Two-Sided Four-Door Box with Pair of Dice, Magic Trick, circa 1890

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Two-Sided Four-Door Box with Pair of Dice, Magic Trick, circa 1890

About the Item

This prop was used as a magic trick and came from a collection of "magic" props from a California estate, and was accumulated in New York City; home to many famous conjurors; Houdini, Hermann The Great, and Copperfield to name a few. It remained wrapped up since at least the 1940s, until recently when I unpacked it; dates from the late 1800s. Probably of American manufacturer, circa 1890. The box and pair of dice are in excellent all original, and complete condition. It is quite sophisticated and very well made; everything "fits" and slides quite nicely. The dimensions of the box are 8 1/4" long x 5" wide x 5 1/4" high I have performed this trick and will describe it in detail, although I feel guilty giving away the secrets of this magic trick. The magic trick consists of a two sided, four door mahogany box; and two square metal dice with paper applied .The box has a hidden, closed narrow channel (unbeknown to the audience) just below the surface where a heavy "weight" slides back and forth as the box is tilted in one direction or the other (longwise) to simulate a "sliding" sound. The dice are five-sided with one side hinged at the bottom (again, unbeknown to the audience). Out of view of the audience, on an adjacent surface or table, cover one of the die with an object, say a hat. Present to the audience the box and one die (do not reveal that it has only five sides). Open one door of the box; gently slide the die inside (fits perfectly) with the hinged side facing out; hinge at the bottom. Close the door. Slightly tilt the box (longwise) so it sounds like the dice is sliding to the other side of the box (the die actually remains in place). Holding the box in your hands, tilt forward ever so slightly while opening the original door where the die was initially inserted. The die seems to have disappeared (actually, it is obviously still there---the front flap has dropped down). All of the "smart" people in the audience are going to say "oh, it's on the other side". Well, while closing the original door, open the other door also; "Oh he must have shifted it back". Well, open up both doors. now open up (one at a time, the back doors. You can see right through both sides of the box!! Where did the die go? Casually walk over to the hat you placed earlier; lift it up; and wow!! The die has magically reappeared under the hat. Great magic trick. You can use variations of the trick by putting two dice in the box. Use your imagination. The box is made of a nicely wood grained high quality mahogany with a brass handle. This is an authentic vintage; antique, circa 1890 magic trick.

Dimensions:
Height: 5.25 in (13.34 cm)Width: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany,Metal,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1890
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Incline Village, NV
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU97329512201