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blindbo Special user Bucks County, PA 790 Posts |
I went to DC this past weekend and the real highlight of my visit was in the Library of Congress.
Hofzinser's Card Rise Box. I never expected to see something like that there, but am I ever glad I did. The mechanics and craftsmanship behind this beautiful box is breathtaking. The workings are engineered like a delicate timepiece. I stared at it for several minutes diving deeper into its automatonic genious. Does this level of intricate mechanical craftsmanship exist in today's magic? Or, has its beauty of complex design gone the way of so many other crafts? I'm hoping there are more knowledgeable persons reading this who can answer my question and perhaps elaborate on the state of mechanics in magic today. |
truthteller Inner circle 2584 Posts |
There are people who still value and produce works like this. I think of Nick Ruggerio for one. Of course, the work of John Gauhan is not to be forgotten.
But you also have to ask yourself, given today's technology would the masters of old still build what they did in the same manner? I think not. I think they would use whatever tools technology allowed for their creations. |
Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Charlie Kalish fixed the one in the Smithsonian, and got to make a copy for himself. Who has it?
I thought it looked like a cross between a typewriter and a toaster at the time... when I was much younger
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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blindbo Special user Bucks County, PA 790 Posts |
<<<I thought it looked like a cross between a typewriter and a toaster at the time... >>>
HA! I thought that, too! Upon closer examination it looks well, just like that! The principle is similar, too, if you remember. I am as easily impressed with the workings of a manual typewriter. Add the keyed winding mechanisms and the timed pop up toaster effect and son of a gun, you've got my attention! TT: You've got a point about the technology of the times, but surely there are some magical tinkerers out there that produce miracles with mechanical devices (perhaps aided by microchips)? |
Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5925 Posts |
Tommy Wonder would be one of those not afraid to work out the bugs of a mechanical solution, as evidenced on his Visions of Wonder DVD set.
Tom P.S. Isn't Library an amazing thing? Did you get to see the Houdini Library collection while you were there? Holding those books in my hands was like touching ghosts. |
blindbo Special user Bucks County, PA 790 Posts |
Tom, the LOC is very amazing. It's one of those things that Congress did very right! I didn't see Houdini's collection this time around, but will make it a point on my next visit.
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
The recent passing of Del Ray may have caused a similar concern. Efficient and intricate mechanics will be with us for a long time. Perhaps another champion of the craft may choose some public attention in the near future.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Food for thought » » Is the art like Hofzinser's Card Rise Box Lost? (0 Likes) |
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