Whoops, you mean Bob Swadling shells

Bob Swadling's shells come directly from him (Hank Lee doesn't stock them). Having said that, Bob's a pleasure to order from, and 100% reliable.

Although I've been using the Deacon Dan shells when performing lately, the Swadling shells are pretty unique in terms of handling.
They're also absolutely flawlessly made, almost jewel like.
They're enjoyable to handle, and not very many folks have seen natural shell game shells, and even fewer have seen shells like the finely machined Swadling's.

Doug, I have a question for you.
I recently picked up some engraved brass shells that were identified as Karl Norman shells. They look like Norman's shells do in Bill Palmers Cups and Balls Museum, except mine are engraved.
My question is this, did Karl Norman make more than one size of shell?
I ask because mine are definitely quite a big larger than my Swadling shells. Mine came with an obviously ancient and original set of Karl Norman's instructions.

Anybody got detailed photo's of known Karl Norman shells they can steer me to?

I wonder if I got taken on this deal. It was an Ebay affair, and of course there was nothing to reference the shells actual size in the picture (not that it would have helped me much as I've never seen a confirmed set of Norman shells in the flesh before).

Oh well, these are certainly beautiful regardless, I'll be keeping them........but I'm curious now.

Oops, yes Bob Swadling shells, I mean LOL!

Silverking, this is from "Karl Norman, 40 Years at the Forks":

"Karl uses a set of heavy brass cups 1-3/16 inches in diameter and 13/16 of an inch high. They make the trick almost self-working."

Jerry Mentzer's "Close-Up File" gives the same measurements.

Hope this helps.

Don

Silerking: I looked up the measurements and they are what Don said. They definitely are different than the Swadling shells (but similar). Karl's are brass and more cylindrical, while the Swadling shells are aluminum and almost goblet like. I would love to have an actual set of Norman shells, just for fun. It sounds like you have the real thing.

Thanks for that gents, mine are a couple of sixteenths larger, around 1-1/4.
Perhaps he made them (had them made?) by hand, not worrying too much about each batch being identical in diameter?

I'm guessing it was a former owner who got the engraving done. It's actually an interesting idea and something we see on cups and balls, but haven't really seen in shells.

I just wanted to add that Tom is one of the kindest, most helpful individuals I have ever interacted with online, and have no doubt he would be the same if met him in person. After not a few emails to Tom questioning his shells, Tom was kind enough to answer every question with thought and time given to all my enquiries. After purchasing a set of his shells Tom shipped them off literally a few hours after. When I received them I thought they were absolutely fantastic. Despite my affection for his work and customer service my wife was not happy with how much I was spending on "my tricks" these past few months and told me I needed to return them. After all the time Tom spent answering my questions and helping me out, the last thing I wanted to do was ask him for a refund. Tom told me it was not a problem at all and refunded me as soon as his shells were received. In other words, Tom gave me a lot of help and attention for nothing on his part, and after seeing these shells I can attest it is the same story for the rest of his shell owners. This is definitely a labor of love and it is obvious to tell from Toms work, warranty, and customer service!
Thanks Tom

Silverking I believe I have a set of Norman's in my collection if I can get the time I will send you a photograph of them. It may take a week or two to get it done though as I will be away from home for a bit.
Doc

Thanks Doc, let me know if you can send me the pix, and I'll PM you my email address.

I appreciate it.

Take a look at what else Tom has been up to:
http://members.cox.net/bartlett50/Copy%2......0001.jpg
There's a thread about Tom's beautiful Okito boxes in the "Nothing Up My Sleeve..." forum. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=3&3
Don

Someone was selling a new set of Deacon Dan shells on magicauction.com so I bought them there. Unfortunately they're being shipped pony express - I won't get them for over a week and I paid $10 for shipping. Apparently I got punked on the ol' "shipping" scam, but really looking forward to using these.

Finally got these. I see why Tim Trono bought more than one set - they're excellent. Really great work, Tom.

Doug, I'm so glad to see another set of my hand crafted, Deacon Dan shells in the hands of a working pro and thanks for more positive feed back. Tom

I have had my Deacon Dan shells for some time now and have to say that they are great.

There is something about them that attract peoples interest. I use them in more intimate one on one or small group encounters.

Thanks for putting out a great product Tom and thanks for additional service in helping me to learn about the shells.

I hope we can hear more of how you learned about making these shells and the history of the name.

-Scott M

The metal shells were an issue for me when I first saw them:

http://themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic......orum=190

But I came up with a neat opening comment that gets a laugh and explains the gold shells completely.

Those walnuts do look nice, though...

Looking at the pic again, I think what's most attractive about these shells is a feature that would make an impact on a layman: the size comparison between the pea and the shells would make them think it was harder to sneak the peas out from under the shells.