I'm curious if there has been any research into the history of the concept of final loads for the cups and balls. How far back can that be traced reliably?

Must go back before 1850s - it was in Hofzinser’s routines.

Thanks, JT. At least now we have a starting point.

I believe the starting point in English is Hocus Pocus Junior-The Art of Legerdemain Discovered from 1634. The chapter is about page thirteen and is titled, "How To Make a Great Ball Seem to come through a Table and into a Cup." The description is set at the end of the Cups and Balls section and adds a climax to the routine although it's just a single load and not the three that we're used to seeing.

I am finding this to be so true. I recently found Pool Chop Cup by Stephane Bourgoin and I seeking that. It looks like a rare nice chop cup routine.

I am a big fan of the Tommy Wonder set!