Description
The first version of this remarkable illusion was invented by Okito c. 1904 (Dr Albo Vol 1, pg 103). Among others, variations have also been built by Thayer, National Magic Company, Henry Bohlen and Town House Magic (Deluxe Visible Block Penetration c. 1946), Richard Gerlitz, Mel Babcock, Magic Wagon, Mikame Craft, and Nielsen Magic. It is performed by Dr. Albo in the Ultimate Okito.
However, not all Visible Block Penetrations use the same Okito method. The key tell tale sign in performance is “slow-motion”: can the penetration be done slowly and visibly? If it can then it is most likely based on the same method. If it is visible but almost instant it is probably not using the same method.
Since 2008 Nielsen Magic (Norm and Lupe Nielsen) have created three editions: in 2008 the first edition of 24 units in light aqua blue and a red block by Norm Nielsen. Then in 2019 Lupe Nielsen built a second edition of 40 units in green with a red block. Finally in 2020, Lupe Nielsen built the third edition of 50 units in red with a yellow block. This version is from the Third Edition.
This edition looks beautiful and is mechanically perfect with detailed and clear instructions. However, after reading Chapter 11 in Eugene Burger: From Beyond by Lawrence Hass and Eugene Burger a simpler and more effective presentation was described and demonstrated. I have based my performance on Mr. Burger’s clever ideas and thoughts. I would recommend getting a copy if you intend to actually perform this effect as he spends a whole chapter discussing this beautiful effect.
(Notice: the green card you see inserted in the tube at the beginning is one of the ideas Mr. Burger presents and does not come when purchased from Nielsen Magic, I added it as I really liked the change to the routine it facilitates.)
Effect: Magician shows an empty square tube, a red wooden block and a solid piece of clear Plexiglas. He inserts the glass in the middle of tube through two slots.
The block is then inserted on the top and slowly it is VISIBLY pushed through the glass down to the bottom of the tube.
A very visual SOLID THROUGH SOLID miracle!
This effect was produced last century by Okito. In the same tradition of manufacturing Oriental style magic, we have painted the apparatus with lacquer and decorated it with beautiful Oriental decals. The craftsmanship is exquisite.
A brief story of this effect is that Norm Nielsen made 24 of these in 2008. They were all sold, the last one being sold to the late Eugene Burger. Believe it or not, Eugene loved apparatus magic – particularly when an effect was well thought out and constructed. Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago, and since then his student, Larry Hass, has been compiling all his notes and materials in what has become a book on the legacy of Eugene’s genius. One section of the book is dedicated to this specific effect, along with Eugene’s presentation. Here is the link for the book: https://nnmagic.com/store/magic-books/eugene-burger-from-beyond-by-lawrence-hass-phd/
Because of the publication, Larry asked us if we could make this effect again. We did make a recent edition that came out in conjunction with the book, which promptly sold out.
The demand was such, that people asked us to make it again. This RED/YELLOW edition is the second one made by Lupe Nielsen. This apparatus will be highly collectible. Only 50 of these have been made for this edition.
We are proud of our high end craftsmanship, which is one of the best in the world of magic today.
The construction and craftsmanship of this item is being documented as we build it.
(Notice: Includes: Printed Instructions.)
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