT buy the DVD for technical reasons. (The head shot on the back wall is a little disturbing.. in a cool way.)
There is nothing required of consumers beyond advanced beginner moves. If you’re reading this, chances are you are more than qualified to perform all eight of these effects. If you would like to add several strong mental magic effects to your repertoire, I recommend ROGUE.
Available from magic dealers who carry the Murphy’s Magic line of products..
$30.00 – Available instantly as a two part video download…
https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=63100
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Pasteboard Revelations – by Paul Lelekis – A Review
by Rick Carruth
PASTEBOARD REVELATIONS is like the big brother of the past several ebooks by Paul Lelekis. Certain books strike me certain ways, and Pasteboard Revelations strikes me as one of my very favorite of Paul’s many magical ebooks.
There is definitely something for everyone. The ebook begins with an effect that, when performed properly, will stand out in the minds of both lay people and magicians alike. Videos are provided to cover a couple of false shuffles and cement the visual aspects.
Another two effects use a killer cyclical stack that has fallen from popular grace simply because another cyclical stack ‘seems’ a tad easier.. although it’s not.
Mathedology and Nuclear Fusion both use different methods to reveal cards selected by two different spectators. These are ideal for couples.
Cardbox Magic uses a simple technique I’ve used for many years.. and I can attest to its power when performed for lay folks. It’s ideal for walk-around and restaurant work, as a table is not needed.
Marlo Poker Deal is different. A table IS needed.. but you’ll certainly get a ton of bang for your buck.. Paul has simplified this deal from the original to both make it easier and, in my opinion, more visual.
I recommend Pasteboard Revelations to anyone who wants several professional effects for near nothing..
Table of Contents…
WOW! – A deck is shuffled and a card chosen and returned. The performer shuffles the deck well…yet all the red cards are separated from the black cards and the “red chosen selection” is amongst the blacks! Videos are provided to help you master the false shuffles.
RIVERBOAT STACK – TWO EFFECTS INCLUDED! Learn the best cyclical stack known, with an ESP effect, and another impossible effect.. Like the Stebbins Stack.. except better…
NUCLEAR FUSION – A fusion effect for couples or friends that will give them a ‘forever’ souvenir for “good-luck”! This is the best and most logical fusion effect ever! Perfect for restaurants..
CARD BOX MAGIC – This quick effect seems impossible! Have a card signed and lost in the deck. Place the deck into the card box. Place the cased deck under a hanky or in your shirt pocket and INSTANTLY remove the signed selection! Don’t let its simplicity fool you, I’ve used it successfully for years..
MATHEDOLOGY – Yet another great effect to play for a couple or friends! This is a coincidence effect that NO ONE will ever think is mathematically based…but it is! Very clever! One of those effects you don’t believe will work… until it does..
MARLO POKER DEAL – An ingeniously clever Poker Deal that is SO easy to do, you won’t believe it! A spectator picks out ANY five cards he wants from a deck of cards and the
performer “explains” how to deal out a winning hand! The five cards picked out by the spectator turn up to be a Royal Flush in Spades! NO PACKET SWITCHES! Just clever as hell! Get your patter down, and you’ll use this over and over..
This PDF is $10.00 at:
https://www.lybrary.com/pasteboard-revelations-p-922714.html
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Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 4 and 5 -Plus- 40 Masters of Illusion shows.
2018, Season 5
Click the link at the end of this list to watch any of these shows.. I have provided the names of each of the four performers on every show to make it easy to find a particular performer.. Say “Thank you, Rick !”
