Does anyone have this and would be willing to comment? It seems like a basic little trick but I like the look of the props.

http://www.vikingmagic.com/?nd=full&key=838

The props in the photo look too "magic shop" slick to me,
and not "bizarre real". This seems a common problem now.
My two-cents,
Walt

You could easily do a "grandmother's necklace" release using a genuine human skull and running the ropes through the eye holes. You could also go crazy and give them some "Sefalaljia" rope linking effects with a red and white rope (as in The Wizards' Journal #10). Aw, why not go all the way and link an antique finger ring on and off the ropes at the same time. Then make the skull blow out a candle.

Slartibartfast...By all means BUY the trick so the maker creator can get his that he earned and deserves then if you like I can fashion up some realistic looking prop that will allow for the effect. Not a full skull...not necessary but something hand friendly.

Take Doug up on his offer,
buy the commercial version,
then have him "higleyfy" it,
and you'll have a one-of-a-kind miracle!

My two-cents,
Walt

Or not. haha

"Higleyfy"

I like that!

AT

I have this, though I don't remember where the heck it came from. . .

Anyway, the skull is okay. The scroll is hokey, but that's easily remedied by re-making your own. The trick itself is something you probably already know. There are some incredible versions of this out there. Dean Dill's comes to mind right away.

I like the idea of "Higleyfying" it and using Dean's method, though the hole through the skull would need to be bigger than the one in the supplied prop.

Mark

Maybe look to the Netsuke and Inro box for some inspiration on this effect. These are small Japanese figurines that can be found in antique shops and on the net. They were worn as a clothing ornament and have holes similar to that of the above mentioned skull except they are either on the under or backside of the piece. Find a nice piece of cord or ribbon and weave a story...
I have a small monk boy figurine made of ebony with a red ribbon I got years ago. They are very magical object within there own right...
Now if you mix the effect with the Inro box then you have some very nice storylines. The figures come in a plethora of designs from the zodiac signs to dragon and animals so you can adapt to your act... anyway just a few ideas to get you thinking...

Or get an animal skull and use Jumbo cards

So is this a Grandmother's necklace type of thing? I cannot find anything specific about what the illusion is.

"The skull magically frees itself after being bound by two silken cords." That seems pretty specific to me.

I prefer Dean Dill's cords fro Nana's Necklace and a full-sized skull. This is what we used for a television shoot (taped in February 07) and I've added to live performances since then.

I also use my own storyline as the whole scroll/Cagliostro thing doesn't fit what I do.

Chris

Bead stores sometimes have small skulls that could be used for a Grandmother's necklace type effect. These skulls are carved and while they may look crude, they are less magic shop prop-looking perhaps.

Other things like Egyptian scarabs or some sort of magickal-looking bead might be used also.

Here in the southwest, at least, many curio shops have stuff related to "Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead), and tiny skulls and skeletons are all over the place. I have a skeleton riding a bike in my windowsill. It is a major Mexican/Hispanic tradition, and the figures always have a very authentic hand-carved look, which would be perfect. Just do a Google Images search and you will see.

Seth

Is it the principle is based on this one as shown in the photo?

http://themagicwarehouse.com/BE2774/Oddball.html

Thanks.

Andrew

Andrew,

Are you speaking of the "basic version" that is a part of this effect or Mr. Dill's version?

The Dean Dill version is a different M.O. that allows you to do other things that are not normally done via the standard or basic version. Most importantly for me, I start with the skull in the center of the table and one cord resting on either side of the skull.

That being said, the basic version creates a very strong illusion that can be enhanced through the use of other props ranging from keepsake boxes to people.

Using something that is charm or knick-knack sized such as the miniature skull is fine as long as it fits your presentation. We opted to use a full-sized skull because it plays bigger for both the camera and a medium to large audience.

Chris

You can find Dean Dill's version in Paul Curry's Worlds Beyond and I am not sure its even original with him. No jab intended at anyone. There all great guys.

I bought it and forgot it. Not what I'd want in my bizarre act
Cheers
Roni

Are you referring to "Linked" as the inspiration for Dean's Box or something else? I have Worlds Beyond and don't recall a version of Grandmother's Necklace that uses the same M.O. as Nana's Necklace, but maybe I missed it.

Chris