Dear Bill,

Very helpful and encouraging response.

Many thanks.


Sincerely,

Jonathan

Hello
I have built the chest of Nefertari and it gets a great response every time.But it is not a Sunday afternoon project as the OSBORNE plans say.Many small details are left out.

Richard

Regarding Murder Inc.'s "cheesy" flame paint job... I find that it is deceptive. The flame on the front panel and those on the sides work together to hide the depth of the box. It looks more square and less elongated since it has the same design on all sides. That said, however, the flame design isn't my favorite decor.

I constructed three interchangeable "coverings" that I can add before a show by loosening the screws, placing the homemade panels on, and replacing the screws to hold them in place. It works like a charm and gives me options for different themes. I made sets with a pirate theme, a knight theme, and a generic "magic-y" stars and swirls design.

I have never net an illusion that its user could not modify for the better and Murder Inc. was one of them....

1. The daggers were cheesy at best -- aluminum siding at worst (OK maybe tent pegs.) Changed these to real daggers. You mnay need to strengthen the topside display fan mechanism against "flop" from the extra weight.

2. The "music stand" Holder apparently an economy move that had to go. First it would fall between the legs of the assistant or volunteer, making their seating or kneeling very uncomfortable -=- or revealing if in a skirt. Made a collapsible cantilever -- so legs could go under box -- put it on a wheeled platform (hollow to hold blades in transit) so it could roll around onto stage or performance area. (Good rollers that lock and unlock easily!)

3. A 2x12 soft wood board -- that as the blades come out -- can take a thrown stab and hold the dagger upright.

4. Think and work a routine that adds drama throughout -- more than blades in -- blades out -- look at me and bow.

I know my modification cost me more than the original prop - and are more to haul -- but now I have a solid prop and routine -- not just a manufactured magic replica piece. And I can use it with audience members instead of assistant (pre interview for claustrophobia please). A haul along a metal variable height stool for them to sit on which rolls out on the platform.

If you want comedy -- same rig -- but think "Migraine Cure."

Many years ago...about 35 years, now that I think of it...I had a dagger chest that went on the head of an assistant or volunteer. What I liked about it is that the inside of the back piece had a design of verticle stripes...gray against black, I think. I'd slide it in first so they could see the design...then I'd slide in the front piece and engage the two hinged inside pieces that repeated the stripe pattern. Put the daggers through, open the box, and you'd see the blades and also the design. This trick is always a bit iffy because of the depth, but the pattern seemed to help that. Like an idiot, I traded it years ago for some other tricks, and have regretted it ever since. In looking to replace it, I bought an arrow cabinet with a fabric piece...but I'm not satisfied with it. And I've seen any number of dagger chests offered, Mak Magic, etc...but not the one I had. Don't even remember who manufactured it. Anybody know anything about this particular design that could help in my search?

What don't you like about the "Arrow Cabinet"?
(Abbott's ARROW HEAD)

The Grant/MAK Torch Thru Head (I'm not sure of the actual name) is very deceptive. You can open the front door and the audience can see all the way through the box and observe you and the back of the actual performing area through a large opening in the back of the box. This one is really good!

I have a Grant Torch to head I inherited. I will have to look at it again.

That is the "Flaming Head Chest".

I missed my Abbotts Arrowhead.I used it every show in the 1980's

If you haven't used both and evaluated the reactions from your audiences, it doesn't seem prudent to decide one over the other. The FLAMING HEAD CHEST is more baffling method-wise IMO (and you do not necessarily need to employ a flame).

If that proves to be the case, the ARROW HEAD "foldability" is a non-issue and you would still need to provide storage/transport for all those components that are necessary parts of ARROW HEAD.
The hygene of the secret part must be considered, too...

The Mak Magic "Murder Inc" can look amazing. I own this Paul Osborne redesign of the prop. That is just a "Murder Inc" on top but scenically redesigned.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pdfkf4i0n......4h&raw=1

I purchased this illusion today and it came without instructions. It looks amazing but the swords will need some work. I have these gold balls on the pommel of each. Can anyone who has the instructions possibly PM them? I would really appreciate it.

I have the instruction sheet for MAK Magic's "Murder Inc." dagger head chest. Is that the one you need ?
I PM'd you a link to download the instruction sheet.