Episode 13 October 1, 2018
Let’s Hear it for the Kids
Kiko Pastur, close-up magician, Spanish
Jason Palter, comedy magician, Canadian
Michael Gee, card magician, British
Bryan Saint, illusionist, American
Episode 12 September 24, 2018
Never Trust a Magician
Alexandra Duvivier, card magician, French
Christine Barger & Darlene Hollywood, mentalists, American
Jamie Allan, close-up illusionist, British
Christopher Grace, mentalist, Irish-American
Episode 11 September 3, 2018
The Fool Us Zone
Tyler Twombly, close-up illusionist, American
Dr. Michael Rubinstein, coin magician, American
Anastasia Synn, illusionist, American
Adam Cheyer, card magician, American
Episode 10 August 27, 2018
Penn & Teller Keep You in Suspense
Simon Pierro, illusionist, German
Nicholas Wallace, stunt mentalist, Canadian
Darcy Oake, close-up/card magician, Canadian
Alex Geiser, coin magician, American
Episode 9 August 20, 2018
Teller’s Gambling Problem
Will Bradshaw, stunt magician, American
Eric Dittelman, comedy mentalist, American
Christian Engblom, close-up/card magician, Finnish
Compagnie des Dragonfly, illusionist group, French
Episode 8 August 13, 2018
Here Lie Penn & Teller
Damien James, mentalist/ventriloquist, Canadian
Kelvin Chow, close-up/card magician, Chinese
Joshua Lozoff, mentalist, American
Murray Sawchuck, illusionist, Canadian
Episode 7 August 6, 2018
Imagine (Magic) Dragons
Erik Tait, comedy magician, American
Rebecca Herrera, mentalist, British
TanBA, danger magician, Japanese
Ian Stewart, stunt magician/hypnotist, Canadian
Episode 6 July 30, 2018
Penn & Teller Against the World
Taijyu Fujiyama, close-up/stage magician, Japanese
Pit Hartling, close-up/card magician, German
Helen Coghlan, illusionist, Australian
Menny Lindenfeld, mentalist, Israeli
Episode 5 July 23, 2018
Psych!!
Emily Victoria, mentalist, American
Patrick Folkerts, illusionist, German
Migz, close-up/card magician, American
Seth Grabel, escape artist, American
Episode 4 July 16, 2018
Here Comes the Magic
Danny Cole, illusionist, American
Kostya Kimlat, card magician, Ukrainian-American
Håkan Berg, comedy magician, Swedish
John Hinton, close-up magician, American
Episode 3 July 9, 2018
Penn & Teller Get Loopy
Ryan Chandler, close-up magician, American
Ryan Hayashi, samurai/coin magician, Asian-Canadian
Dirk Losander, illusionist, German
Ed Ripley, close-up magician, American
Episode 2 July 2, 2018
The Rematch – Magicians who previously fooled Penn & Teller return to see if they can do so again.
Vinny Grosso, comedy magician, American
Morgan & West, close-up and stage, British
Paul Gertner, close-up/card magician, American
Eric Jones, coin magician, American
Episode 1 June 25, 2018
Penn the Magic Dragon
Matt Marcy, comedy magician, American
The Sentimentalists, mentalism, Canadian
Andrew Evans, illusionist, American
Dom Chambers, close-up magician, Australian
2017 Season 4……………..
1 “Penn & Teller Teach You a Trick” 13 July 2017
Richard Turner, card mechanic, American
Young & Strange, illusionist, British
Kayla Drescher, illusionist, American
Mike Super, mentalist, American
2 “Penn, Teller and a Mind Reading Chicken” 20 July 2017
Jonathan Burns, comedy magician, American
Jo De Rijck, mentalist, Belgian
David Caserta, illusionist, American
Jimmy Ichihana, close-up/card magician, American
3 “Teller Flips a Bird” 27 July 2017
Misty Lee, close-up magician, American
Shin Lim[a], close-up magician, American
Andi Gladwin, comedy magician, British
Hatfields, illusionist, Canadian
4 “50/50 Chance” 3 August 2017
Matt Johnson, escape artist, Canadian
Siegfried Tieber, close-up/card magician, Ecuadorian
Jason Fields, close-up/coin magician, American
Jessica Jane Peterson, illusionist, American
5 “Does This Trick Ring a Bell?” 10 August 2017
Dyno Staats, illusionist, American
Aiden Sinclair, mentalist, American
Axel Adler, illusionist, Swedish
David Parr, close-up/card magician, American
6 “Something Fishy This Way Comes” 17 August 2017
Dan Sperry, illusionist, American
