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Vite New user Germany 5 Posts |
Dear magic collectors and historians,
I do research on the compass-principle. It is said that the trick Hi-Sign (M. Christopher) is the origin of the 90-degree-arrow-principle. And it is said as well that Hi-Sign is based on a trick called "Optogramma" or "Optegramma" which was marketed in the US in the 1930s or 1940s: A small dice with colored lines rotated 90 degrees front and back. Is there anybody out there who can serve me with more information on "Opto(e)gramma" ? I bought a lot of different catalogues from the 30s and 40s on eBay and other auctions but have not found any hint or even a picture of "Opto(e)gramma" nor do I have any idea, who sold this trick. Because I live and work in Germany it is not easy to do research in US (...and the costs for shipping and handling to Germany is much much more than the costs for the items bought on suspicion ;-) I appreciate every hint to the origin of the compass-priniciple! Thank you! Magically Thomas |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Thomas:
I think you might want to contact someone at the Magic Circle of London. They have a huge reference library. The trick may have some relationship to something done in Britain. What is your reference that mentions Optogramma or Optegramma? Posted: Dec 7, 2008 1:28pm A search of the Ask Alexander database reveals that Val Evans came out with it in 1944. It was called Optogramma. It was based on an item he saw in an old magic book, which was not named in the article. Look for the April 1948 issue of The Bat. Abbott's pinched the idea and called it "The Wizzy Dizzy Lines." This was the version that was done on a flat square, rather than a die. Also check out Punx's Setzt Euch zu meinen Füßen for the routine "das Märchen vom Chinesischen Kompaß" which uses a circular piece instead of a square. This piece is held in special handle so you can do the Kellentrick move with it.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Vite New user Germany 5 Posts |
Bill:
Thank you very much for your important information on the "Chinese Compass" with Abotts "Wizzy Dizzy Lines". I did not knew this! Meanwhile I registered at "Ask Alexander" and found a lot more information for my research. Thomas |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
You are quite welcome. The Ask Alexander database is huge, and it can be unwieldy at times, but it is really helpful.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Everything old is new again » » Arrow-Trick, Crazy Compass, Hi-Sign, Optogramma... (1 Likes) |
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