Reviews

Review by George Guerra for Block-Buster

Review by George Guerra for Block-Buster

Review by George Guerra for Block-Buster

5 out of 5

A clear FAVORITE of the painted Warner pieces

When I received this piece, I immediately knew I would like it a lot. The construction of the apparatus and the glossy red colour stood out prominently. After reading the instructions, I knew this would be my favorite of the painted Mini-Magic pieces I already owned.

I have always liked the block penetration effects. Mel Babcock made me a “mini” version of the classic method in gorgeous Australian Lacewood that I cherish, but this truly mini-magic piece from Alan is a winner. The twists in this little version is commendable. First, the block doesn’t just penetrate the obstacle, it becomes impaled in it. Second, the tube is cleverly and visually one tube, yet composed of two joining halves. And finally, because of the size of this apparatus, doing that something at the end to finish “clean” is not that difficult, thus allowing the entire apparatus to be examinable, if one desires.

I am so glad I was able to find this now discontinued and rather rare item from Alan’s past for my collection.

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Review by George Guerra for Silhouette Sorcery

Review by George Guerra for Silhouette Sorcery

Review by George Guerra for Silhouette Sorcery

5 out of 5

Simply Incredible Early Warner Magic

I have been a collector of Alan’s mini-magic since my first piece in December 2001. I never looked into his early children effects simply because they were big props and I have never been interested in children’s magic. This apparatus came up for sale and I hesitated buying it, so it sold quickly to another buyer. Fortunately the new owner later offered it to me and, after some long thinking, I finally gave in to buy it. I am glad I did.

First, it’s large compared to Alan’s current line and the method later incorporated into Kryptic Keys. The card houlette is 4-5 times bigger than the teak one used in Kryptic Keys. Overall, the apparatus provided is simply beautiful. The cards are plastic but the painted designs are actually wood cuts perfectly glued onto the white plastic cards. It looks gorgeous. The paint job is first class, reminiscent of the Milson-Worth apparatus..and that’s a bold statement.

The effect is most entertaining with a strong patter, clever method, and again, fantastic props. The story centers on Shamus, the rabbit of an Irish magician, who loves doing his own magic. First, the full silhouette of the rabbit is seen and hidden behind the house, laid on a black easel which provides support. Attention is then turned to his colored hats in the houlette. The red hat card is chosen by the day of the week and the stack of colored hats held by a child. Shamus scampers off to his hats and makes his magical appearance on the selected hat. But has Shamus really left the house? His silhouette is then discovered to now be a cut out of a rabbit. What a Shamus!

Alan is truly a master craftsman with brilliant ideas behind all his magic. I am most fortunate to add this beautiful apparatus to my collection.

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Review by George Guerra for Colour Vision Box

Review by George Guerra for Colour Vision Box

Review by George Guerra for Colour Vision Box

5 out of 5

What a surprised find!

When I first head of this item on sale, I just thought that it must be some unknown painted Warner item from the past. The shock came when I saw the first images of the item and realized it was teak. Now, I was perplexed as I thought I knew all of Alan’s teak releases. I didn’t hesitate to buy it and it turned out it’s one of those very lucky finds for a Warner collector. It’s the only one ever made!

Now, it’s not the clever gimmicked teak construction that Alan is well known, but it is still a beautiful piece that has acquired a gorgeous patina over the years. The effect is a classic. The best one I have owned was an Owen, but I really love this one. The Owen color box was long ago given away as a gift.

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Review by Doug Gorman for Red Chinese Puzzle

Review by Doug Gorman for Red Chinese Puzzle

Review by Doug Gorman for Red Chinese Puzzle

5 out of 5

Peiking Puzzler

I just picked this piece up in an estate sale. Boy, was I lucky! This is typically beautifully crafted and marvelously conceived. What I like about almost all of Alan’s effects are the clever methods, and Red Chinese Puzzle is no exception. It is a steal at the current retail price. Get one!

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Review by Doug Gorman for Scarab-▲-Scarab

Review by Doug Gorman for Scarab-▲-Scarab

Review by Doug Gorman for Scarab-▲-Scarab

5 out of 5

This one’s hard to beat(le)

What a wonderful effect! Not difficult to perform, but very clever with great built-in subtleties. I just love the way you think, Alan. And of course, the craftsmanship is superior.

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Review by Doug Gorman for Maverick

Review by Doug Gorman for Maverick

Review by Doug Gorman for Maverick

5 out of 5

What a domino theory!

I tried and tried to figure out the method for this trick before I bought it. I couldn’t, and when I received it I found out why. What clever thinking from the master himself! This is a great item for tablehopping. It’ a compact trick that packs a huge wallop!

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Review by Doug Gorman for Jack the Lad

Review by Doug Gorman for Jack the Lad

Review by Doug Gorman for Jack the Lad

5 out of 5

Better get this one…it’s a steal!

Jack the Lad is a wonderful piece of magic with more great subtleties built into the routine. There are two major pieces in this effect. The teak cover is beautifully made and handles wonderfully. The pine crate is very realistic in appearance and fits the presentation perfectly. This is the most I’ve spent for an Alan Warner piece, but it was worth every penny. Thanks, Alan!

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Review by George Guerra for Spirit Cabinet

Review by George Guerra for Spirit Cabinet

Review by George Guerra for Spirit Cabinet

5 out of 5

I am one happy guy!!

I received this gem from Andy today and it’s a beautiful item. Under Andy’s loving care, the teak has developed a gorgeous patina…what richness the wood takes in appearance with time. I now look forward to all my Warner pieces to do the same in the years to come. Well, I am very happy as this piece now completes my teak Warner collection and what a finish with this special item.

The workmanship on this piece is impeccable… but that is why Alan’s magic is in such great demand by discriminating collectors. He is no doubt the Taytelbaum of teak mini-magic. Thanks Alan for bringing such Art to magic and thanks Andy for selling me such a precious piece from your collection.

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Review by George Guerra for Fool's Gold

Review by George Guerra for Fool's Gold

Review by George Guerra for Fool's Gold

5 out of 5

Another worthy masterpiece from Alan

Having such a large collection of Alan’s magic, I thought he couldn’t surprise me. Well, I thought I had seen it all. After unpacking this latest limited release from Alan, I felt like a kid on Christmas day. The first thing you see is the large teak chest with the beautiful fretwork design topped by a natural amber at its center. Alan’s choice of teak wood on this chest is to be commended..lovely grain!

Inside the chest, fitted side by side are the box and the casket. The box design and workings is similar to the casket in Alan’s Flight of the Falcon. It’s square with a dark blue mosaic stone on the center. Black banding decorates the lip of the lid..excellent! But the REAL treat is in the casket with the gold alchemic symbol. The mechanics in this piece is simply amazing. The only other piece from Alan with comparable intricacy is his Voodoo. I just can’t find words to express my admiration over the workings. As I played with it, I could only revel in Alan’s talent for woodworking and the use of magnetic principles.

All I can say is to those still awaiting for their copy, you are in for a real treat from Alan. Many thanks, Alan and I will try to be patient for your next release.

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Review by Doug Gorman for Sign of The Snake

Review by Doug Gorman for Sign of The Snake

Review by Doug Gorman for Sign of The Snake

5 out of 5

A Serpent Success

This prediction effect is another of the beautiful Alan Warner Egyptian pieces, and the presentation story included with the props is wonderful. This is one of the more colorful pieces in Alan’s collection, and the effect is a beauty, complete with humor and a magical zinger. I’ve even figured out a way to repeat the effect for the same audience. And such craftsmanship, you wouldn’t believe it…oh yes, you would. After all, it is an Alan Warner!

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