Jean-Pierre Parent[b], comedy magician, Canadian
Naathan Phan, illusionist, British
Richard Forget, illusionist, Canadian
7 “A Big Round of Applause for Alyson” 24 August 2017
Riccardo Berdini, mentalist, Italian
Yan Markson, close-up magician, Russian-Canadian
Ondrej Pšenicka, close-up magician, Czech
Glenn Morphew, close-up/card magician, American
8 “I Dream of Genie Tube” 7 September 2017
Dennis Watkins, mentalist, American
Jeff McBride, manipulation, American
Kevin Li, close-up illusionist, American
Steve Marshall, dice stacking magician, American
9 “Penn & Teller Are Full of Hot Air” 14 September 2017
Liberty Larsen, close-up/card and magician, N/A
Jorge Blass, close-up/card and magician, Spanish
Paul Gertner, close-up/card and magician, American
Sergio Starman, close-up magician, Italian
10 “Monkey Business” 21 September 2017
Sean-Paul, close-up/card and magician, American
Jason Andrews, illusionist, American
Eric Mead, close-up and magician, American
Reza Borchardt, American
11 “Penn Does the Heavy Lifting” 25 September 2017
Stuart MacDonald, close-up magician, American
Kyle Littleton, card magician, American
Lion Fludd, close-up/card magician, American
The Beckers, illusionists, American
12 “Penn & Teller & Dracula” 28 September 2017
Mike Bliss, comedy magician, American
Ekaterina, mentalist, Canadian
Javi Benitez, close-up/card and magician, Spanish
Ran Gafner, mentalist, Israeli
13 “Hanging Out with Penn & Teller” 30 November 2017]
Patrik Kuffs, close-up/card and magician, N/A
Todd Lamanske, American
Adam Wilber, close-up/card and magician, American
Hector, close-up illusionist, Spanish
Jen Kramer and AmberLynn Walker
You can watch all the season 5 shows.. -plus- all the season 4 shows.. -plus- 40 Masters of Illusion shows. Look for the links…. All the shows stream online… Nothing to download….
http://www.cwtv.com/shows/penn-teller-fool-us/
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This Month’s FREE PDF – Bunches of Effects
This is the seventh PDF in a series of ten. First, you’ll find 44 pages full of effects from wonderful contributors. Secondly, you’ll find 30 different effects that cover a wide variety of styles. These are all effects featured in the Magic Roadshow through the years. I REALLY think you’ll enjoy this..! Actually.. I KNOW you’ll enjoy this..
Look for effects by:
David John O’Connor
Mick Ayres
Paul Lelekis
Jeff Hobson
Eliyahu Wincelberg
Ed Marlo
Seth Grabel
Stewart James
John Murray
Jerry Mentzer
U.F. Grant
Rick Carruth
https://magicroadshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MagicRoadshow-07.pdf
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18 Magic Tricks For Kids – Video Tutorial
This nice little 5 minute video details 18 different tricks, most involving crafts, that’s ideal for kids. Nothing shocking or new.. but definitely something to remind you of a couple of tricks I’ll bet you’ve forgotten..
http://www.magicalmysteries.org
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Make Money APPEAR From Nowhere – Video Tutorial
Jay Sankey teaches you how to make a number of coins ‘appear’ from nowhere.. It uses a classic of magic.. in a new way. Even if you aren’t a big coin guy, you CAN do this..
I like it…
https://youtu.be/gmo5aJNBFEM
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David Copperfield’s ‘Deck In Balloon’ Trick Revealed – Video Tutorial
Jay Sankey created the original Deck In Balloon trick back in the ’80s. Known then as ‘Airtight’ .. Jay gave David permission to use the trick. Now, he gives YOU permission to use the trick. It’s NOT self-working.. but it’s not beyond you.
I like this.. too..
https://youtu.be/fqHLl88vJek
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Is Hypnosis Fake? Watch This TEDX Video – Video
Everyone has their own thoughts. Watch this interesting 25 minute video performance and lecture.
http://magicblog.org
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HALLOWEEN !!
