My magic collector friend at work gave me a bunch of old MUMs for a great deal. I posted about them up in the S.A.M. section.

He also gave me some old looking silks that seem to be really great quality. Never used, still folded in the bag. They came with a thin string around the bundle. It's about 4 or 5 different colors. I've never seen ones with tags like these. They say: 100% silk Made in Japan. I think all the ones I've ever used came from China.

Did I score some really good quality vintage silks? Who knows, right?

This may sound strange, but I'm wondering if I should use them or just keep them pristine.

I think you have scored some old Japanese silks likely imported before the 1980s. There was a time when silk from China could not be brought into the USA. They may be worth more in this condition to collectors than as using silks.

(Harold Rice on page 8 of his Silk Encyclopedia stated the best silk came from China. He did not tell that he could not get them.)

Today even Japanese professional magicians use China silks.

Wow, that's some cool history. Thanks Bob, I'm glad I asked. I think I'm leaning toward not using them now!

Bob knows silks! And magic! And history! Heck, Bob knows everything!!!

Bob's de Man!