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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
Hi all,
I'm currently struggling to find a particular type of die box. I've been rewatching my collection of Tommy Cooper videos and in one of them he does a die box routine where the finale sees him pull the lid off the box and the sides fall open turning the box in to a table clothed tray complete with 6 or so full shot glasses. I've no idea whose box this is and wondered if anyone here knows who made it. I'm assuming it was one of the old London based magic shops. But other than that I've no clue. If anyone knows anything about this box could you drop me an email at roslyn@roslynwalker.com as I don't venture here all that often during the season. Thanks in advance, Ros
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
It was an idea andArthur Culpin. I am not sure who made them but they are very rare.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
Thanks Richard. Do you know if this ever appeared in any books?
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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
According to a recent auction it seems Arthur made just 15 of these around 1955. One sold in February this year (2015) for $1700usd!
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Ros
I didn't know that drinking was still legal in the UK
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I seem to remember seeing an illustration of the die box to drinks, it was either in a old Abbott's Catalog, of Supreme Magic Catalog. I think Supreme Magic even made it, or it was advertised once years ago.
Way to expensive, even back then as incomes were low. I bet that trick would cost a thousand dollars or more as you mentioned in your auction price. Even back then, there were no workshop plans, they made props from the last prop they made. Usually, the craftsman would learn and hopefully stay with the company to make more. |
pkessler New user 89 Posts |
Is this the wessex die box?
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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
Hahaha... Jay. It's about the only thing that still is.
It's a beautiful trick. Looking at the one in auction and comparing it to the one Cooper used in his TV show there are a few differences. One being the type of glasses used. I wouldn't be surprised if Supreme bought the rights to the trick and started manufacturing their own version of it. Also the description of the auctioned version is different to what Cooper does. In auction they say the die vanishes from the die box and reappears inside a tube. Where as when Cooper performs it he places the die inside the tube first, vanishes it and makes it reappear inside the die box. I found a description of the Wessex on an old Genii forum thread and it reads the same. From what's said I think the Wessex is the Supreme version of Arthur's trick.
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
More on the Wessex can be found here: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=19
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
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R Don Regular user West Coast 197 Posts |
A few months ago Hocus Pocus was selling one.
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pkessler New user 89 Posts |
Last August, Martinka auctioned what it suggested might be a predicate to the wessex die box, a Chris Van Bern "Tea Chest to Serving Tray." It was listed as circa 1920's. You can find it via google. Worth a look simply because it is so charming. Bidding was fierce. The auction was won by a moniker associated with a truly great contemporary magician.
The Hocus Pocus offering circa last December was a lovely rendition by Lembo under the "Limited Edition Magic" line. You can find photos on martins magic. |
MagiChrisMitch Special user 702 Posts |
Roslyn
Get in touch with Joe Long regarding the Wessex D B. That's what you're looking for and he might have a source for you. I think his user name here is JL608 |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
It may be written up in the Albo books but I don't remember offhand.
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
Thanks everyone! I do love the tea chest idea. Very nice.
I found the Wessex in Introducing Bill's Magic by WG Strickland and published by Supreme in the 1970s. The other versions do seem to predate the Wessex. However Strickland made some interesting additions to the trick that don't feature in the marketed Supreme version of the Wessex or any of the earlier versions. I think I've found this winter's craft project.
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
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