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25 Most Terrifying Halloween Costumes – List and Photos
While most people wear silly or iconic costumes for Halloween, others put on terrifying costumes and scare the guts out of their friends. We’re talking about scary ghouls, demons, zombies, mummies, and a host of other bizarre creature-like things! Are you thinking about which Halloween costume you will wear this year? If so, you should check out our list. From the living dead to the bizarre, these are the 25 Most Terrifying Halloween Costumes.
https://list25.com/25-most-terrifying-halloween-costumes/
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Grate. Pair. Share – Ghoulishly Good Halloween Treats
Nice, free, PDF for the foodies amongst you. Full of Halloween treats
https://issuu.com/dumoac2859/docs/freedownload-jinx-tonic-the-magic-mixology-mystery-series-book-3-download-ebook-pdf-kindle
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10 Real Photos That Have Left Skeptics Stumped
In celebration of Halloween.. I’ve included a video of 10 strange photos found on the internet in years past. No promises.. no guarantees.. just weird. Almost 14 minutes in length.
https://youtu.be/toipLv_sOy4
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Golden Arm: A Probabilistic Study of Dice Control in Craps – Free PDF
by Donald R. Smith & Robert Scott III
“Wine loved I deeply, dice dearly…..”
(William Shakespeare, King Lear, Act 3, Scene 4)
I truly enjoy coming up with something different for the Roadshow. The internet can be a wonderful resource -if- you’re lucky enough to run across the right combination of key words during a search. This was one of those searches….
“Craps is a unique casino game because the shooter directly affects (i.e., picks up and throws) the gambling instruments (dice). Craps players, more than other casino gamblers, may be the most susceptible to Langer’s (1975) illusion of control where they think they can control the outcome of a random game. In James Henslin’s article “Craps and Magic” (1967) subjects were asked to roll a die. He found that when they wanted high numbers they threw hard and when the wanted low numbers they threw softly.
“If one were going to try to exert control over a chance event, one would exert
influence before the outcome of the event was determined. […]
This paper calculates how much control a craps shooter must possess on dice outcomes to eliminate the house advantage. A golden arm is someone who has dice control (or a rhythm roller or dice influencer). There are various strategies for dice control in craps. We discuss several possibilities of dice control that would result in several different mathematical models of control
We outline the most common dice control methods to measure the exact change in outcomes needed to overcome the house’s advantage in a pass line bet in craps. We discuss several possibilities of dice control that would result in several different mathematical models of control. We do not assert whether dice control is possible or not (there is a lack of published evidence). However, after studying casino-legal methods described by dice-control advocates, we can see only one realistic mathematical model that describes the resulting possible dice control, that in which the four faces on a rotating (horizontal) axis are favored. This is the model that we analyze in this paper. We develop a deterministic model that yields solutions with static conditions. This information can be used in two ways: First, it gives dice controllers a specific minimum goal required to beat the traditional house advantage. Second, it provides estimates for how likely these outcomes are in random play.”
https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1375&context=grrj
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The History Channel Presents: The Dice Dominator – Video
A One Hour Special You Can Watch Online…
The story behind the man called the Dominator ( Dominic LoRiggio )
From the physics behind the flight of dice to the eight critical steps to mastering the act of tossing two dice, we reveal the true story behind the Dominator’s phenomenal rise to riches through a seemingly impossible challenge – to control the outcome of a craps game with the flick of a wrist.
https://www.goldentouchcraps.com/HistoryChannel.shtml
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Potter & Potter Auctions’ Can’t-Miss Late Fall Sales Event To Present
The Full Contents of Johnny Fox’s Freakatorium.
Fox’s Barnumesque museum featured natural and unnatural oddities, many related to circus sideshow performers and attractions, as well as historical objects d’art, stage illusions, photographs, and tabloid style ephemera.
Chicago, Il, October 18, 2018- Potter & Potter Auctions is pleased to announce their almost 700 lot Freakatorium: The Collection of Johnny Fox Auction to be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 starting at 10am at the company’s gallery, located at 3759 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613. Renowned sword swallower, magician, and performer John Robert Fox (1953-2017) amassed a huge spectrum of grotesque, bizarro, and surreal curiosities which he displayed at his Freakatorium, “El Museo Loco,” in New York City from 1999-2005. All of these wonders will be on display and available for preview on Thursday, November 8th and Friday, November 9th from 10:00am to 5:00pm in the Potter & Potter facility.
