Does anyone know the history behind the Die Box? Who invented it? How long has it been around? Who was the first maker? How many variations? Etc.

Wish I could help, I've often wondered about the origin of this effect myself. If I had to guess, I'd say late 19th century, based upon the method.

There is one thing about this trick that has always struck me. It should be obvious that it's physically impossible for the die to slide in the box because of the center partition. But nobody ever seems to notice this or make the connection. And of course, the sliding of the die is the whole crux of the trick.

There have been numerous versions of this over the years, some quite beautifully made, and some with additional gaffs in the doors to make the trick more mystifying. A true classic of magic. SETH

Just remembered that Stevens Magic is offering an instructional DVD on the Die Box, which includes a segment on various historical boxes. See http://www.stevensmagic.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=5418

I also seem to recall that somebody, perhaps it was Abbott's, produced a Die Box without a center partition. Maybe someone can enlighten us on this. SETH

Well...I had (and sold) a great die box with a center partition that actually moved along with the gaff. It was a National Magic diebox. Wish I'd kept it now.

Steve Thomas