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Signed Card by Jon Allen and Peter Scarlett

Created by: Jon Allen, Peter Scarlett

The **Signed Card** trick is a versatile close-up magic effect that can be performed with everyday items like the **WonderFob** or the **Pimpernel Wallet**. With the WonderFob, a signed card is impossibly located in a small leather pouch on a keyring, often revealed in a striking manner (e.g., placed on the ceiling). The Pimpernel Wallet allows for a clean, no-sleight routine where a signed card is secretly held in a zippered pocket, creating a surprising climax. Both methods emphasize natural handling and can be integrated into card routines or mentalism effects.

Key features

  • Works with any standard deck of cards

  • No gimmicks or difficult sleight of hand required

  • Natural and motivating actions for seamless performance

  • Versatile for card routines, mentalism, or impossible location effects

  • Instant reset for quick repetition

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually impactful

  • Everyday carry items blend into performances naturally

  • Suitable for magicians of all skill levels

  • Durable and practical for frequent use

Cons

  • May require practice to perfect natural handling

  • Some routines rely on specific props (e.g., WonderFob or Pimpernel Wallet)

Effect

The Signed Card trick creates a powerful moment where a spectator's signed card appears in an impossible location. The magician can reveal the signed card in a place that seems completely unreachable, such as inside a small leather pouch on a keyring or hidden within a wallet. The effect is visual and leaves a strong impression because the card is often perfectly folded and appears untouched.

Full Details

The WonderFob and Pimpernel Wallet are two tools that can be used to perform the Signed Card effect.

  • WonderFob: A small leather pouch that attaches to a keyring. It allows the magician to secretly hold a folded signed card and reveal it in an impossible location, such as on the ceiling or inside the pouch. It works with any deck and requires no gimmicks. The handling is natural, making it easy to integrate into routines.
  • Pimpernel Wallet: A real leather wallet that looks ordinary but can secretly hold a signed card. It requires no palming or difficult sleight of hand, and it resets instantly. The wallet can also be used as a multiple-out device or a peek tool.

Both methods avoid suspicious handling, making the effect clean and deceptive.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Magicians who want a strong, visual finale for their card routines.
  • Performers who prefer methods that don’t rely on difficult sleight of hand.
  • Mentalists looking for a clean way to reveal a chosen or signed object.
  • Street or close-up magicians who need a portable, everyday-carry solution.

Difficulty

The Signed Card effect is beginner-friendly with the right tools.

  • WonderFob: The handling is natural, but timing and presentation matter. No advanced sleights are needed.
  • Pimpernel Wallet: No palming or complex moves required. The reset is instant, making it practical for repeated performances.

Both methods focus on simplicity, making them accessible to magicians of all skill levels.

What Magicians Say

  • John Allen (WonderFob): "Revealing a signed card in an impossible location always gets great reactions. When people see the card is perfectly folded, it raises the effect to another level." He emphasizes that the WonderFob is designed for natural handling, making it easy to perform convincingly.
  • Peter Scarlett (Pimpernel Wallet): "There's absolutely no palming, no difficult sleight of hand, and it resets instantly." The wallet’s ordinary appearance and instant reset make it a practical choice for clean performances.

Both creators highlight the deceptive simplicity of their methods, making the Signed Card effect a strong addition to any magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Signed Card

John Allen says...

Revealing a signed card in an impossible location always gets great reactions. When people see the card is perfectly folded, it raises the effect to another level.

Peter Scarlett says...

There's absolutely no palming, no difficult sleight of hand, and it resets instantly. The best part is that it looks like an ordinary wallet.

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