Many of the sale’s top lots are associated with the big top and other traveling entertainment venues of the 19th and 20th century. Lot #1, a brightly painted sideshow banner by the “Picasso” of circus art Fred Johnson (1892-1990) is estimated at $4,000-6,000. Titled Freaks Past and Present, this c. 1950 piece from the O’Henry Tent & Awning Company of Chicago measures 115” x 316” and depicts an array of famous sideshow acts, including a three-legged man, a two-headed man, a frog boy, and others. The images are flanked by bright panels of text. Lot #15, a Snap Wyatt Studios c. 1945 Freaks. Alive entrance-type canvas sideshow banner is estimated at $3,000-5,000. This 100-½” x 342” masterpiece features sideshow attractions such as the alligator skin lady, a conehead, a sword swallower, and more. It is branded with two stenciled Snap Wyatt logos. Lot #338, a color lithograph depicting Jumbo the elephant giving kids rides on his back is estimated at $3,000-5,000. This c. 1882 linen backed poster measures 37” x 31” and was produced by Strobridge of Cincinnati. Lot #334, a linen backed color lithograph entitled P.T. Barnum’s and Great London Combined. Santa Claus in His Royal Chariot of State is estimated at $1,200-1,500. This c. 1880s example, also by Strobridge, shows Father Christmas distributing toys to a crowd of children, along with two reindeer and a driver. It measures 35-¼” x 29-¼”. And lot #56, thirteen signs for the Freakatorium – based on legacy circus and sideshow themes – are estimated at $400-600. These sheet metal signs were painted by Adrian Clara and include a 39” x 53” “Cabinet of Curiosities” sign and a dozen smaller exhibition placards.
Fox’s New York City Freakatorium museum remarkably showcased over 1,000 oddities within a 500 square foot venue. These objects ranged from antique to modern, organic to configured, and functional to made purely for shock value.
Items featuring human or animal body parts have a leg up in this collection. Lot #559, a c. 16th century pre-Columbian human skull from Oaxaca, Mexico is estimated at $1,000-1,500. Its eyes are covered in seashell discs. The skull is believed to be of the Zapotec culture, an indigenous pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in the Valley of Oaxaca in Mesoamerica over 2,500 years ago. Lot #293, a collection of seven life sized wax arms and hands from various museum wax figures is estimated at $80-125. These were likely made by Gems of London in Great Britain in the 1960s. Lot #645, a human head on a sword sideshow illusion, is estimated at $500-1,000. This curiosity features a disembodied human head – alive, talking, and moving – sitting on the blade of a sword resting across the arms of a large wooden chair. And lot #281, a 12” long “Fiji Mermaid” made by Mark Frierson of Tampa in c. 1999 is estimated at $300-400. This desiccated, mythical creature – first introduced to the world in 1842 by P.T. Barnum at his Barnum’s American Museum – is assembled from a hairy man’s head, human arms, lizard like claws, a torso with exterior ribbing, and a fish tail.
