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Steve Griffin New user Brighton, UK 66 Posts |
Hi folks!
I'm on the hunt for information about thimblerig. I'm particularly interested to know how it differs from the shell game. Some sources seem to use the the two interchangeably, while others refer to them as being quite different variations of the game. I remember seeing a game played right outside the Globe Theatre on London's South Bank a few years back, with three small brass/copper cups and one largish ball (roughly "final-load" sized relative to the cups.) The format was very much like the shell game but, because of the size of the ball, I recall the operator stealing and loading it in the action of turning the cups down to start mixing. I was amazed at the boldness of the technique, but it seemed to be working for them! Anyway, I've never seen that variation played before or since, so I'd be intrigued to hear if anyone can shed any light on it, its origins, handlings etc, and where I should be looking to learn more. I've read what I can find on here, and generally online, but I've not been able to find anything that matches what I saw. Many thanks! Steve Griffin |
Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
On and off I have been trying to research this topic also.
Very hard to find ANY source materail. I found one newspaper article about police arresting a crew working outside a horse derby in the late 1800's. Also there is another article or book called "A walk through London". I do have a set of brass thimble rigs that came with instructions, but I believe that was made up and not an accurate routine. |
jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts |
When he lectured, Carl Norman used to sell a set of thimbles. I had a set, preferred using shells, and sold them. His were small and used the regulat sized pea that we’ re all familiar with.
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Steve Griffin New user Brighton, UK 66 Posts |
Interesting.
Are there any resources regarding the handling of the thimble rig? Does it differ from the 3 shells? Because the game I saw was very different. It had more in common with the cups and balls, but with a crafty steal worked in as well. |
Glenn Watson Special user 781 Posts |
Al Cohen had a set of notes sold with his brass thimble rig set. The set I have was sold by the school for scoundrels.
here is a book I found on the web. https://www.alibris.com/Thimblerig-Alf-Silver/book/22043222 |
Glenn Watson Special user 781 Posts |
That book that I found on the web is a play.
"game of a play" |
luvisi Special user 601 Posts |
Two of my favorite discussions are in issue 46 of The Jinx and Tarbell 7.
Andru
Andru Luvisi
http://www.practicenotincluded.com/ |
ROBERT BLAKE Inner circle 1472 Posts |
Http://www.3shells.com/apps/search?q=Thimble
Try here he is relocating buy check the timbles. I like them. Ask Shellgame-Al for more info. |
Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Quote:
On Dec 5, 2017, Glenn Watson wrote: I have the Al Cohen thimbles. I am looking for the instructions. As I recall it was just two to three pages of instructions. I doubt it was historically accurate. |
Glenn Watson Special user 781 Posts |
The Al Cohen instructions are 3 pages long.
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Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
I finally found the Al Cohen instructions.
Page one: A brief history. A mention of William Hone's "Everyday Book" is referenced (two volumes), there is an free e-book on the web. I may investigate. Page two and three: A simple three shell rountine. No different from the usual, even Cohen admits this. I do recall that there is a newspaper article from around 1800's, "police/bunko squad arrest a team of grifters at the race track for thimbleriging". But really little information. I believe I have found some materail. I will update, for now check out The Jinx page 314. |
Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Here is more:
Further exclusive magical secrets - page 140 Stanyon's Magic vol 4 No 1 Oct 1903 page 6 Tarbell vol 7 page 187 (as noted above by luvisi). Steve, do you have a set of Thimbles? Or are you researching first before you purchase? |
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