I cannot imagine what your problem is!

Merv Taylor was first, I believe, to produce a van. cndl. It was metal, like a Walsh cane, and EXPENSIVE for 1950. I was 18. I made one (a "converted" kid's toy.) All that was needed was to insert a birthday cake candle. I used it for several years!!! When it finally wore out, I bought an "Atomic Candle".

Then, Fantasio started producing his. I bought it, used it, and had NO problems. When I stopped using it, I sold it. (I STILL HAVE THE "ATOMIC", AND, IT'S STILL VERY USABLE.) I like it, 'cuz it doesn't need "refueling".

Fantasio "don't make no junk"!

Ditto to what Dick said.

Just for fun, do you know what the "converted kid's toy" was that was sold as a Vanishing Candle?

When you unrolled the original Atomic Candles you would find the name of the toy printed inside. It was called a ZOOMERANG. This is the equivalent to what became known in later years as a CHINESE YO YO.

This was my first Professional magic trick and it fooled me immeasurably the first time I saw it demonstrated. For a whopping $2.50 you received the prop (Zoomerang) with a little holder for the red birthday candle that served as the wick glued inside AND an attractive candle holder that looked like crystal, but was really plastic.

Believe it or not the Atomic Candle actually appears more realistic (especially in close quarters) than the Fantasio products because the Atomic Candle is not as shiny as Fantasio's and the construction is less obvious.

Also, the Atomic Candle does not have the spring to it that Fantasio's (and Merv Taylor/Owens) has, but that's not necessary.

What an enjoyable trip down memory lane. My sincere thanks to the original poster and everyone else!

Julie

Can any of these be modified to be used as a dancing cane as well?

No, the design is wrong. Also if the candle is spun or waved, the flam will go out and also my create some flaming up.

It can be used as a Zombie candle floating with a cloth. It in the Fantasio Candle book.

I have not looked at this topic in a while. There is a piece refered as "challanger gimmick " Im not sure what that is. I got the appearing /vanishing candle.

If someone is willing to help that would be nice.

It is in the Fantasio My Cane And Candles book. It is totally explained and how to make it. That gimmick is so you can hold the candle in the middle, proving it is an ordinary candle. Then you still have to hold the bottom of the candle to cause it to vanish. It could get in the way for some tricks like the Candle to silk appearance. It is okay for just vanishing the candle.

Just buy the book and you should be able to learn all about handling the Vanishing Candle.

Ok sounds like a plan. Thank you.

Click on this link, scroll to the bottom of the page. The challenger Gimmick is in the picture attached to the candle.

http://www.fantasio.com/canes-candles.html

And for those unfamiliar with the Fantasio candle , here's how it looks as performed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHXiU7cuov4