Can’t-look-away antiquities, props, and artifacts from the Freakatorium are certain to also capture worldwide attention through this sale. Lot #282, a collection of various wooden items carved by Charles Tripp (1855-1930) using his feet is estimated at $1,000-1,500. Tripp was born without arms, but nevertheless managed to become a skilled carpenter and calligrapher. The lot includes two pairs of wooden scissors, a wooden chain with twenty-six links and a three-piece clasp, two carpenter’s dividers, a monogram for James H. Boyer – the person for whom the items were carved – as well as two postcards and a cabinet photo. Lot #533, a 1763 coffin-shaped wood container for holy relics, is estimated at $800-1,200. This reliquary is decorated with a glass front bounded by gilt roping and oval compartments and includes ex-ossibus relics of eight saints. Its back features an attestation from the Abbott of St. Matthias’ Church Parish in Genoa, Italy, dated August 14, 1763, indicating that the relics were authenticated on April 11, 1619 by Abbott D. Fabiano Richerio. Lot #247, a finely made miniature boot reportedly owned by Charles S. Stratton, better known as Tom Thumb (1838-1883) is estimated at $500-750. The footwear is detailed with rose-colored leather lining and a floral pattern stamped in the sole. It measures about 6-¾” high and 4-¾” long and is accompanied by a typed exhibit card bearing a brief bio of Tom Thumb, and stating, “This boot was worn by him.” And lot #650, Fox’s “Cracker Shooting” helmet prop, is estimated at $400-600. This repurposed WWI helmet was used by Fox for his version of the stunt made famous by Vaudeville showman Kar-Mi (Joseph Hallworth, 1872-1956), in which the performer swallows a loaded gun barrel, then shoots a cracker off of the head of an audience volunteer with the bullet.
This Freakatorium auction, like many of Potter & Potter’s world-class events, includes a number of important archives. These collections of primary source materials are ideal for academic institutions, historical societies, specialty museums, or independent researchers. Lot #261, an archive of materials from Robert Marshall, better known as Marshall the Mystic (1876-1943) is estimated at $2,000-3,000. Marshall performed variously as a hat juggler, magician, pantomimist, and medical lecturer. This collection includes approximately 100 photographs, as well as snapshots, postcards, glass negatives, drawings, and about 100 additional pieces of performance ephemera. Lot #39, an archive of Johnny Eck “Half Boy” materials from the 1920s -60s is estimated at $800-1,200. John Eckhardt (1911-1991) was born without the lower half of his torso yet managed to overcome this enormous disability to become a world-famous sideshow performer, as well as a movie actor, artist, musician, photographer, illusionist, penny arcade owner, Punch and Judy operator, and expert model maker. Eck’s archive includes thirteen original photographs, two original typed signed letters, and additional photocopied letters. And lot #264, an archive of research on human oddities collected by William Woodworth of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is estimated at $800-1,200. This cache, collected over the 1880s-1920s timeframe, includes manuscripts, clippings, photographs, cabinet cards, and letters detailing Woodworth’s study of human oddities, including Siamese twin and humans with missing legs and other mutations.
Books, photographs, drawings, and other ephemeral items helped the Freakatorium tell its stories through these time-capsule materials. Lot #241, a book entitled Greatest Wonder On Earth. Jo! Jo! The Dog Faced Man. published in c. 1882 by Popular Publishing of New York is estimated at $250-350. This rare, eight page book features hand-colored pictorial wrappers and was most likely sold after Jo Jo’s (Fedor Adrianovich Jeftichew, 1868-1904) performances on the Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson circus sideshow. Lot #94, two silver prints of albino sword swallower Lady Sandra Reed from c. 1970, are estimated at $1,000-1,500. They are attributed to photographer Diane Arbus (1923-1971) and include one shot of the performer kneeling and the second with a sword raised in preparation for the attempt. The prints are believed to be unique, and are accompanied by a note of provenance by Reed. Reed held the world’s record for the number of swords swallowed by a woman. And lot #390, a whiteprint plan for Coney Island’s famous “The Whip” carnival ride, is estimated at $600-800. Originally patented and manufactured in 1915, this plan details the 1918 iteration of W.F. Mangels’ most famous ride invention. This sale includes about ten early 20th century ride plans created by Mangels for Coney Island’s emerging entertainment business.
This grand event rounds out with robust offerings of taxidermy, antiques, artwork, and selections that simply defy conventional categories. Lot #245, a brass “Champion Strong Woman of the World “ trophy belt presented to Minerva (Josephine Blatt., c. 1869-1923) by Richard K. Fox of The Police Gazette in 1893 New York is estimated at $3,000-5,000. Lot #43, a detailed illustration of a barber and wig shop, executed entirely in human hair, is estimated at $600-900. This French work, dating from the 19th century, measures 26” x 22-½” and features a distracted barber with straight razor in hand, a wary customer, a wig restorer at work, and other characters. And bidders are certain to lock horns over lot #287, a “unicorn skull” made by artist Mark Frierson in 1999. It was the displayed at the Freakatorium under a banner reading “skulls are extremely rare and this particular specimen is only one of a handful known to exist in the world today. It was uncovered from beneath the ruins of an ancient medieval castle in Europe.” The unicorn skull is estimated at $500-700 and includes its original Freakatorium signage.
