Later Day Tricks
A. Roterberg
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The Hat, Glass and Coins
THE following new and very pretty coin trick will no doubt become a favorite with every magician, as it is a very simple and effective feat which requires no preparation whatever and therefore can be performed anywhere.
A borrowed derby hat is placed, crown downwards, upon the mouth of an ordinary tumbler. Three half dollars are borrowed, one of which is selected and marked. The conjurer takes the three coins and without touching either hat or glass, drops them into the latter, when the selected coin is seen to apparently penetrate the hat, dropping visibly and audibly into the glass underneath, while in the hat are found the two coins only. The marked coin is taken out of the glass and returned to the person who marked it and who identifies it.
All that the performer needs to perform this trick, is an extra half dollar, the three coins, hat and glass being preferably borrowed articles. The first mentioned half dollar is kept palmed in the left hand and while the conjurer places the borrowed hat on the opening of the glass, he secretly and noiselessly slips this coin between the rim of the glass and the hat, the weight of which will sustain the coin in this position. The execution of this sleight is not at all difficult, as the coin is inserted on the side of the hat that is furthest from the company, besides the performer holds the hat with both hands as if to place it evenly on the glass.
The three coins having been borrowed and placed on the outstretched right hand, only the two indifferent coins are dropped into the hat, the marked coin being kept palmed in the right hand. The throw of the coins into the hat causes the latter to move a trifle, whereby the coin sustained between hat and glass, becomes dislodged and drops into the glass underneath. The illusion created is perfect, as an immediate trial on the part of my reader will prove. It is then an easy Matter for the performer to exchange the marked coin palmed in his right hand for the one in the glass. All three coins are then returned to their owners with the customary thanks.
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