I am wondering who was the inventor of McDonald's Aces, It might be in the name but I am not sure.

The plot was probably created by Hofzinser between 1857 and 1875 and was the finale of a trick called "The Power of Faith" (or more correctly translated according to Magic Christian, "The Power of Belief"). Also, the use of similarly gaffed cards in a four of a kind routine was in the Hofzinser's "Card Conjuring" (1931) as "The Four Kings".

There is also a description that predates MacDonald's version in the book My Best (1945) by J.G. Thompson, Jr. written up by Orville Meyer as the "Greatest Four Ace Trick."

"McDonald's Aces", also spelled "MacDonald’s Aces," was marketed by Jon W. “One-Arm Mac” MacDonald in the 1950’s and was first published in "More Inner Secrets" by Ganson and Vernon in 1960.

The McDonald's Aces was originally an effect from Hofzinser called "The Powers of Faith."

https://forums.geniimagazine.com/viewtopic.php?t=307

Bringing the list of variations up-to-date, The Magic Nook adds Wiz Kid Qua-Fiki's 2012 "McFiki's Jumbo Aces", which is also a variation of John Guastaferro's "Famous Aces".
https://www.magicnook.com/WizJ23/wizj23-......aces.htm

And grown up Qua-Fiki's 2017 "McD's Jumbo Aces" by Al-Quadir Marsh.
https://www.magicnook.com/WIZJ33/wizj33-10McDsJUMBOAces.htm

Wow I so appreciate this knowledge thanks guys

I always thought that the concept was first written about by Hofzinser. I’ve been doing MacDonald’s Aces since 1952. IIRC it was about a year later that I purchased a Bicycle Jumbo Deck. Bicycle also made the Jumbo gaffs for MacDonald’s. I purchased them too. These were the old Bicycle “8082 Big Bicycle” decks that, unlike today’s Big Box decks, had thick paper cards that could be split. I’ve still got my original cards. They’re still in pretty good shape too. And I still do the trick. Jumbo MacDonald’s Aces was/is my all-time favorite trick. I’m just a hobbyist magician but I’d bet I’ve done this trick with the same cards over 1,000 times in the past 65 years. I let four spectators hold the (Jumbo size) packets and when that last person looks at those four Aces the reaction from everybody is more than great. This is a very good, very old and easy-to-do trick and I wonder why pretty much nobody does it any more.

The MacDonald association came from his doing the trick and his having one arm. In the Stars of Magic book you can find his ace cutting routine. The Garcia New Stars of Magic item is sensible and a fine way to get started doing the assembly for audiences.
Audiences will inform you about what works for you. Watch and listen to them.

As a student of the craft it's really up to you to sort the ad copy from the useful advice,and the awkwardly contrived from the efficiently effective.

To the student: start smaller, say blackjack. Two hands dealt. Now proceed with the magic. Today this would naturally lead to the poker situation where the winning cards are dealt among five players. You know the context and expected actions. Proceed.

Thanks for the great information provided, I did not realise it it had been around a long time

Not to change the subject. Many years ago when I was young, I was at Mickey Hades in Seattle. I saw a guy perform a 4 ace routine that blew me away. He called it Pringle 4 ace routine. Anyone one know of this routine. I have never been able to find any info on this. Thanks

Very old routine that came with bridge size cards. Same as current versions though regarding the included cards with that effect from so long ago - the Pringle ace trick

Rizzo, Thanks. Do you have any idea who would carry this? I can't find it at any of the majors venders. Thanks

Copyright 1956
Haines House of Cards Norwood Ohio

If you are a fan of McDonald Aces routines, check this out:

https://www.lybrary.com/bammo-aces-p-923728.html