According to Gabe Fajuri, President at Potter & Potter Auctions, “Johnny Fox was a true lover of the sideshow, circus, and traveling showbiz life he lived, paying homage to and studying the stories of his predecessors at his museum and through his collection. That shows through on every page of the auction catalog, which is as much a tribute to Johnny himself as it is a sale of unusual artifacts. Johnny’s collection was truly unusual and defies categorization, which means there is something for every lover of the unusual in this sale, from banners and broadsides, to chupacabra dioramas, tattooed man photos, sideshow banners, and relics from the best of Barnum’s circus sideshows. This is one sale without comparison – and that’s no ballyhoo.”
Potter & Potter, founded in 2007, is a Chicago area auction house specializing in paper Americana, vintage advertising, rare books, playing cards, gambling memorabilia, posters, fine prints, vintage toys, and magicana – antiques and collectibles related to magic and magicians. The company’s next sale, featuring hundreds of important vintage travel posters, will be held on December 1, 2018. For more information, please see www.potterauctions.com. Follow us on Facebook (potterandpotterauctions), Twitter (PnPAuctions), and Instagram (potterauctions).
Media contact:
Gabe Fajuri
President, Potter & Potter Auctions
[email protected] or 773- 472- 1442
Captions:
Lot
Item
Low Est.
High Est.
1
Freaks Past and Present
$4,000
$6,000
15
Freaks Alive
$3,000
$5,000
39
Johnny Eck “Half Boy” Archive
$800
$1,200
43
The Barbershop Lesson, French Hair Art
$600
$900
56
Hand-Painted Signs for Johnny Fox’s Freakatorium
$400
$600
94
Albino Sword Swallower
$1,000
$1,500
241
Greatest Wonder On Earth. Jo! Jo! The Dog Faced Man
$250
$350
245
Minerva Champion Strong Woman Trophy Belt
$3,000
$5,000
247
Tom Thumb’s Leather Boot
$500
$750
261
Marshall the Mystic Archive
$2,000
$3,000
264
Archive of Research on Human Oddities
$800
$1,200
281
Fiji Mermaid
$300
$400
282
Charles Tripp “Armless Wonder” Carvings and Correspondence
$1,000
$1,500
287
Unicorn Skull
$500
$700
293
Arms and Hands for Wax Museum Figures
$80
$125
334
P.T. Barnum’s and Great London Combined
$1,200
$1,500
338
Jumbo the Pride of the British Heart
$3,000
$5,000
390
Plan Number 2 “The Whip” Whiteprint
$600
$800
533
A 1763 Coffin-Shaped Reliquary
$800
$1,200
559
Pre-Columbian Human Skull
$1,000
$1,500
645
Head on Sword Sideshow Illusion
$500
$1,000
650
Johnny Fox’s “Cracker Shooting” Helmet
$400
$600
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2018 Potter and Potter’s Magic Memorabilia Reference eBook
Published on Jul 22, 2018
About 130 pages consisting of over a thousand magic related books. Description and estimated value of each book included. Wonderful reference book. View and read online…
“Our summer sale of magicana is set to include collectibles in all familiar categories, including vintage posters, apparatus, antiquarian books, and ephemera. Highlights include rarities advertising the shows of the Hanlon Brothers, early and uncommon conjuring catalogs, and relics from the career of Howard Thurston.”
https://issuu.com/potterauctions/docs/catalog_063iissuu
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That does it for this issue. I hope you found something to help your magic along. Remember, if you have something you would like to see published on the Magic Roadshow site.. send it to: [email protected]
Be Blessed!
Rick Carruth / Editor
Professor – Camelard College of Conjuring of Chemmis, Egypt
http://www.camelardcollege.org/
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science.”
Albert Einstein
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