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Miser’s Rings
Available from Merlins of Wakefield
Reviewed by Al Smith
Back
in the olden days, any number of magic sets featured Misers’ Rings,
although I don’t recall it being called that. In fact I don’t recall it ever
being called anything in particular. To m it was always “that chain thing.” I
think Ellisdons sold one as part of their regular stock; but maybe not.
The idea will be familiar to most magicians of a certain age and any number of
magicians of a not-so-ancient persuasion. The prop is a set of rings linked
together in a way I don’t really know how to describe, the effect is that an
individual link travels from the top of the link, apparently linking and
unlinking as it does so. It’s an interesting and puzzling and very visual. And
best of all, it works itself. In fact, if you want to dent your reputation, you
can allow a spectator to have a go.
The Merlins addition, which the spectator won’t be able to manage, is to
apparently and completely remove the link from the bottom of the chain and
discard it. And to repeat the effect as often as desired. To magicians it’s a
bit obvious, to say the least. There are shades of the Miser’s Dream
principle (perhaps that’s where they got the name from). It reminded me of the
Repeat Banana Trick, or whatever it’s called.
Anyway, obvious or not, when it was demonstrated to me I thought it looked good
and had potential. I’ve since tried it in walkaround (as suggested by Merlins)
and it went well.
I don’t think the chain is actually gold(!) but at a glance it looks it and
together with the attractive velvet carry-bag, the package adds up to an elegant
little outfit. Easy to carry, easy to do.
A neat spin on a golden oldie, which is almost, but not quite, a pun. Worth
checking out.
Available from www.merlinswakefield.com
© Al Smith, September 2010