Magical Originalities
Ernest E. Noakes
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The Revolving Blocks
MY METHOD of "Number Blocks Trick." In this version the square case and shell is not used. The four blocks, numbered 1 to 4, are shown on all sides to prove there is no other number on them. They are stacked upon a small round table, the top being only just large enough to take the blocks.
The card numbers on easel are shuffled, and the performer passes for examination a "banner" comprised of a square of silk or satin, supported at the top and bottom by a piece of thin unplaned wooden lath. He simply passes this in front of the blocks, and they have changed into the same order as the cards on the easel.
The blocks are now put in order, and the change again made to correspond with the shuffled numbered cards. The usual upside down gag is worked, and the performer whilst pattering "unconsciously" arranges the cards in correct order on the easel, and then points out to the audience that all he did was to pass the banner before the blocks, and they changed in accordance with the numbers on easel, and although the blocks have not been touched since the last irregular stacking, they also have stacked themselves in correct order. He then notices that he has altered the cards on the easel to their original state, and the blocks of course changed themselves of their own accord!
The small table top on the stand makes a half revolve, which permits the blocks to reverse, see drawings. The reverse side of each block has a centre-pin upon which the block likewise revolves, and on one side of this back is another number, see drawing. When the performer shows the blocks the fake numbers are turned inside the blocks and they are apparently numbered on one side only. It is quite easy when stacking the blocks to reverse the backs with one finger.
When the blocks are stacked with genuine numbers to the audience, and the performer has revolved the four backs, he shuffles the four number cards and places them upon the easel to correspond with the four back numbers. He now takes the banner, and in drawing it past the small table top, the bottom edge of the banner is allowed to touch the edge of the table. This edge is really a "milled edge," and the pressure of the wood in the banner causes the table to revolve as far as the stop, and the faked numbers of the blocks are now facing the audience, and are in the same order as the cards on the easel. The blocks are taken off and re-stacked 1, 2, 3, 4, which has of course altered the four numbers on the other side of the blocks. The half revolve is again made by either pushing or pulling the banner before the blocks. This "banner" principle is a very excellent method of causing a "revolve." I hope I have once more had the pleasure of adding a little piece of machinery towards the building up of the Art of Magic.
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