|
|
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
May I ask who invented the changing bag? When was it invented?
Thanks in advance. |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
No one knows for sure. It is very old. It was first mentioned by the French amateur magician Ponsin in 1854 and described in print in Aug 1899 in Henry Hardin's column in Mahatma as a prop on the market. Hoffmann mentions it in 1903. But all these are people describing something that was already then very old.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
Thanks, Spellbinder.
Does it mean that no one knows who really invented it? And with all kinds of bags sold today by so many dealers, does it also mean it is in public domain? |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
The idea of a changing bag is certainly in the public domain. However, I could probably design a change bag that would have gizmos on it that were covered by a patent (I haven't done it... but I agree that it is possible).
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
Clay Shevlin Elite user 497 Posts |
I think this topic may have been discussed before. Isaac Fawkes, a magician who performed in the first half of the 18th century, is depicted performing with a bag from which he produces birds, etc. So it is very likely that the principle behind the change bag is well over 300 years old.
|
Mark R. Williams Regular user 193 Posts |
I believe that Isaac Fawkes bag was more of an egg bag, however the two types of bags are very similar in performance so it is hard to say for sure. Both principals are very old.
M
"One more step on the pathway of Knowledge, that is if we don't break our leg crossing the street"
|
MueCard Inner circle 2964 Posts |
In Whaley's ENCYCLOPEDIC DICTIONARY OF MAGIC you read:
First mentioned by Ponsin in 1854 (although without specifying a handle). Also mentioned (as "The Plush Bag") and described in print in Aug 1899 in Henry Hardin's column in Mahatma as a prop on the market. Probably of European origin, the earliest named dealers being Hamley's (by 1904) in England and the Germans Willmann, Klingl, Conradi, and Bartl. When introduced,this fake was fairly innocent apparatus because it disguised the by then too-well-known egg bag by having it simulate the then familiar church collection bag. Today, however, as that latter has become a rare object, it invites suspicion—a point lost on those aspiring magi whose continued patronage keeps this antique in most major magic catalogs. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Everything old is new again » » Who invented the changing bag? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.01 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |