Here are a few pictures of first Okito Box I've hand engraved. This is for Halves. I will be making one for Morgans next, but I can’t decide weather to use brass or nickel silver.

Click here to view attached image.

Same box, a different view.

Click here to view attached image.

NICE work Tom! Did you spin the boxes AND engrave? I've done some engraving so I appreciate the detail work. I keep thinking I want a small metal lathe/milling machine and seeing these really has me craving one!
Looking forward to seeing the dollar box!

Mick

WOW Tom,

The floral relief is exquisite.
That is one of the most impressive piece of magic gimick art that I have seen.
Definitely a class on it's own.
Do you have pictures of other projects?

Bravo,

Eric

Thanks for the kind words. The box was made on my mill with a rotary table. Here are some links to what I have made for over 30 years. These are not magic but same the skills are required. Everything you see here I made from raw material, like bar stock, sheet, and rod. I’ve made all my own dies for forming and bending and most all my other tools also. I hope you enjoy taking a look at them.

http://members.cox.net/bartlettspurs4you......rs2a.jpg
http://members.cox.net/bartlettspurs4you/steerheadspurs6.jpg
http://members.cox.net/bartlettspurs4you......lor1.jpg
http://members.cox.net/bartlettspurs4you/POLOSPURCOLOR1.jpg
http://members.cox.net/bartlettspurs4you......lor4.jpg
http://members.cox.net/bartlettspurs4you/POLOSPURCOLOR8.jpg

Tom,

Your work is OUTSTANDING!!!

I am very impressed!!

~michael

Tom,
Great work very very nice!

Shawn

The boxes look really really nice...

Very, VERY nice work!

Thank you all, it really does me good to know that you like my work. I've also been contacted by people wanting to purchase one and the next two I make are already spoken for.

Tom

Tom,
If it is not too complicated, could you explain the process used to make the boxes. They look fantastic!!!
Thanks,
Bruce

Tom Question,

Because the design element is attractive do you find that some spectators are more interested in the box then the performance? Or another way to ask this... Is this something that impresses collectors but is lost on the average man? Or another thought, Do some people believe the design is actually the coin (even though the metals are different) so they believe you never put the coin in the box? ( You know how some laymen think.)

Ultimately, I think it's very nice and I see where you put some quality time in.

This is my first "real" post on here and want to make it so I say something nice (well..that's the only kind I do...anywhere!!)...and YESSss! That is just great work!! Just great-plus!!

Tom,
If it is not too complicated, could you explain the process used to make the boxes. They look fantastic!!!
Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce,

This is the same type of engraving that you would find on a fine custom grade gun. The engraving is done by hand in the style I have developed over the years. My engraving is a mix of traditional cowboy engraving used on spurs and gun engraving. If you Google: gun engraving, you will find many examples of styles and techniques.



Tom Question,

Because the design element is attractive do you find that some spectators are more interested in the box then the performance? Or another way to ask this... Is this something that impresses collectors but is lost on the average man? Or another thought, Do some people believe the design is actually the coin (even though the metals are different) so they believe you never put the coin in the box? ( You know how some laymen think.)

Ultimately, I think it's very nice and I see where you put some quality time in.

Jay,

My thinking is the engraved Okito box helps me in my presentation. I show a fine antique box, that I use to hold four coins (I use the same four coins for the matrix) and then hand it, to an out reached hand. (yes people do want to take a closer look.) by presenting it this way, they get to inspect the box and I don’t have to tell to make sure there are no trap doors, secret compartments or hidden assistants, I use than line in some other presentation.

As for the engraving, I believe the engraving does help to disguise any flash that might occur. In a quick flash they can not tell weather it is the engraved surface of the box or the relief of the coin.

Thank you all for your intrest!
Respectfully,
Tom Bartlett

Those are good points.

Thank you for sharing.... What's next?

How about some chop cups, magic wands, magicians rings.

I bet you could sell some to collectors.

Very good points. Thanks for sharing.

Tom,
Thanks for sharing again they look fantastic.
Do you also do wood carvings?
Bruce

Whoa! Just ran across this thread. The Okito box is knock-down gorgeous! Great work.

Angelo

Great work.