Later Day Tricks
A. Roterberg
Previous | Next | Contents
Handkerchief Productions
Continued From "The Modern Wizard"
Twelfth Method
The plan used in this form of the ever popular handkerchief producing trick, is a very simple one and is especially suitable for the successive production of handkerchiefs of one color, as for instance, the three white handkerchiefs used in "The New Changing Handkerchief."
For this purpose the conjurer places one white handkerchief in his left sleeve and the other one in his right sleeve, in a manner as to allow one corner of each handkerchief to he near the cuff, where it is not noticed, but from where it may be obtained with comparative ease.
After having produced a third white handkerchief in any manner he fancies, the performer holding it by one corner with the tips of the fingers of the right hand, draws it several times from below through the partly closed left hand, the movement being a very natural one. After having done this, say twice, at the third time he seizes the protruding corner of the handkerchief concealed in the left sleeve and draws it out of its hiding place, passing it through the left hand with the other white handkerchief. Holding the two handkerchiefs, which to the audience appear to be one only, by their opposite corners, he breathes on them and allowing them to separate, shows one handkerchief in each hand.
Holding the two handkerchiefs side by side in the left hand, the performer draws them once or twice through the right hand and by using the process already described, produces the third handkerchief. Those of my readers who wish to try the experiment, will find it simple and easy of execution as well as perfect in deception.
The open spaces of the vest between the buttons may be utilized in a similar manner, except that here no corner of the handkerchief is allowed to protrude, a short black or white thread (according to whether a black or white vest is worn) with a knot at one end, its other end being fastened to a corner of the handkerchief, being employed instead,
Thirteenth Method
This method which is very little known, has the same advantage as the last trick, that also no apparatus is required. A thin silk handkerchief is wound around the lower end of the wand, the outward corner of the handkerchief then being tucked into one of the folds to prevent the handkerchief from prematurely unrolling. The end of the wand is held in the left hand, while its other end taps the right hand, showing the latter from both sides and thus indicating that it is empty. The next, most difficult part of the trick is now at hand, for the wand has to be transferred from the left to the right hand without the spectators getting a glimpse of the handkerchief rolled around its end, but even this difficulty can be overcome with a little practice. The wand is then pointed at the extended left hand, which is also exhibited from either side, and which then seizes the wand and points it at the right hand which is closed and in which the handkerchief remained, the performer then allowing it to gradually appear.
Fourteenth Method
The requirements for this trick are an ordinary, deep soup plate and two metal receptacles which are japanned white and are open on their rear side only. Their shape conforms to that of the soup plate, under the rear of the rim of which these two receptacles, each of which contains two silk handkerchiefs, are attached by means of adhesive wax. From where the spectators are seated, it is impossible to see these holders, for which the well known, small hand box may also be substituted.
After having produced a handkerchief, the performer lays it on the plate, which he has previously taken up and shown empty, also casually indicating that there is nothing concealed in his hands. Picking up the handkerchief, the performer carries away one of the holders under cover of it, then placing the hands together and moving them slowly up and down, works the handkerchiefs gradually out of the holder, allowing them to mingle with the one in his hand. In placing them on the plate, the holder, which is hidden underneath, is dropped on the servante and the same process is repeated with the next holder.
Fifteenth Method
This method resembles the one, an improved arrangement being however resorted to, which dispenses with the holders altogether, two rubber bands, which are stretched over the two parcels of handkerchiefs, being used instead. By means of a tolerably large pellet of wax, each parcel is stuck to the rear part of the lower side of the soup plate used. Otherwise the method of producing the handkerchiefs does not differ from the one used in the last trick, the only difference being that there are no holders to dispose of, the rubber bands being simply allowed to drop on the floor. By having only one parcel (consisting of two very thin handkerchiefs, tightly rolled) attached to the lower side of the plate, a very neat method of production may be introduced, by using the plan employed for the production of paper shavings as described elsewhere in this book.
Vide third method of The Chameleon Paper Shavings.
Sixteenth Method
The novel device, that I am about to explain, will answer equally as well for the vanishing of a handkerchief as for its production. The advantage of the apparatus employed, consists of the fact that the performer has it always ready for use at any, part of the programme, without being encumbered by it to any extent. This new style of pull will recommend itself to my readers, for the reason that the method of obtaining and getting rid of it, is practically undetectable.
To the lower pointed end of a receptacle of a shape somewhat similar to the "Buatier Pull" is fastened a short thread of strong flesh colored silk, to the lower end of which is then knotted a stout elastic cord on the end of which is made a sliding loop. To the upper open end of the pull is fastened a long loop of flesh colored silk.
To prepare the apparatus for use, the sliding loop of the elastic is drawn tight over the front button on the right side of the trousers, the flesh colored loop fastened to the upper end of the pull is then seized, carried over the back of the vest and led down and out of the left coat sleeve, where the flesh colored loop is hooked over the third finger of the left hand, on which finger a ring is worn. The pull proper which contains a handkerchief, is thus brought to he in the left coat sleeve between the elbow and the wrist.
To produce the handkerchief, the right hand is first shown empty from both sides, also the inside of the left hand and then its back which is kept turned towards the spectators. While this is being done, the conjurer inserts the middle finger of the right hand into the loop on the left hand, lifting the loop a trifle carrying the right hand forward, by which method the pull is drawn out of the left sleeve into the left hand. Both hands are now placed together, the handkerchief is produced, whereupon the right hand releases the loop causing the pull to recede within the sleeve.
As the vanishing of the handkerchief depends upon the same principle it will not be necessary to devote any space to its description. By using a hollow egg instead of the pull proper, a handkerchief may be apparently, changed into an egg etc., in fact the ingenuity of my readers will no doubt suggest to them other uses for this inexpensive and novel arrangement.
Previous | Next | Contents