How far back does ring flight go? I don't know if this is true but I have read in a re-print of an old Conjure book a similar type of effect preformed in the 1910's.

Effects with a borrowed ring go back much further than that. I believe Robert-Houdin reproduced a vanished ring tied to the handkerchief flown upward by the butterflies in his Orange Tree illusion.

Hmmm I knew about the hankie but didn't know about the ring part, interesting!!

The "Ring Flight" that we have come to know and love was probably originated by Al Koran.

It was based upon a ring that travelled from one pocket to another.

Al never preformed it. However, he performed it on many occasions.

I assume by this you mean it was a myth at the time that grew from great presentation and showmanship?


Would it be possible for some form of it to come from the orient? I have heard of them using the coins they have to travel from a spectators string purse to theirs.

No, I'm referring to the difference between "preform," which you used in your original post, which means "to construct something ahead of time" and "perform," which means "to do something."

Words have meaning. When you misspell a word, you may change its meaning.

Mark Twain said: "The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." This is as true in 2011 as it was in 1888 when he wrote it.

When you are doing research, the phrase "I have heard..." means nothing unless you have a reference for it. So does "I read somewhere...." Give specific references.

I don't mean to be sarcastic, but you need to be precise with your research.

I see what you mean....didn’t catch that. Pardon the ignorance lol

There's something close in Karl Germain's work. The self contained device - not sure.

Ill give it a look!
thanks

According to Bruce Cervon, the original routine belongs to Pinetti who invent it in the late 1700.
This information could be review on his book Ultra Cervon under the title "Silent Ring"

...on the history of Ring Flite, was Al Koran's original done with a reel, or no? Have the "non-reel" versions been as popular as those with a reel?
Thanks!

I believe Al Koran's original used a reel, from what I remember in Professional Presentations. Your second question is tough to answer. Some type of research to tally the sales of the reel and non reel Ring Flites might be needed.

Al Koran's version did indeed use a reel - and he no doubt popularised the effect into its current form. In some instances the key case may have neen replaced by gimmicked key chains, keys, etc. but many versions still rely upon a reel-like mechanism.

The earliest form of the 'flying ring' effect could be the borrowed ring from one hand onto the selected finger of the other described by Joseph Pinetti - in Physical Amusements and Diverting Experiments, 1784 (p. 57).

Here is my presentation of Ring Flite:

That was an excellent performance. I like how you incorporated a watch steal as well! I do enjoy the Ring Flight Revolution now. It's a solid ring
Flight!

Cited book: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/service/rbc/rbc000......5025.pdf

First item chapter XXX and not a bad approach to vanishing items.

I love the new design from Chris Smith!